Moving from one apartment to another can be a stressful experience. While the physical activities like packing can be overwhelming, some may be wondering how many moving boxes do I need, and where can I find them? Many times, we do not respond correctly to these questions, and it often ends up costing us money, time, and energy.
How Many Moving Boxes do I Need?
Now, the number of moving boxes needed depends heavily on a few variables. It’s also recommended for you to get your boxes before moving day. These variables include:
Your Lifestyle:

Whether you are a minimalist, the average person, or a packrat, this will reflect in the number of objects that you own. A minimalist generally tends to possess a lesser amount of belongings, thus falling under the umbrella of the lower ranges. The average people are those found in the middle of minimalists and packrats. Packrats are usually connected to their belongings emotionally. Hence, the need for a larger number of boxes.
Size of Apartment:
The size and type of your apartment you’re moving out of is an important determining factor. Keep in mind how light/heavy you’ll want the boxes to be as you move them up and down the stairs. For example, the average number of boxes for a 4-bedroom move are:
– 38-40 Small Boxes
– 45-56 Medium Boxes
– 23-25 Large Boxes
– 10-15: Extra-large Boxes
The bigger the size of your home is, the higher the number of boxes you will need.
Population:
The number of people in your home should also be seriously considered. Naturally, a larger population will need a higher number of boxes. This can be also be aided with the use of box packing calculator. This calculator runs calculations based on the provided information.
Duration of Stay:
How long you have stayed determines how much belongings you may have amassed over time. The longer the time of residence, the higher the number of moving boxes needed.
Packing Box Sizes
Planning becomes easier when you get yourself familiar with the different sizes that packing boxes come in. This allows you to work out how many moving boxes you might need more accurately. There are four general sizes of packing boxes and they are:
Extra-large Packing boxes:
Measuring at over 3.5 cubic feet. This is best for moving many items, including irregularly shaped objects.
Large Packing Boxes:
They measure between 2.5 and 3.5 cubic feet. They are most suitable for moving wearables. Its contents should be neatly packed and arranged. They can contain over ten pairs of shoes or a large number of neatly folded and packed clothes.
Medium Packing Boxes:
Ideal for moving edibles and some other kitchen items. Measures between 1.5 and 3.0 cubic feet.
Small Packing Boxes:
These little ones can be useful for moving smaller sized belongings, like books, magazines, etc. It measures around 1.5 cubic feet in size.
Asides these ready sizes, there are also special function boxes designated for specific items. Examples include dish barrel boxes, wardrobe boxes, book boxes, etc.
Important Packing Supplies

These are items like paper and bubble wrap, markers, packing tape, labels. They should also be available in adequate quantities.Keep in mind that you can also bubble wrap items instead of using boxes. It now begs the question of how much bubble wraps do I need? How much packing tape will do. Packing tape should be as much as a full roll for about 35-60 boxes, at least 20 feet of bubble wraps, and 3 lbs. of wrapping paper for the same.
It is also very important for you to minimize the amount of items to be moved. Items that have lost their value and usefulness should be discarded to make room for more important stuff.
Questions and Answers
Q: How Many Moving Boxes do You Need Per Room?
A: Number of moving boxes needed is dependent on various factors, but packing up a room should not take more than about ten small boxes, seven to nine medium boxes, and between five to six large boxes.
Q: How Much do Moving Boxes Cost?
A: If you are unable to find free moving boxes, you’ll likely have to buy them. General estimation puts the budget around $35-$50 for a studio apartment, $60-$85 for a 1-bedroom apartment, $75-$100 for a 2-bedroom apartment, and above $100 for higher apartments.
Q: How do You Pack Moving Boxes?
A: When packing moving boxes, be sure that the heavier items are well wrapped (paper or bubble) and placed in the box before placing the more fragile, lighter ones. Layers can be separated with cushions to avoid damages.
In Conclusion
Make sure you are packing in advance, so if you run out of boxes you’ll know before moving day. If you are still wondering how many moving boxes do I need, it all comes down to how big your places is, and whether you live minimally or not.