Moving Box Estimate Calculator

Moving Box Estimates help you plan how many boxes to buy or collect before a move. The number varies based on home size, how much stuff you have, and your packing style.

Average boxes needed by home size:

• Studio apartment: 15-25 boxes
• 1-bedroom apartment: 25-40 boxes
• 2-bedroom home: 40-60 boxes
• 3-bedroom home: 60-80 boxes
• 4-bedroom home: 80-120 boxes
• 5+ bedroom home: 120-150+ boxes

Box types and sizes:

• Small (1.5 cubic feet / 42 liters): heavy items — books, canned food, tools. About 16×12×12 inches.
• Medium (3.0 cubic feet / 85 liters): general items — kitchen items, toys, clothes. About 18×18×16 inches.
• Large (4.5 cubic feet / 127 liters): light bulky items — pillows, linens, lampshades. About 18×18×24 inches.
• Wardrobe boxes: for hanging clothes. About 24×20×48 inches. Typically need 1 per 2 feet of closet space.
• Dish pack boxes: extra protection for fragile items. Similar to medium but thicker walls.

Typical distribution of box sizes:

• Small: 30% of total boxes
• Medium: 40% of total boxes
• Large: 20% of total boxes
• Specialty (wardrobe, dish, etc.): 10% of total boxes

Packing style adjustments:

• Minimalist (fewer belongings, decluttered): reduce estimate by 20-30%
• Average: use base estimate
• Collector/pack rat (lots of stuff): increase by 20-40%

Other packing supplies needed (per 50 boxes):

• Packing tape: 3-5 rolls
• Packing paper: 5-10 pounds (2.3-4.5 kg)
• Bubble wrap: 1 roll (100 feet / 30 m)
• Markers: 2-3 (for labeling)
• Box cutter: 1-2

Pro tip: Always get 10-15% more boxes than you think you need. Having extra is much better than running out mid-pack.