Moving Box Count Estimator
Estimate how many moving boxes you need based on home size and room count.
Get a breakdown by room type and recommended box sizes for each.
Boxes Needed
Packing too few boxes is the most common moving mistake. Running out of boxes mid-move stalls everything. This calculator estimates the total boxes you need, broken down by room type.
Industry estimates by room:
| Room | Small boxes | Medium boxes | Large boxes | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen | 6 | 4 | 0 | 10 |
| Living room | 3 | 5 | 2 | 10 |
| Bedroom (primary) | 4 | 4 | 2 | 10 |
| Bedroom (additional) | 3 | 3 | 1 | 7 |
| Bathroom | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| Home office | 5 | 3 | 1 | 9 |
| Garage | 4 | 6 | 4 | 14 |
| Basement / storage | 4 | 6 | 4 | 14 |
| Dining room | 3 | 3 | 1 | 7 |
Box size guide:
| Size | Dimensions (approx.) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 16×12×12 in (41×30×30 cm) | Books, canned goods, small electronics |
| Medium | 18×18×16 in (46×46×41 cm) | Pots, small appliances, decorations |
| Large | 18×18×24 in (46×46×61 cm) | Linens, pillows, clothing, light bulbs |
| Extra large | 24×18×24 in (61×46×61 cm) | Comforters, stuffed animals, lampshades |
| Wardrobe | 24×21×46 in (61×53×117 cm) | Clothes on hangers |
What affects your box count:
- Minimalists need 30–40% fewer boxes than the estimates above.
- Collectors or longtime residents may need 30–50% more.
- A household that has lived in one place for 10+ years typically accumulates significantly more items.
- Always buy 10–15% extra — boxes are cheap; running out mid-move is not.
Packing tips:
- Never pack a box heavier than 50 lb (23 kg) — your back will thank you.
- Use small boxes for heavy items (books, dishes) and large boxes for light items (pillows, linens).
- Fill boxes completely — partially filled boxes collapse when stacked.
- Label every box on the top AND sides with the destination room.
- Pack an “essentials” box last — first out of the truck. Include: phone charger, toilet paper, coffee, change of clothes, and important documents.
Free box sources:
- Liquor stores (double-walled, great for dishes)
- Bookstores and libraries
- Grocery stores (banana boxes are surprisingly strong)
- Facebook Marketplace and Nextdoor (people give away post-move boxes for free)
- Recycling centers