When it comes to international removals and relocation, knowing the volume of your items is crucial for organizing your move and planning the size of the vehicle needed for transportation. In addition, we base our quotes on the volume in cubic meters (m3) to be transported, so it’s essential to have an accurate estimation of the load.
A quick trick to calculate the total volume
The most common question we ask is how much stuff needs to be transported? While there’s usually no definitive answer, but quick trick can give you an estimate of your inventory’s volume:
To calculate the volume, you can take the surface area of your current apartment and divide it by two. For instance, if you live in a 60m2 home, the average volume of furniture and boxes would be around 30m3.
It’s important to keep in mind that this method only provides a rough estimate of the volume to be transported. You’ll need a more detailed inventory assessment to get an accurate moving quote and to determine the size of the vehicle needed for your move.
Calculate the volume of a single piece of furniture
If you’re wondering how to calculate the volume of a piece of furniture in m3, here’s the formula to follow: length x width x height = volume. By multiplying these three measurements, you’ll get the volume in cubic meters.
When it comes to moving day, it’s essential to know the exact measurements of your furniture to ensure it will fit in the van or a truck. Therefore, it’s recommended to take precise measurements beforehand, especially for larger items.
How to calculate the volume of boxes
The general rule of thumb is that ten standard-sized boxes, which typically measure 60x40x40cm, are equal to 1m3 of volume. These boxes are usually stacked on euro pallets in sets of 20, and the typical load for one euro pallet is up to 300kgs. A fully stacked pallet itself measures at 120x80x200cm.
On average, you can expect to need around 30 boxes per person for your move. However, this number can vary depending on how many belongings you have. If you tend to hold onto a lot of things, you might need up to 35-40 boxes per person. On the other hand, if you’re a minimalist, you may only need around 20 boxes per person.
For example, if you and one other person live in a three and a half room apartment, you can anticipate needing to transport around 60 boxes, which amounts to 6m3 of volume or three euro pallets.
Estimate the volume of your studio (30m2) move
If you’re moving from a studio apartment and need to estimate the volume of your belongings, we can help you out. Here’s what you can expect in terms of the volume of boxes and furniture:
Estimation of the volume in boxes:
On average, you’ll have between 20 and 30 boxes to move, which equates to 2-3 m3 of boxes. Unless you have a lot of items stored in a basement, it’s rare to have more than 30 boxes when moving alone from a studio. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect for the number of boxes in each category:
The general rule of thumb
Kitchen items: 3-5 boxes
Clothes: 4-8 boxes
Documents, books, and decorations: 4-6 boxes
Bathroom stuff: 2-4 boxes
Bedding, cushions, and curtains: 2-3 boxes
Cellar (if applicable): 1-3 boxes
If you have a balcony, you can expect the following:
1 table and 2 chairs
1 storage box
Overall, a typical studio apartment will have around 10m3 of furniture. If you take all of your furniture, the volume increases to approximately 15m3. With the addition of 2-3m3 of boxes, the total inventory for a fully furnished studio apartment is approximately 16m3.
Tip: If you have items that are not on this list, you can estimate their volume by adding or removing approximately 0.5m3 for a piece of furniture the size of a washing machine, 1.5m3 for a double bed, or 2m3 for a 2-door wardrobe.
Estimate the volume of your two room flat (50m2)
If you’re planning a move from a two and a half room apartment, the volume of your inventory will depend on whether you live alone or with someone. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
Estimation of the volume in boxes:
If you live alone, you can expect to transport an average of 30 boxes, which is approximately 3m3 of volume.
If you live with two people, you should count on about 50 boxes, which equals 5m3 of volume.
On average, you’ll have the following number of boxes for each category:
Kitchen items: 6 boxes (10 for two people)
Clothes: 6 boxes (12 for two people)
Documents, books, and decorations: 8 boxes (10 for two people)
Bathroom stuff: 3 boxes (5 for two people)
Bedding, cushions, and curtains: 3 extra boxes (5 for two people)
Cellar: 3 boxes (5 for two people)
Estimation of the volume of furniture:
Bedroom inventory: 7m3, which includes 1 double bed, 1 double wardrobe, 1 chest of drawers, 1 carpet, 2 bedside tables, 1 floor lamp.
Dining room inventory: 8m3, which includes 1 table, 4 chairs, 1 sideboard, 1 TV, 1 coffee table, 1 rug, 1 corner sofa, and 1 armchair.
Exterior inventory: 5m3, which includes 1 table, 4 chairs, 1 box.
