How Many Boxes Do I Need To Move?

There isn’t a universal answer to the question of how many boxes you’ll need for your move. The number of boxes you need depends on factors like your home size, how much stuff you own, and how you’d like to pack. Making it possible for a minimalist in a two-bedroom home to use fewer boxes than a collector in a studio apartment.

To take out the guesswork, we created a moving box calculator that gives you quick estimates based on the size of your home. This way, you can enjoy your move without overpacking, overspending, or making unnecessary trips to the store to pick up more boxes.

Once you know how many boxes you need, the next big move is choosing the right kind. Stack Moves provides high-quality moving boxes for rent alongside labels and dollies to make your move hassle-free from start to finish. With convenient delivery and pick-up at your new address, there is truly no better moving solution that moving box rentals! Schedule a call to get started.

In this blog, you’ll learn how to determine just how many boxes you’ll need for your move based on your apartment size.

What Box Sizes and Box Types Are Best for a Move?

From small boxes to extra-large boxes, choosing the right types when moving helps protect your belongings and makes the moving process easier.

• Small Boxes (1.5 cubic feet): These are perfect for heavy or dense items like books, tools, canned goods, and small appliances. Keeping the weight concentrated in a smaller space makes these boxes easier to lift and less likely to break during the move. Always pack heavy items here—not in your large boxes.
• Medium Boxes (3 cubic feet): medium packing boxes are better for moderately heavy items like toys and small decor items.
• Large and Extra Large Boxes (4.6-6 cubic feet): These boxes are good for packing bulky but light items like blankets, comforters, pillows, comforters, and larger lamps.
• Specialty Boxes: These boxes are designed to meet specific needs. Examples of such boxes are wardrobe boxes, dish barrel boxes, and mirror/artwork boxes. They reduce the risk of damaging or repairing your expensive or fragile items.
• Plastic Bins: Plastic bins or plastic boxes are an eco-friendly way to pack your belongings. Our bins are the industry standard size and provide the best protection against moisture and impact.

How Many Packing Boxes Do I Need To Move a Studio Apartment?

Since studios are typically smaller in size, you won’t need too many boxes for this type of move. In our expert opinion, we believe that you would need 15 of our bins to pack your belongings successfully.

Our standard-sized bins measure 27” by 17” at the top, 24.5” by 14.5” at the bottom, and 13” tall- spacious enough to hold personal belongings, clothes and shoes, electronics, and kitchen essentials.

For a smooth move, your box rental also comes with a dolly and labels. The average cost of moving from a studio apartment ranges from $200 to $1,000.

How Many Moving Boxes Do I Need to Move 1 Bedroom Apartment?

You will need 25 bins, 2 dollies, and 25 labels to pack a 1-bedroom apartment. Begin with items you use less frequently and use packing paper for kitchenware. Then, move on to more essential items, such as clothing. It is also important to label each box by room and content for efficient unpacking. 

The average cost of moving for a one-bedroom apartment ranges from $300 to $1500. In this case, you will be packing items from the bedroom, living room, kitchen, and bathroom. These items could include nightstands, dressers, a sofa, a TV stand, a television, a dining table, clothes, and personal items.

Average Number of Boxes For a 2-Bedroom Apartment?

You will need around 35 bins, 2 dollies, and 35 labels to move a 2-bedroom apartment. On average this will cost between $500 to $2500. When packing a two-bedroom apartment, it is best to pack one room at a time. Start with decorative and non-essential items. If possible, use the original boxes for electronics. Also, be extra careful with expensive or fragile items.

If your current or new home is a two-bedroom, you will likely have additional belongings to move, such as additional bedroom furniture and possibly more electronics. Therefore, you will need more boxes than are required for a one-bedroom apartment.

How Many Boxes To Move a 3-Bedroom House?

It should take 50 bins, 3 dollies, and 50 labels to pack a three-bedroom house, and the move will cost you between $4000 and $10,500. A three-bedroom house and a two-bedroom apartment vary in square footage, particularly when it comes to bathrooms, bedrooms, and living areas. It may also have a larger kitchen and a more extensive dining area.

