Moving Box Calculator
Pick your home size, how many people live there and how much you own. Get the number of boxes of each type, plus tape, paper and bubble wrap.
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The starting counts
For a standard amount of belongings and the usual household for the home size, the calculator starts here. Each extra person adds about 12 percent, and a light or heavy packing style changes the total.
| Home | Boxes | Small | Medium | Large | Wardrobe | Dish pack |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 21 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 1 | 2 |
| 1 bedroom | 36 | 11 | 12 | 8 | 2 | 3 |
| 2 bedrooms | 61 | 19 | 21 | 13 | 3 | 5 |
| 3 bedrooms | 91 | 28 | 32 | 20 | 4 | 7 |
| 4 bedrooms | 126 | 39 | 45 | 28 | 5 | 9 |
| 5 bedrooms | 161 | 50 | 57 | 36 | 6 | 12 |
Which box for which things
- Small for books, tools, cans and anything dense. A full large box of books is too heavy to lift.
- Medium for kitchen items, toys and small appliances.
- Large for light, bulky things such as pillows, linens and lampshades.
- Wardrobe boxes for clothes on hangers.
- Dish packs for glasses and plates, with paper between each piece.
Tape, paper and wrap
Plan about one roll of tape per ten boxes and one spare. Packing paper runs about 0.4 lb per box, rounded up to bundles of five pounds, and bubble wrap about 1.5 feet per box. These are starting estimates. Buy a few extra boxes of each size; returning an unopened box is easier than a last-minute trip.
Related: how many boxes you need, counted by contents, truck size, moving budget.
Questions
How many boxes do I need to move a 2 bedroom apartment?
With the starting settings, about 61 boxes including wardrobe and dish packs. Change the people and packing style to match your home.
Should I buy all one size?
No. A mix of sizes protects your back and your things. Heavy items go in small boxes, light bulky items in large ones.
How much tape do I need?
One roll for every ten boxes plus a spare is a safe start.
Can I reuse boxes?
Yes, if they are clean and strong. Do not reuse crushed or damp boxes for heavy items.
Is it free?
Yes. Every calculator works on screen without an account, and the share link and a basic printout are free. The Move Planner ($4.99, one time) adds the full budget workbook, packing checklist, named tip envelopes and a room-by-room inventory.
Does it store what I type?
No. The numbers stay in your browser. The site records anonymous usage events, such as which calculator was used, but not your hours, bill, addresses or names.