Based on this estimate, you can expect to transport around 20m3 of furniture and 3-5m3 of boxes, for a total inventory volume of 23-25m3. However, if you have a cellar or a lot of storage space, your inventory volume could be as high as 30m3 or more. To get an accurate moving quote, it’s best to provide us a detailed list of the furniture you need to transport.
Estimate the volume of your three room flat (65m2)
Moving from a three and a half room apartment can be daunting. To help you prepare for the move, we have provided an estimate of the volume you will need to transport.
Estimation of the volume of boxes:
Count about 30 boxes per person. If you are moving as a couple, plan on 60 boxes, which is approximately 6m3 of boxes.
Here’s an estimate of the volume of furniture you may have in your apartment:
Volume of your bedroom inventory (7m3) :
1 double bed
1 double closet
1 dresser
1 rug
2 nightstands
1 floor lamp
1 houseplant
Volume of your dining room inventory (10m3):
1 large table
6 chairs
1 sideboard
1 TV
1 coffee table
2 houseplants
1 rug
1 corner sofa
1 armchair
1 buffet
Volume of your office inventory (4m3):
1 desk (with computer and printer)
1 office chair
1 bookcase
1 carpet
Some shelves
Don’t forget about furniture you may have in the hallway, cellar, balcony, or terrace. On average, you will need to add about 5m3:
1 shoe cabinet
1 table
4 chairs
If you have a child, it’s recommended to count about 5m3 more than the above estimate.
In total, you should have around 26m3 of furniture and 6m3 of boxes, which gives you an estimated inventory of 32m3 for a three room apartment.
Keep in mind that this is just an estimate, and if you have additional items or unique circumstances, you may need to adjust accordingly.
Examples of palletised loads
European Logistics Projects is a member of the IAM
International Association of Movers is an organisation specialising in international relocation and moving of people around the world. It is the largest association in our industry, with more than 2,000 companies represented in over 170 countries. Membership in the association enables us to provide our customers with the highest quality services for movingpersonal effects, office relocation, and the door-to-door transport of cultural property to almost anywhere in the world.
European Logistics Projects is also a member of FEM
ELP MOVING is also a member of the Forum for Expatriate Management (FEM), a global network of mobility professionals and organisations. As a member of FEM, we have access to the latest industry trends, insights and best practices, enabling us to provide the most effective and efficient relocation solutions for our clients. With this membership, we at ELP MOVING keep up to date with the latest developments in the global mobility industry and provide our customers with the highest quality service.
Working with us will ensure:
Timely delivery of your belongings, so you can be sure that they’ll arrive when you need them.
Expert handling of customs procedures, ensuring that your move is free from unexpected problems or delays.
No wasted time, as we work efficiently to make sure that your move is completed as quickly as possible.
No unnecessary financial losses, thanks to our competitive pricing and careful management of your move.
Certificates and awards
Find out how much your move will cost
Submit details about your move for a free consultation and no obligations quote. We will calculate a completely personalised quote based on information you provide.
What our customers are saying:
Thank you very much for your hard work. Everything is very professional, competent, and clear. I recommend collaborating with you. In the future, I will only work with this company. We worked with managers Pyotr and Margarita, who are great, knowledgeable, and professionals in their field. A special thanks to the movers for their challenging work. Everything was delivered on time and of high quality. Best regards, Yulia.
Yulia Kutuzova⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I would like to express my gratitude to all the employees for the fast and high-quality work. Items were transported from Moscow to Bulgaria, everything was delivered in perfect condition! I will definitely recommend your company to my friends.
Platonov Andrey⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Peter and Margarita for their exceptional customer focus and professionalism. Everything was prompt, friendly and intelligible. The shipment went without any problems. I would especially like to note the meticulousness and delicacy of the cargo packing process under the leadership of Peter, as well as Margarita’s clear instructions and useful advice. Many thanks to your company for reliable and pleasant service.
Tatiana Chernysheva⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I recommend this company as a responsible, adequate, knowledgeable carrier! For the prompt resolution of problems that arose during the transportation process, special thanks to Arthur and Olga!
Symankova Vasylyna⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thanks a lot! The best transport company. Real professionals. Quickly and efficiently. Now all transportation is only with you.
Elena⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
ELP Cargo promptly organized my move and very quickly delivered my things to Moscow from the city of Lodz (Poland). What pleased me most was the packaging of the things: nothing was broken and everything was folded very carefully) well done!
Ekaterina Voronkova⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My move was quite difficult, since I had to transport things first from the island to the continent, and then deliver them to Lithuania using various transport. ELP Cargo helped me a lot and did an excellent job with this task.
