Estimating How Many Boxes You’ll Need For Your Move

By Travis Few | June 24, 2014

Remember the old “guess how many jellybeans are in the jar” game? Estimating how many boxes you’ll need for a move can feel like a twisted version of that.

The problem is that practically everything is a variable. How big are the rooms? How much stuff do they hold? What kind of items? How much packing material will be needed to secure breakables and valuables? These questions and more can influence how many boxes you need.

That being said, it’s still possible to give a rule of thumb to go by that will help you start with your packing.

The trick is to buy enough boxes so that you can pack your space without buying a bunch of extra boxes that you don’t need. Here are the rules of thumb for estimating how many boxes you’ll need for your move.

1-2 Rooms

7-10 Small Boxes
3-5 Medium Boxes
3-5 Large Boxes
2 Dish Pack Boxes
1-2 Wardrobe Boxes

3-4 Rooms

15 Small
8-10 Medium
6-8 Large Boxes
2-4 Dish Packs
1-2 Wardrobe Boxes

5-6 Rooms

20-25 Small
12-15 Medium
8-10 Large
3-5 Dish Packs
3-4 Wardrobe Boxes

7-8 Rooms

30-40 Small
20-25 Medium
12-15 Large
4-5 Dish Packs
4-5 Wardrobe Boxes

In addition you’ll need 1 File Box per small file cabinet drawer throughout your space.

Keep in mind that these are just rules of thumb. Your individual needs WILL vary. If you need help estimating how many boxes you need for your move, give us a call at (910) 512-6999. We’d be glad to help you out.