How Many Moving Boxes Do I Need?

So, how many boxes do you reckon you'll need for the big move? It's not exactly rocket science, but it's also not a walk in the park. You don't want to splash out on tons of extra boxes and waste your cash, right? And if you're scrounging for used ones (go you for recycling!), you don't want it turning into a box scavenger hunt. So, how do you nail down the perfect amount for a smooth move? Don't sweat it, we've got you covered.

What impacts on how many boxes you need?

When determining the approximate cost of packing supplies based on the cubic footage of your space and the length of time you've lived there, it's essential to consider factors such as the number of rooms, the amount of furniture and belongings, and the types of items requiring packing. Additionally, your lifestyle and organizational habits, whether minimalist, average, or inclined towards hoarding, can influence the volume of possessions and, consequently, the quantity of packing supplies needed.

If you're a minimalist, you're all about intentional living and showcasing only the items that truly matter to you. Your preference for simplicity and multifunctional appliances will make packing a breeze. Expect to use fewer boxes overall, with a focus on medium-sized ones and fewer wardrobe boxes.

On the other hand, if you're a packrat, you're likely to hold onto sentimental items like birthday cards and notebooks. Your living space is adorned with pictures and knick-knacks abound. With a greater attachment to your belongings, you'll likely need more boxes, particularly in the small and wardrobe categories, compared to someone who's less emotionally attached to their possessions.

If you find yourself somewhere in the middle, not quite a hoarder but definitely not a minimalist, that's perfectly okay. There's a wide spectrum between the two extremes. Take a look at your belongings and assess what you have. Maybe you don't own any fine china but you do have a hefty shoe collection. Adjust your box quantities accordingly - maybe you'll need fewer dish barrel boxes and more large packing boxes. The key is to tailor your packing supplies to fit your unique belongings and needs.

Which sizes and variantes of boxes to choose?

Here's a breakdown of the most common types and sizes of moving boxes:

• Small boxes (approximately 16 inches by 12 inches by 12 inches): Ideal for packing books, magazines, trinkets, small kitchen utensils such as glasses or dishes, and other compact items.
• Medium boxes (approximately 18 inches by 16 inches by 18 inches): Suitable for packing office supplies, small kitchenware, and decorative items.
• Large boxes (approximately 18 inches by 18 inches by 24 inches): Perfect for bulky items like towels, comforters, blankets, pillows, and throws.
• Extra-large boxes (approximately 24 inches by 20 inches by 24 inches): Provide additional space for packing bulky, large, or oddly shaped items that may not fit into standard-sized boxes.
• Wardrobe boxes: Designed with a closet pole to hang clothing directly from your closet, allowing you to transport garments with hangers intact, minimizing wrinkles and the need for reorganizing.
• Dish barrel boxes: Sturdy boxes specifically crafted for packing fragile items such as glassware, dishware, and other breakables, providing extra protection during transit.
• TV boxes: Customized boxes designed to securely hold flat-screen TVs, safeguarding them from damage during the move with specialized padding and support.
• Book boxes: Bookworms, listen up! If your shelves are bursting with books, opt for those 12” x 12” boxes (that's 1 cubic foot). They're perfect for most hardcovers and paperbacks, and even if you cram them full, they won't weigh a ton.

When selecting moving boxes, it's recommended to prioritize medium to large sizes, as they accommodate a wide range of items while providing adequate space for efficient packing. It's also advisable to have a few smaller and extra-large boxes on hand for specific items that require specialized packaging.

How many moving boxes do I need in general?

If you've embraced a minimalist lifestyle and streamlined your possessions, living in a four-bedroom home may not necessitate as many boxes as typically suggested. Conversely, if you reside in a compact studio apartment but have an extensive collection of books, vinyl records, or collectible figurines, you'll likely require more boxes to accommodate these items.

When determining the number of boxes needed for your move, it's essential to assess the specific items you own. Whether it's books, vinyl records, or delicate collectibles, each requires the appropriate size and type of box for safe transport. Taking stock of your belongings ensures you can select the right boxes to suit your needs.

Here's a rough estimate of the number of moving boxes you may need based on the square footage of your home or apartment:

Keep in mind that these are just estimates, and the actual number of boxes you'll need may vary depending on factors such as the amount of furniture, belongings, and personal preferences for packing. It's always a good idea to have a few extra boxes on hand just in case.

How many boxes do I need to move based on the amount of rooms?

As a general guideline, you'll need roughly 10 small, 8 medium, and 5 large packing boxes per room. But keep in mind, this is just an estimate because room sizes and contents can vary a lot.

