How Many Moving Boxes Do I Need to Move

When you’re preparing for a move, there’s a lot to plan when timing your move, finding help to load a moving truck, and maybe even hiring a professional driver. But one detail many people don’t think about until the last minute is moving boxes.

The more you plan ahead, the easier it will be to stay organized and avoid wasting money on extra supplies. So how do you answer the question: how many moving boxes do I need when moving?

There’s no single rule that fits everyone, because every home and every move is different. However, there are several simple ways to estimate the number of boxes you’ll need based on your household size, home size, and lifestyle.

What to Consider Before Buying Moving Boxes

There are a few key factors that make a big difference in how many boxes you’ll need for your move.

1. How Many Rooms You’re Moving

Start by counting your rooms. More rooms generally mean more belongings, which means more boxes. Kitchens and bedrooms usually require the most boxes, while bathrooms and hallways need the fewest.

Remember, that kitchens always take more boxes than expected because of dishes, small appliances, and pantry items.

2. How Many People Live in the Home

Each person adds clothing, personal items, and hobbies that need to be packed. Two people living in a one-bedroom apartment will need fewer boxes than a family of four living in the same space. Think about items like books, tools, and sporting equipment as these take up extra boxes quickly.

3. How Long You’ve Lived There

The longer you’ve lived in your home, the more you’ve likely accumulated. A young couple moving after one year will need far fewer boxes than a family who has lived in the same home for ten years.

If you’ve been in your home for several years, use your move as a chance to declutter and donate before packing. It will reduce the total number of boxes you need.

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How Many Moving Boxes You’ll Need by Bedroom

If you live alone in a studio apartment, you’ll probably need around 18 medium boxes, 12 large boxes, and a few wardrobe or picture boxes.
A one-bedroom home usually takes about 40 to 50 boxes total.
Two bedrooms generally require 60 to 70 boxes, depending on your furniture and kitchen items.
A three-bedroom home often needs close to 100 boxes once you include living areas, storage, and seasonal items.
For large homes with four or more bedrooms, plan for over 120 boxes to ensure you have enough.

These numbers are based on average households with two people and a modest lifestyle. If you have extra storage areas or kids with toys, add more boxes to your count. It’s always better to have a few extra boxes on hand than to run out on moving day.

Estimating Boxes by Home Size or Square Footage

Another way to plan is to base your box count on your home’s size.

If your home is under 750 square feet, you may only need a few dozen boxes in total.
Homes between 750 and 1,000 square feet might require about 40 to 50 boxes.
A 1,500-square-foot home could need 70 to 90 boxes, depending on how much you own.
Larger homes, especially those with basements or garages, can easily use 100 to 150 boxes.

If you’re unsure, add an extra 10 percent to your estimate for closets, laundry rooms, and last-minute items that always seem to appear.

Choosing the Right Box Sizes

A mix of box sizes will make your move smoother.

Small boxes are best for heavy items such as books, tools, and canned goods.
Medium boxes are great for dishes, decorations, and smaller appliances.
Large boxes are useful for bedding, towels, and lightweight items.
Extra-large boxes work well for lampshades, pillows, and bulky clothing.
Wardrobe boxes let you hang clothing directly from your closet to the box, saving time on unpacking.
Dish barrels are thick and reinforced, perfect for fragile kitchenware.

Always try to keep each box under forty pounds so it’s easy to lift and won’t split open.

Other Packing and Moving Considerations

Boxes are only one part of your moving plan. You’ll also need sturdy tape, packing paper, labels, and stretch wrap. Plan how you’ll load your truck and who will drive it.

If you’d rather not drive a large moving truck yourself, you can hire a professional driver through our nationwide network. They handle pickups, long-distance routes, and deliveries anywhere in the U.S., saving you the stress of driving cross-country.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many moving boxes do I need for a one-bedroom apartment?

Most people need between 40 and 50 boxes for a one-bedroom move. Add more if you have a lot of kitchen items or books.

How many boxes are required for a three-bedroom home?

A typical three-bedroom home requires around 90 to 100 boxes. The number can go higher if you’ve lived there for many years or have storage spaces.

Should I buy or reuse boxes?

You can reuse boxes if they’re clean and sturdy, but new boxes offer more protection for fragile or heavy items

Do I need specialty boxes for certain items?

Yes. Use wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes, dish boxes for glassware, and picture boxes for framed artwork.

How can I avoid running out of boxes during packing?

Buy a few extras in each size. Unused boxes can always be returned, but running short adds unnecessary stress.