How Many Boxes Do You Need for Moving

May 05, 2025

Packing is like dating: The more you pack, the more you find you never needed in the first place!

Just imagine this: You've got your moving date set, the apartment's practically empty, and now it's time to get down to business. The big question looms over you—how many boxes do you need for moving?

It's a classic dilemma that affects every person who's ever made a move—and it's not just you.

A study from the American Moving and Storage Association shows that the average person moves about 11 times in their lifetime. With each move comes the great box dilemma—will you have enough boxes, or will you find yourself running out halfway through packing the kitchen?

It’s easy to get lost in all the details. For a 1-bedroom apartment, you might only need 15–20 boxes, but when you start moving out of a larger space, like a 3-bedroom house, we’re talking 40 or more boxes.

So, if you're thinking, “How am I supposed to know how many boxes I need for all my stuff?” That’s exactly what we’re about to figure out.

Let’s discuss the details of estimating moving box needs and get you moving without a hitch!

Step 1: Let's Figure Out the Basics

Before you can figure out how many boxes you'll need, you need to know what you're moving and, most importantly, where you're moving from.

Moving from a studio apartment versus a three-bedroom house requires two completely different approaches, so let's start with a rough idea of the space you're moving out of.

Moving from a Small Apartment or Studio?

Studios are small, but they sure do pack a lot of stuff into them! You might think you don’t have much, but once you start pulling out every little thing, you’ll be surprised.

Here’s the breakdown:

Small Boxes: 10–12

Perfect for your books, DVDs, and kitchen essentials.

Medium Boxes: 10–12

This is where your clothes, office supplies, and toiletries go.

Large Boxes: 5–7

For those oddly shaped items, like lampshades, your pillows, or your yoga mat.

Wardrobe Boxes: 2

For your clothes that need to hang up, because ain't nobody got time to fold a suit jacket for a move!

Fun fact: Moving out of a studio isn’t as bad as people make it out to be, but you’ll still need a decent number of boxes to keep everything safe and sound.

2-Bedroom Apartment

When you’ve got a little more space and stuff to pack, the box count goes up. For a 2-bedroom apartment, you’ll need a mix of box sizes.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Small Boxes: 15–18

Books, knick-knacks, and small appliances that are a pain to pack (like your coffee maker).

Medium Boxes: 15–20

Perfect for those mid-sized items like your blender, some kitchenware, and dishes.

Large Boxes: 8–10

All those bedding items, pillows, lamps, and large kitchenware.

Wardrobe Boxes: 3–4

You might have a lot of clothes in a 2-bedroom apartment – definitely need a few of these.

3-Bedroom House

A 3-bedroom house can be tricky. Here's what you can expect:

Small Boxes: 20–30

This is for all your books, shoes, toys (if you’ve got kids), and small home décor.

Medium Boxes: 30–40

It is perfect for your kitchenware, gadgets, and everything else you want to protect but not put in a giant box.

Large Boxes: 15–20

Think bedding, comforters, bulky towels, and pillows.

Wardrobe Boxes: 4–6

Got a lot of clothes? These are a must for keeping your shirts wrinkle-free.

How Many Boxes Do You Need for Moving

Step 2: Understand the Right Box Sizes

You're probably wondering, "What's the difference between a small box and a medium box?"

Let’s break it down:

Small Boxes: Usually around 1.5 cubic feet, these are great for anything heavy but small—books, canned food, small electronics, and other dense items.
Medium Boxes: These are your go-to boxes, around 3 cubic feet. They're perfect for kitchenware, personal items, and fragile items like glasses.
Large Boxes: These can hold up to 4.5 cubic feet, and they’re best for packing bulky things that aren’t too heavy (comforters, large pillows, or stuffed animals).
Wardrobe Boxes: These are designed to hold clothes on hangers. They are a lifesaver for anyone who's ever thought, "Ugh, I don't want to fold all of my clothes!" If you have a lot of clothing, they should always be on your list.

Step 3: Use a Moving Box Calculator

Now, for those of you who need a more scientific answer to the question, "How many boxes do I need for moving?" The Moving Box Calculator is your answer.

There are a ton of websites out there that offer free moving box calculators. All you have to do is input how many rooms you have and the type of items you're moving, and boom – you'll get a more personalized estimate.

Step 4: Start Packing Smartly

So, you’ve got your boxes. But how do you actually pack them?

Let’s make sure you don’t get to the end of your move and realize you need a bunch of extra boxes!

Pack Heavy Things in Small Boxes: You don’t want a large box filled with books. Small boxes are much easier to carry and won’t break.
Don’t Overpack Boxes: It's tempting to stuff a box with everything you own, but overstuffing will just make the box harder to move. Plus, it might break. Go for a lighter load in each box.
Label Everything: Label every box with its contents and the room it’s going to. This way, when you arrive at your new place, you’ll know exactly where everything goes.
Use Clothes as Packing Material: Seriously. You’ve already got clothes – wrap them around fragile items like dishes or glasses. It’s like getting two jobs done at once.

Step 5: Where to Get Your Boxes

Now that you’ve got an idea of how many boxes you’ll need, where are you going to get them?

There are a few options:

Local Stores: Big box stores like Home Depot, Walmart, or Lowes. They usually have moving boxes for sale or rent.
Online Stores: Amazon and U-Haul’s websites offer a wide variety of boxes and moving supplies.
Renting Boxes: Eco-friendly moving boxes are a great alternative to cardboard. Some companies even offer rental options, which means you’re not stuck with a pile of boxes post-move!

Step 6: Use Eco-Friendly Moving Boxes

Let’s say you’re all about sustainability (good for you!). You can get eco-friendly moving boxes made from recycled materials or rent sturdy plastic boxes that can be reused repeatedly. It's a win for your wallet and for the planet!

Recommended Recources

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To estimate how many boxes you'll need for your move, consider the size of your home and the types of items you're packing. Generally, a 1-bedroom apartment will need 15-20 boxes, while a 3-bedroom house might require 40 or more. Using a moving box calculator can also give you a more personalized estimate.

While it’s tempting, packing everything in one size of box isn’t recommended. Small boxes are great for heavy items like books, medium boxes work for kitchenware and clothes, and large boxes are best for lightweight but bulky items like bedding or pillows.

For a 2-bedroom apartment, you’ll likely need 15-20 small boxes, 20-25 medium boxes, and 10-15 large boxes. Remember to add a few wardrobe boxes for clothes. These numbers can vary depending on how much stuff you have, so adjust accordingly.

You can find free moving boxes at local stores like liquor stores, grocery stores, or even online community groups like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Some moving companies also offer free boxes if you're renting from them, so it’s worth asking!

The number of wardrobe boxes you’ll need depends on how many clothes you have. Generally, 1 wardrobe box can hold about 2 feet of closet space. For a 2-bedroom apartment, 3-4 wardrobe boxes should suffice. For a larger home, plan for 5-6.

Move with confidence, Save time and money!

How Many Boxes Do You Need for Moving