Here's a breakdown of how many boxes you might need for each room on average:

• Kitchen: An average American kitchen is around 160 square feet. To pack up a kitchen of this size, you'll likely need 2-4 small boxes, 5-6 medium boxes, 4 large boxes, 2 extra-large boxes, and 4-6 dish barrel boxes to secure fragile items like china.
• Living room: Unless your living room doubles as a mini-library or museum, it should be pretty straightforward to pack up. You might need 2-4 small boxes, 3-4 medium boxes, 2-4 large boxes, and 1-2 extra-large boxes.
• Dining Room: If your dining room houses delicate china, be sure to pack them securely in dish barrel boxes. For the entire space, you'll likely need 1-2 small packing boxes, 1-2 medium boxes, and 2-4 dish barrel boxes to protect fragile items.
• Master Bedroom: Packing up your master bedroom will probably require the most boxes compared to other bedrooms. Plan for about 1-3 small boxes, 5-6 medium boxes, 5-8 large boxes, and 4-6 wardrobe boxes. The number of boxes needed can vary based on the size of your closet and the amount of clothing you have, so adjust as necessary.
• All Other Bedrooms: The number of boxes for other bedrooms will depend on who occupies them. For instance, a teenager's room might have more hanging clothes than a toddler's room. As a general guide, you may need 1-2 small boxes, 3-5 medium boxes, 3-5 extra-large boxes, and 2-4 wardrobe boxes.
• Bathroom: Typically, you'll only need a few boxes for the bathroom. Around 2-3 small boxes and one medium box should suffice. Don't forget to grab some cardboard boxes for items in the basement, attic, laundry room, and garage. It's always better to have extra boxes on hand than to run out when you need them.

What types of packing supplies do I need to move?

Packing tape

Running low on packing tape can cause a major headache during your move. With tape rolls ranging from 54 to 110 yards long, you'll find yourself going through it faster than you think. To avoid running out, it's wise to have an extra roll on hand for every 30-60 boxes you're packing. And don't forget to opt for the kind with the dispenser for added convenience.

Paper and bubble wrap

When it comes to protecting your fragile items like dishes and glassware, having enough packing paper and bubble wrap is essential. For a substantial collection, aim for around 14 lbs of packing paper and 80 feet of bubble wrap. If you're working with a smaller inventory, a minimum of 3 lbs of packing paper and 20 feet of bubble wrap should suffice to keep your breakables safe and sound during transit.

Markers

Markers are essential tools for easy color-coding during your move, and they come in handy for various tasks beyond just packing. It's a good idea to have 1-4 pens readily available for labeling your boxes. If you're packing with friends and family, having your own marker ensures smoother coordination and avoids the hassle of passing it around.

Labels

When it comes to labeling your boxes, make sure each one has at least one label. To enhance organization, consider using two labels per box so that multiple sides are covered for easy identification during unloading. Opting for colored labels and assigning a different color to each room streamlines the unpacking process, saving you time and effort as you sort through your belongings.

Few more packing tips

1. Decluttering is a key

Before you start packing, consider downsizing your belongings. Moving becomes much simpler when you have fewer things to deal with, so take the opportunity to donate clothes you no longer wear or hold a garage sale to get rid of items you don't need. If you come across items you haven't used in years, it's probably safe to let them go - someone else could benefit from them.

2. Be ready to pack tricky items

Additionally, be prepared to pack tricky items with care. For jewelry, invest in proper packaging to ensure they stay safe during the move. When packing electronics, take photos of how cords are connected before unplugging them, and use plastic bags to keep them organized and protected. These small steps can save you time and frustration when it's time to unpack in your new home.

3. Make sure that you have an «open first» box

Don't forget to prepare an "open first" box for your move. This box should contain all the essentials you'll need for the first 48 hours in your new home, ensuring a comfortable transition. Be sure to include important documents that shouldn't be transported on the moving truck to ensure they're easily accessible when needed.

4. Consider specialized boxes

Don't underestimate the importance of specialized boxes for certain items like mirrors and artwork. Wardrobe boxes are essential for clothing and typically accommodate around three feet of hanging garments. Take measurements of your closets beforehand to ensure you have an adequate supply of wardrobe boxes for moving day. Running out of boxes can cause significant stress on moving day and may result in leaving items behind or incurring additional costs for the movers to return. It's better to err on the side of caution and have more boxes with lighter contents rather than overloading boxes, which could lead to breakage during transit.

Conclusion

Arriving at your new digs and realizing you carted along a load of stuff you should've ditched beforehand? Talk about a moving day downer. Don't waste time and money — especially if you've got the pros on board—hauling unwanted items to your new pad. Moving's already a hassle without stressing over packing supplies. Estimate the box count based on what you've got, and you'll pack up quicker and savvier.