Lana Birstein⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Great, professional guys, I’m delighted! Thank you very much – everything was delivered very carefully indeed!
Ekaterina Volkova⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We moved from Moscow to Tel Aviv in September 2019. For a long time there was a question of how to transport furniture and personal belongings. After a long search, we found the ELP Cargo company, which helped us transport all our belongings to Israel safely and in full. The price for such a service is good, things were safe, we are happy!
Oleg Zyuzin⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We ordered international transportation of personal belongings. We are very glad that we chose this company. At all stages, very clear, high-quality and competent work, starting from the first contact with the manager (Andris) and beyond. The packaging is absolutely masterful, reliable, neat and clean, perfect compliance with deadlines and convenient tracking, politeness and competence of all employees, immediate response to any question. Many thanks, you are doing an excellent job!
Elena Yashina⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Frequently asked questions
Can I pack all the items myself?
Certainly, you have the option to pack your belongings yourself. However, we strongly recommend adhering to our packing guidelines to ensure the safety and integrity of your items. Failure to do so could increase the risk of damage or loss, and in some cases, it might result in us declining to transport your items.
How to pack the goods correctly?
Packing your belongings correctly is crucial to ensure their safety during transit. Here are some guidelines to ensure that your goods are packed securely and effectively: Purpose of Packaging: The main objective of packaging is to safeguard the contents of your shipment from routine hazards. Moreover, it ensures that your items don’t cause damage to other goods during transportation. Adequate Protection: Ensure that your packaging is robust enough to protect your items throughout their journey. Efficiency: By adhering to standard packing practices, you can save on time, effort, and potential financial losses due to damages. Shock-Resistant Materials: Utilize materials that can absorb shocks and prevent your items from moving around freely inside the package. Individual Wrapping for Fragile Items: Any item that’s delicate or prone to damage should be wrapped separately to provide additional protection. Seal Securely: Use high-quality adhesive tape designed for shipping to seal your packages. This ensures they remain closed and the contents stay protected. Proper Base: Place boxes on a stable and secure pad or platform to prevent any potential harm. Dismantle Furniture: Break down larger furniture pieces like dressers, wardrobes, and beds. Each component should be carefully packed in its own package, cushioned with protective material. Reinforce Larger Shipments: For big items like machinery, use a supportive frame or structure. Fill in the gaps with protective packing materials like styrofoam to prevent movement and provide cushioning. Following these guidelines will ensure that your belongings reach their destination in the same condition they left in. Proper packing not only protects your items but also ensures the safety of all goods being transported.
What fees you might have to pay when moving to or from your destination country?
We usually include most of these fees into our quote, to save you the most amount of time. Here is the breakdown of what the removal fees might include: Packing & Loading Fees: Costs associated with packing up your household goods and loading them onto a truck or shipping container. Transportation Costs: Depending on the mode of transport (air, sea, or land), there’ll be associated fees. Insurance: It’s wise to insure your belongings for the duration of the move. The cost will depend on the value of your goods and the type of coverage you choose. Customs Duties & Taxes: Many countries impose duties or taxes on imported household goods. The exact amount can vary widely based on the country and the value and type of items being moved. Customs Brokerage Fees: A customs broker facilitates the import and export of goods. They can help ensure that all paperwork is in order and fees are paid. They typically charge for their services. Port Handling & Terminal Charges: These are fees associated with the handling of your shipment once it arrives at or departs from a port or airport. Storage Fees: If your goods need to be stored temporarily either in the departure or destination country, you’ll incur storage charges. Quarantine & Inspection Fees: Some countries have quarantine regulations, especially for items like plants, wooden furniture, or animal products. There may be fees associated with inspections or treatments. Document & Administration Fees: These cover the costs associated with processing the necessary paperwork for international moves. Destination Services: Upon arrival, there might be fees for services like unloading, unpacking, and setting up your belongings in your new home. Fees that we don’t usually cover: Visa & Residency Fees: If you’re moving to a new country for work or long-term residence, there will likely be fees associated with obtaining the necessary visas or permits. Currency Conversion Fees: If you’re paying service providers in a different currency, there may be costs associated with currency conversion. Miscellaneous Fees: Depending on the specifics of your move, there might be other fees like those for obtaining special permits for moving certain goods, pet relocation services, or specialized packing for delicate or valuable items. Travel Costs: Don’t forget about your personal travel expenses, such as flights, hotel stays, and meals during transit.
How to mark my cargo?
