Our moving consultants are all experts in estimating the weight, volume, and costs for a move, but even they will agree that estimating the number of boxes for moving can be tricky. Truthfully, the number of boxes you need to purchase to start packing is completely variable and unique to every relocation. Some homes are sparse, some families are pack rats, and even the types of boxes needed are unique to what you own.
Therefore, the most accurate way to determine how many boxes you need will always be to have a professional moving consultant do an in-home survey and produce a cube sheet. The cube sheet will include the number and types of boxes you will need to start packing, and that list will be completely customized to your items.
However, sometimes you just need a rule of thumb to purchase boxes and start packing. Here are some averages and generalizations we use for estimating the number of boxes needed for a move:
Before you get started, click here to learn more about the types of boxes sold for packing for a move.
Average number of boxes needed to pack an apartment or condo:
| ROOM | 1.5 cu. ft. small box | 3.1 cu. ft. medium box | 4.5 cu. ft. large box | 5.1 cu. ft. dishpack box | Wardrobe Boxes |
| Kitchen | 2 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 0 |
| Living Room | 2 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Dining Room | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Master Bedroom | 1 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 4 |
| Bedroom #2 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 2 |
| Bathroom | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| TOTAL | 8 | 17 | 16 | 7 | 6 |
How many boxes to move a one bedroom apartment? Approximately 45 boxes. About 54 boxes are required for a two bedroom apartment.
Average number of boxes needed for a single family home move:
| ROOM | 1.5 cu. ft. small box | 3.1 cu. ft. medium box | 4.5 cu. ft. large box | 5.1 cu. ft. dishpack box | Wardrobe Boxes |
| Kitchen | 4 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 0 |
| Living Room | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| Dining Room | 0 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Master Bedroom | 3 | 6 | 8 | 0 | 6 |
| Bedroom #2 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 2 |
| Bedroom #3 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 2 |
| Bathroom #1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Bathroom #2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| TOTAL | 19 | 28 |
28 | 12 | 10 |
How many boxes to move a house? Approximately 100, depending on the number of bedrooms, and of course the volume of belongings.
These estimates only take into account an average home set-up. Think about which things you tend to have more of than the average household, then add boxes based on that.
- Don’t forget about adding boxes to pack hall closets, basements, attics, garages, and sheds.
- If you have many books, papers, or records, add more 1.5 boxes.
- For more knick-knacks, small appliances, and miscellaneous, add more 3.1 boxes.
- For more clothes, blankets, pillows, and stuffed animals, add 4.5 boxes.
- For additional kitchenware, add 5.1 boxes.
Paper and Tape
- Tape: purchase 1 roll of tapes for every 10 boxes
- Packing Paper: purchase 25 lbs of packing paper for every 2 dishpack boxes, this is enough to cover those dishpacks and additional fragiles in the other boxes
Other tips and rules of thumb for estimating boxes:
- Don’t forget your mirrors and artwork! Add 1 mirror carton for every 2 large frames in your home.
- Do you have bookcases? Add 6 additional 1.5 boxes for every bookcase in your home.
- For closets with hanging clothes, a wardrobe box will hold 2 feet worth of hanging items, so just measure the width of your closet to determine how many wardrobe boxes you need.
- Moving.com has a handy packing materials calculator that is also a good guideline for estimating boxes.
Ready to purchase boxes? If you’re packing for a Boston, Washington D.C., Austin, or Philadelphia move you can request a free box delivery by filling out this form.
Need more packing help? Be sure to check out:
Packing Resource Center
Free Printable Moving Box Labels
9 Items You Shouldn’t Bring When Moving
The best defense for a damage-free move is hiring trained professionals, like those at Olympia Moving & Storage. The second best defense is properly protecting your furniture and home.
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