How Many Moving Boxes Do I Need?
Select the rooms you're moving to get a room-by-room box estimate. Adjust quantities based on how much stuff you have.
How many of each room are you moving?
How Many Boxes Do I Need to Move?
The number of moving boxes depends on the size of your home and how much stuff you own. On average, a 1-bedroom apartment needs 20–30 boxes, a 2-bedroom home needs 30–50 boxes, and a 3-bedroom home needs 50–80 boxes.
Kitchens and bedrooms are the most box-intensive rooms. Don't forget to account for closets, garages, and storage areas — these often need more boxes than expected.
Standard Box Sizes and What to Pack in Each
| Box Size | Dimensions | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Small (1.5 cu ft) | 16×12×12" | Books, canned food, tools, heavy items |
| Medium (3 cu ft) | 18×18×16" | Kitchen items, toys, small appliances |
| Large (4.5 cu ft) | 18×18×24" | Pillows, linens, lamps, light décor |
| Extra Large (6 cu ft) | 24×24×18" | Comforters, coats, oversized items |
| Wardrobe (15+ cu ft) | 24×20×45" | Hanging clothes (keeps them wrinkle-free) |
Never pack heavy items in large boxes — a large box full of books can weigh 80+ lbs and is a back injury waiting to happen. Use small boxes for heavy items (books, records, tools, canned food) and larger boxes for light items that take up space (linens, pillows, decorative items).
Where to Get Free Moving Boxes
Buying all new boxes adds up fast — a full pack of 20–30 boxes costs $60–$150 at moving supply stores. Free alternatives include: liquor stores (small, sturdy boxes perfect for books), bookstores, Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace ("free moving boxes" is a frequent listing), Nextdoor app, Buy Nothing groups, and behind grocery stores. Ask a week before your move and check the day of — stores accumulate boxes quickly.