Marking your cargo correctly is essential to ensure its safe and efficient handling throughout the shipping process. Here’s a guide on how to appropriately label your packages: Consignee and Consignor Information: Full or Abbreviated Name: Clearly indicate the names of both the recipient (consignee) and the sender (consignor). Addresses: Sender’s Address: Provide the complete address of the origin or sender. Recipient’s Address: Clearly write the full address of the destination or recipient to ensure accurate delivery. Package Count and Serial Number: Indicate the total number of packages in the shipment. Clearly label each package with its respective serial number within the shipment (e.g., “Package 1 of 5”, “Package 2 of 5”, and so on). Handling Instructions: Use manipulative signs or symbols to communicate special handling requirements. Some common signs include: Fragile: Indicates that the package contains breakable items and should be handled with care. Up/Top Load: Shows which side of the package should face upwards. It’s crucial for goods that need to be kept in a specific orientation. Do Not Stack: To warn that no other items should be placed on top of this package. Keep Dry: Indicates that the package should be protected from moisture. Other Markings (if applicable): Hazardous Material Symbols: If shipping dangerous goods, appropriate hazard labels should be attached. Country of Origin: Some destinations require packages to be marked with the country of manufacture or production.
Ensure that all inscriptions are legible and resistant to smudging or fading. Using waterproof markers or printed labels can help ensure the markings remain clear throughout the transportation process.
What documents are usually needed to move?
When moving, especially internationally, it’s imperative to have the correct documentation in order to ensure a smooth transition and avoid any potential delays or issues at customs. Here’s a breakdown of the commonly required documents when relocating:
Passport Copies: Main Page of Passport: A clear copy of the page with your photo, name, date of birth, and other personal details. Page with Registration Stamp: Some countries require a copy of the page that shows your most recent entry or exit stamp. International Passport: Main Page: If you have a separate international passport, provide a copy of its main page. Visa/Residence Permit: A copy of your visa or residence permit that validates your legal status in the destination country or the reason for your relocation. Packing List/Invoice: This document provides a detailed list of all the items you’re moving. It may include descriptions, quantities, and values. The packing list is crucial for customs clearance, as it allows customs officials to verify the contents of your shipment. Additional Documents (may vary based on country and specific circumstances): Customs Declaration Forms: Some countries require a declaration that lists the items being imported and their value. Work Permit or Job Contract: If you’re relocating for work, the destination country might ask for evidence of employment. Proof of Residence: This can be a lease agreement, utility bill, or any official document showing your address in the destination country. Health and Vaccination Records: Especially relevant if you’re moving with pets or to countries with specific health regulations. Letter of Authorization: If someone else (like a moving company) is clearing your goods through customs on your behalf. Insurance Documents: If your belongings are insured during transit, keep these documents handy.
Before relocating, it’s advisable to check with both the embassy or consulate of your destination country and your moving company. They can provide guidance on the specific documents you’ll need for your move, as requirements can vary based on the destination and your individual circumstances.
Can I send my belongings without any documents?
Just as traveling internationally by air requires you to present a passport and possibly a visa, transporting cargo internationally is bound by similar regulations. When shipping items, especially across international borders, the cargo—whether it’s personal belongings or commercial goods—is subject to the customs regulations of both the sending and receiving countries. The reason for these regulations and document requirements is multifaceted: Customs Duties and Taxes: Customs authorities need to assess and collect any applicable duties or taxes on imported or exported goods. Safety and Security: Proper documentation ensures that prohibited or hazardous items aren’t being transported. It also aids in preventing illegal trafficking or smuggling. Verification: Documents help in verifying the ownership, origin, and nature of the goods, ensuring that they match the description provided by the sender. Regulation Compliance: Certain items might be subject to additional regulations, like agricultural products, which might need to meet health and safety standards. Trade Agreements: Some countries have specific trade agreements that might allow for preferential treatment of goods, but this requires proper documentation to verify eligibility. While it might seem cumbersome, these procedures are in place to ensure the safety, security, and economic interests of nations. Always consult with your shipping or moving company to understand the necessary documentation for your specific situation. Skipping this step can result in delays, extra costs, or even confiscation of your items.
Can you arrange documents for customs clearance?
Certainly! We provide customs clearance services for the shipments we handle. Our experienced team is well-versed with the customs regulations and documentation requirements of various countries. We can assist in preparing, submitting, and ensuring all necessary paperwork is in order for a smooth and hassle-free customs clearance process for your goods. Utilizing our services can help mitigate potential delays and complications that can arise during the customs process. It’s always our goal to provide a comprehensive and seamless shipping experience for our clients.
