How MoveSize estimates your move
MoveSize is intended for planning. The calculator deliberately uses transparent assumptions rather than implying false precision.
1. Household item volume
Common furniture and appliance items have indicative bounding volumes. Where dismantling is selected, items such as bed frames, tables and wardrobes receive a reduced packed-volume factor. Custom items use the dimensions entered by the user.
2. Packing allowance
Real household loads contain voids. MoveSize therefore applies an allowance above the adjusted item volume: tight/professional packing uses a smaller allowance, normal DIY packing a moderate allowance, and loose/awkward packing a larger one.
3. Weight
Every standard item also has an indicative weight. These figures are not intended to certify a vehicle as legally loaded; they exist to reveal situations where payload may matter before physical volume does.
4. Van capacity
The planning classes are informed by current UK hire-fleet specifications. Enterprise publishes large vans up to 11.3 m³, extra-large vans up to 14 m³ and Lutons around 17.3–19 m³ depending on the guide. SIXT lists a large Transit-class vehicle at approximately 3.35 × 1.78 × 1.89 m with 1,313 kg payload and a 3.5t Luton at approximately 3.95 × 1.96 × 2.13 m with 988 kg payload. Enterprise also describes 3.5t Luton payloads around 800–1,200 kg. MoveSize uses conservative rounded planning values rather than pretending all fleets are identical.
Reference sources: Enterprise UK van size guide, Enterprise Luton guide and SIXT UK van-hire specifications. Checked August 2026.
5. Practical fill margin
The calculator does not treat 100% of a published load-space figure as practically usable. It applies a margin before calculating whether the load fits in one trip.
6. Storage estimate
The dedicated storage optimiser starts with effective packed cubic volume, then converts that volume to floor area using three different effective stacking assumptions rather than assuming possessions fill the full ceiling height. Tight packing uses the highest stacking efficiency; practical storage allows more void space; regular-access storage allows additional circulation and retrieval space.
The model also applies a modest awkward-item weighting. Easily stackable cartons receive very little additional allowance, while sofas, mattresses, large appliances and other difficult shapes receive more. This is a planning heuristic, not three-dimensional bin-packing software and not a guarantee that a particular room shape will work.
Finally, the calculated floor area is rounded up to common UK storage-unit sizes. Any supplier prices entered into the storage tool remain browser-side and are used only for simple cost arithmetic.
7. Packing materials
If the user already lists moving boxes, MoveSize reports that count. Otherwise it produces a starting estimate from the property preset or inventory volume. Dense possessions should be packed into smaller boxes regardless of the headline count.
Important limitation
Always confirm the exact plated payload of the vehicle you hire. Payload varies with make, wheelbase, body, engine, options, passengers, fuel and equipment. The driver remains responsible for complying with legal vehicle limits.
Want a result based on your actual belongings?
Use the MoveSize inventory calculator. Add your furniture and boxes once to estimate volume, weight, van trips, storage space and packing requirements together.