How Many Cardboard Boxes Do You Need to Move?

Home Size	Estimated Boxes
Studio Apartment	15–25
1 Bedroom	20–40
2 Bedroom	40–60
3 Bedroom	60–90
4 Bedroom	90–120
5+ Bedroom	120–180+

How Many Boxes Does Each Room Usually Need?

Estimating boxes room by room can help you create a more accurate packing plan. While every home is different, the following estimates work well for most households.

Room	Estimated Boxes
Kitchen	15–25
Living Room	10–15
Dining Room	5–10
Master Bedroom	10–20
Children's Bedroom	8–15
Bathroom	3–6
Home Office	8–15
Garage	15–30
Basement	15–40
Attic	10–25

If your home has extra storage spaces or a large collection of seasonal items, you may need additional boxes.

How to Calculate Your Moving Boxes More Accurately

A simple estimate is useful, but a moving box calculator provides a more personalised result. Before using one, make a quick inventory of your belongings.

Consider:

Number of bedrooms
Number of people in the household
Amount of furniture
Number of wardrobes and closets
Kitchen appliances
Books and collectibles
Electronics
Garage equipment
Outdoor furniture
Holiday decorations

The more detailed your inventory, the more accurate your box estimate will be.

When planning your move, My Good Movers makes the process easier by helping you connect with reliable moving companies through its moving directory. After estimating your packing supplies with a moving box calculator, you can compare movers, request quotes, and choose the service that fits your needs.

Common Packing Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced movers make packing mistakes. Avoiding these errors can save time, money, and frustration.

Buying Every Box in One Size

Using only large boxes makes heavy items difficult to lift. A combination of small, medium, and large boxes keeps your belongings safer and easier to carry.

Overpacking Boxes

Boxes that are too heavy can break or become difficult to move.

Keep heavy items like books, tools, and dishes in small boxes.

Leaving Empty Spaces

Large empty spaces allow items to shift during transport.

Fill gaps with:

Packing paper
Bubble wrap
Towels
Blankets
Clothing

This helps protect fragile belongings.

Forgetting to Label Boxes

Always label each box with:

Room name
Contents
Fragile items
Priority level

Proper labelling makes unpacking much faster after moving day.

Money-Saving Tips When Buying Moving Boxes

Packing supplies can quickly become expensive, but there are several ways to reduce costs.

Reuse Quality Boxes

Friends, neighbours, and family members may have sturdy boxes from recent deliveries or moves.

Buy Bundle Packs

Many retailers offer moving box kits that include different box sizes, tape, and packing paper at a lower price than buying everything separately.

Declutter Before Packing

Donate, recycle, or sell items you no longer need. Fewer belongings mean fewer boxes, lower moving costs, and less time spent packing.

Use Household Items as Padding

Instead of purchasing extra packing materials, wrap delicate items with:

Towels
Blankets
Sweaters
Bed sheets
Socks

This saves space and reduces the need for additional supplies.

How My Good Movers Helps You Prepare for Your Move

Packing is only one part of a successful relocation. Choosing the right moving company is equally important.

As a trusted moving directory, My Good Movers helps homeowners and renters:

Compare professional moving companies
Find local and long-distance movers
Explore moving guides and checklists
Estimate packing needs using a moving box calculator
Request multiple moving quotes
Read company profiles before making a decision

Instead of searching multiple websites, you can use My Good Movers as a convenient resource to organise your move from start to finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cardboard boxes does a one-bedroom apartment need?

Most one-bedroom apartments require between 20 and 40 boxes, depending on the number of belongings and storage areas.

Is a moving box calculator accurate?

Yes. A moving box calculator provides a much better estimate than guessing because it considers factors such as home size, household inventory, and the number of rooms.

Should I buy extra moving boxes?

Yes. Purchasing around 10% more boxes than your estimate ensures you have enough for last-minute items and unexpected belongings.

What box size is best for books?

Small boxes are the safest choice because books become very heavy when packed together.

Can professional movers provide moving boxes?

Many moving companies offer packing supplies or full packing services. Through My Good Movers, you can compare movers that provide boxes and other packing materials as part of their services.