What is usually forbidden to send with personal belongings?
When shipping personal belongings, especially internationally, there are certain items that are typically prohibited or restricted due to various reasons, such as safety concerns, preservation of cultural heritage, or legal and regulatory constraints. Here’s a list of items that are commonly forbidden to include in your personal shipments: Alcoholic Beverages: This includes drinks like beer, wine, vodka, and other spirits. Cosmetics and Perfumes: Some countries restrict the import of these items in personal shipments. Cultural Property: Items considered as cultural heritage, especially without proper documentation or registration. Precious Stones: This includes natural diamonds and other valuable gems. Tobacco and Drugs: Including cigarettes, cigars, and illegal narcotics. Medicines and Health Products: This can include over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, medicinal syrups, and ointments. Animal Products: Such as furs, horns, and taxidermy items. Food and Beverages: Many countries have restrictions on importing foodstuffs due to health and safety concerns. Gaming Machines: Machines that operate using coins, banknotes, cards, or tokens. Heating Appliances: Boilers for central heating that fall under specific classifications. Engines: Specifically, internal combustion engines. Specialized Furniture: Furniture specifically designed for medical, surgical, dental, or veterinary purposes, and hairdressing chairs. Demonstration Equipment: Devices and models designed for demonstration, classified under specific headings.
Remember, this list might not be exhaustive, and regulations can vary based on the destination country. Always consult with your shipping or moving company to get a comprehensive list of prohibited items for your specific destination. Additionally, while some items might be strictly forbidden, others might just require additional documentation or special packaging to be shipped. It’s always crucial to be informed and prepared.
What goods for personal use can be transported?
Certainly, when traveling internationally, many countries have guidelines on what used personal goods can be transported without incurring customs duties or taxes, provided these goods are within stipulated limits. Here’s a generalized summary of such allowable goods: Personal Clothing and Accessories: This category often includes items like clothing, shoes, hats, umbrellas, jewelry, and personal hygiene items. The quantity should be reasonable for the duration of one’s stay. Electronic Devices: Portable devices like sound and video recorders, cameras, and their necessary accessories are usually permitted in quantities deemed suitable for personal use. Communication Devices: Most countries allow travelers to carry mobile phones, smartphones, and similar communication devices, typically limited to a couple of units. Computing Devices: Travelers can generally bring along portable computers, tablets, and gaming consoles. There’s usually a limit on the number of each type of device. Musical Instruments: Portable musical instruments are often allowed, but the quantity should be reasonable for personal use during one’s stay. Cultural Artifacts: Some countries have provisions for transporting cultural or heritage items, provided they are verified and adhere to certain guidelines. Child Mobility: Items like baby strollers and child car seats are usually allowed based on the needs of the traveler. Mobility Aids: Mobility devices, such as wheelchairs for individuals with disabilities, are typically allowed based on personal requirements. Sporting and Recreational Equipment: This can encompass equipment for sports, tourism, and even certain hobbies. It’s essential to ensure they are in quantities appropriate for personal use. Pets: Many countries have guidelines on transporting domestic animals. This often involves health checks and quarantine regulations. Medical Equipment: Portable medical devices and their consumables, necessary for the traveler’s health, are generally allowed. However, documentation may be needed. It’s crucial to remember that customs regulations can vary significantly from one country to another. Before traveling, it’s always recommended to check the specific customs and import regulations of the destination country to avoid any hassles.
Is it possible to send personal items abroad without a detailed packing list?
While we understand the convenience of sending items without detailing every single one, it is essential to note that when transporting personal belongings across international borders, they fall under the scrutiny of customs authorities. As such, a comprehensive list of the transported items is mandatory. This list aids in ensuring the correct execution of customs procedures, helps in the assessment of potential duties or taxes, and ensures the smooth clearance of your belongings. Failing to provide a detailed list could lead to delays, additional costs, or even confiscation of items. It’s always in your best interest to be thorough and transparent when shipping personal items internationally.
Should you additionally insure your cargo?
When transporting goods internationally, carriers typically have limited liability based on international conventions. This means that if your cargo gets damaged or lost, the compensation you receive might be based on a fixed rate per weight, which often doesn’t account for the actual value of the items. For instance: Air transportation might offer a certain amount per kilogram. Road transportation might provide a different rate per kilogram. Sea transportation could have its own set rate either per kilogram or per container. Given these limitations, it’s advisable to consider additional insurance. By doing so, you ensure the possibility of receiving full compensation based on the actual value of your goods in the event of damage or loss. This provides peace of mind and financial protection for your shipment.
