I Didn’t Measure My Cubic Feet, Just My Optimism—Now I’m Broke and My Blender’s Missing”

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📦 How to Calculate Cubic Feet for Moving (From Someone Who Barely Understands Moving)

I’ll be honest. When the moving company asked me how many cubic feet my stuff takes up, I nodded confidently, hung up… and immediately Googled “what is a cubic foot.” Because obviously I had no clue. If you’re like me — overwhelmed, over-caffeinated, and underprepared — this guide is for you.

📏 What Even Is a Cubic Foot?

Okay. So a cubic foot is… a cube. Shocking, I know. One foot long, one foot wide, one foot tall. Like a small cardboard box, or the amount of space I emotionally occupy at parties.

Basically, it’s how much space your stuff takes up. Which is useful for movers and, apparently, for people who don’t want to make three trips with a rental van because they “forgot the bookshelf.” Not that I’m speaking from experience. (I am.)

🧠 The Simple Math I Almost Messed Up

Cubic Feet = Length × Width × Height

All in feet. Not inches. Not how tall your anxiety feels right now. Feet.

Example: My Shame Couch

  • Length: 84 inches → 84 ÷ 12 = 7 ft
  • Width: 36 inches → 36 ÷ 12 = 3 ft
  • Height: 30 inches → 30 ÷ 12 = 2.5 ft

7 × 3 × 2.5 = 52.5 cubic feet. Yes, my couch takes up more space than my entire personality. Cool.

📦 The Cheat Sheet (Because I Can’t Be Trusted with a Tape Measure)

Here’s what I learned after spending two hours trying to measure a microwave with a broken ruler:

Item Estimated Cubic Feet
Medium box (filled with things I swear I’ll use “someday”) 3 – 4
Queen mattress (aka the only place I function) 60
Three-seater couch (mostly used for snacks and naps) 50 – 60
Refrigerator (containing 1 actual item and 17 sauces) 35 – 40
Washing machine (where my socks go to die) 25 – 30

📉 Why You Should Care (Even If You’re Falling Apart)

  • Movers need to know how much space your stuff takes up. Shocking, right?
  • If you guess too low, congratulations — you now have to choose which things to abandon on the curb.
  • If you guess too high, enjoy paying for empty space you could’ve filled with bubble wrap and shame.
  • Knowing the number makes you feel like you almost have your life together. (You don’t, but that’s okay.)

💡 What I Tell Movers Now

“I’ve got a bed, a fridge, some boxes, and enough kitchenware to open a small, deeply unprofitable café.”

Surprisingly, this gets the job done. Or at least gets me fewer follow-up questions.

📚 TL;DR (Because I Get It, You’re Tired)

  • Convert inches to feet. Divide by 12. Yes, use your calculator. No shame here.
  • Multiply length × width × height (all in feet).
  • Use the cheat sheet above if math is not your vibe.
  • Give movers a rough idea of your total volume so you don’t end up crying in a half-packed truck.
  • It’s okay. We’re all just doing our best. Badly.

Optional: Want a printable version of this guide with coffee stains and self-doubt built in? Leave a comment. I probably need the distraction anyway.

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