 You should create a moving checklist to track what you have packed and what remains. To make the process easier and faster, it helps to assign specific tasks to family members, friends, or roommates. Additionally, it is important to keep an essential box for items you will need immediately upon arrival at your new home.

Average Number of Boxes for a 4-Bedroom Move?

You will need 75 boxes, 4 dollies, and 75 labels for a four-bedroom move. A move this big usually costs $5000-$15000. For a four-bedroom house, you’ll most likely be moving multiple large furniture items and household appliances like sectional sofas, larger dining tables, and refrigerators. It’s best to hire professional movers to handle oversized or valuable items safely.

How Many Boxes Do I Need To Move a 5-Bedroom House?

For this move, you will need 100 bins, 5 dollies, and 100 labels. Typically, the cost of moving a 5-bedroom house ranges between $7,000 and $22,000. It can be challenging because you will have to manage a much larger volume of items and coordinate multiple family members.

To make your move smoother, consider scheduling packing over multiple days or even weeks. You should also label boxes with detailed information about items and which rooms they belong to. It can be helpful to hire professional movers to assist with packing and moving, especially for large items and appliances.

How Many Boxes Will You Need to Pack a Kitchen?

For an average-sized kitchen (around 1280 cubic feet), you’ll need about 17–22 boxes in total if you plan to use different-sized cardboard boxes.

• Small boxes (2-4): Use these to pack your cutlery, pantry staples, and small appliances
• Medium Boxes (5-6): These are ideal for pots, pans, and bulky utensils
• Large Boxes (4): Pack your mixing bowls and large pantry items
• Extra-Large Boxes (2): Best for light but large items like oversized pots and baking sheets
• Specialty Boxes (4-6): For your plates, glasses, and ceramics

Packing Tips for Small and Large Moves

When preparing for a move, whether small-scale from a studio apartment or large-scale from a multi-bedroom house, it helps to clearly label each box with the items contained and the room to which it belongs. For better visibility, use a permanent marker. Also, consider a color-coding system where each room has a different color label, which speeds up the unpacking process.

Furthermore, keep an inventory list detailing what is in each box. This will help you track important items and organize unpacking.

While packing, avoid overloading boxes with heavy items. Instead, distribute the weight evenly by packing heavier items like books or dishes in small boxes and lighter items like linens and pillows in larger boxes. Place heavier items at the bottom of the box and lighter items on top. This not only helps with balance but also prevents damage to fragile items.

Remember to pack an essential box during your packing process. The essentials box should contain items you’ll need to easily access on moving day. These could include toiletries, a few dishes, utensils, phone chargers, essential documents, medication, and a change of clothes. This box should be the last one loaded onto the moving truck and the first one unloaded.

In addition, you should have a list for moving out. This list ensures that nothing is forgotten during your move.

Should You Buy or Rent Moving Boxes?

When sourcing moving boxes, the default option is to either buy them or get free ones. But the problem with doing this is that these boxes could be damaged or flimsy. Renting moving boxes, especially plastic bins, is a more cost-effective and practical choice compared to free or bought boxes.

When you rent plastic moving boxes, you only pay for the rental period and return the boxes when you are done. They’re also more durable than their cardboard counterparts because they offer better protection against impact and moisture. Plus, renting reduces waste since these bins can be reused many times.

To avoid last-minute stress, be sure to book your boxes at least a month in advance so you don’t have to pack in a hurry. This will also give you enough time to assess your needs and order the right number of boxes and other packing supplies, such as packing paper, bubble wrap, packing tape, etc.

Need Boxes For Rent?

Having a precise estimate of how many boxes you need to move is vital to avoid overspending. However, keep in mind that the number of boxes you need can vary widely depending on the number of items you have, their sizes, and their fragility.

When packing, take the time to thoroughly go through your belongings or office inventory. This might reveal items that require special packing attention or those that are bulky and need more space.

Ready to make your move smooth and stress-free? Whether you’re relocating your home or need moving boxes for a corporate relocation, Stack Moves can assist you. Contact us now so we can help you plan efficiently!