How many moving boxes do I need?
The most common moving-day problem is running out of boxes. A rough estimate by home size gets you close, and a few rules of thumb about box sizes make packing much easier.
Estimates by home size
| Home | Small | Medium | Large | Approx. total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 10 | 8 | 4 | about 23 |
| 1 bedroom | 15 | 10 | 5 | about 32 |
| 2 bedrooms | 25 | 15 | 8 | about 51 |
| 3 bedrooms | 35 | 20 | 12 | about 71 |
| 4 bedrooms | 45 | 28 | 15 | about 93 |
Totals include a few wardrobe boxes. These are averages; a household with lots of books, a home office or a well-stocked kitchen will need more.
What goes in which size
Small boxes (about 1.5 cu ft)
Heavy items: books, records, tools, canned food, files. A small box of books can still weigh 30 to 40 lb.
Medium boxes (about 3 cu ft)
Kitchenware, toys, small appliances, shoes, decor. The most versatile size.
Large boxes (about 4.5 cu ft)
Light, bulky items only: bedding, pillows, lampshades, stuffed toys. A large box full of heavy things is hard to lift and likely to break.
Wardrobe boxes
Tall boxes with a hanging rail, so clothes go straight from closet to closet.
Other supplies
- Tape: roughly one 110 yard roll per 15 to 20 boxes.
- Packing paper: for dishes and glassware, several pounds for a typical kitchen.
- Markers and labels: label two sides of each box with room and contents.
Tips
Start with rooms you use least. Pack heavy items at the bottom of boxes and lighter ones on top. Fill boxes fully so they don't crush when stacked, and keep an "open first" box with essentials for the first night.