Moving Box Calculator
How many boxes do I need?
Estimate the moving boxes and packing supplies you’ll need based on your home size, packing style, and the stuff hiding in your closets.
Calculate your moving boxes
What this calculator includes
This estimate includes small, medium, large, wardrobe, and dish boxes, plus basic packing supplies like tape, labels, and packing paper. It is meant to give you a practical starting point before buying supplies or reserving a moving truck.
Planning the truck too?
Once you have a rough box estimate, you can use it to estimate what size moving truck you may need.
Common moving supplies
- Small boxes for books, tools, pantry items, and heavy objects
- Medium boxes for everyday household items
- Large boxes for pillows, linens, lightweight decor, and bulky soft goods
- Wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes
- Dish boxes or extra padding for fragile kitchen items
Supplies checklist
Common moving supplies to consider include moving boxes, packing tape, labels, packing paper, bubble wrap, mattress bags, and moving blankets.
Moving box FAQ
How many boxes do I need for a one-bedroom apartment?
A one-bedroom apartment often needs around 20 to 30 total boxes, depending on how much you own, how many books you have, and how fully stocked your kitchen and closets are.
Should I use small, medium, or large boxes?
Use small boxes for heavy items like books, tools, canned goods, and pantry items. Use medium boxes for most household goods. Use large boxes for lighter bulky items like bedding, pillows, lampshades, and soft decor.
Should I buy extra boxes?
Yes. It is usually better to have a few extra boxes than to run out on packing day. Add more if you have books, fragile items, garage storage, lots of clothing, or a full kitchen.
Are wardrobe boxes worth it?
Wardrobe boxes can be helpful if you have hanging clothes you do not want to fold. They also work well for coats, dresses, suits, and bulky closet items.
Is this moving box estimate exact?
No. This calculator gives a practical estimate. Your actual box count depends on box sizes, packing style, furniture, storage areas, and how much you own.