Find out how many moving boxes to buy before you start packing. Enter your home size, rooms and household, and get a box count by size and by room, plus tape, packing paper and bubble wrap.
Last updated:
Your home
Extra spaces
How much stuff do you have?
Enter your values to see the result.
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How to use the Moving Box Calculator
Choose your home size and enter bathrooms, living rooms and the number of people.
Tick extra spaces such as a garage, basement or home office.
Pick a packing style that matches how much stuff you own.
Read the box count by size and by room, plus tape, paper and bubble wrap.
Copy the list or download the room table to take shopping.
How the box estimate is built
The calculator adds up typical box counts for each room, then scales small, medium and large boxes by your packing style (minimalist ×0.75, average ×1, above average ×1.3, collector ×1.6).
Each bedroom starts at 3 small, 4 medium, 3 large and 1 wardrobe box; a mid-size kitchen at 7 small, 7 medium, 2 large and 3 dish packs; each person adds a few boxes of personal items.
Supplies follow simple rules of thumb: one tape roll per 15 boxes, about 0.75 lb of packing paper per small or medium box and 5 lb per dish pack.
Standard moving box sizes
Box
Typical size (in)
Volume
Best for
Small
16 × 12 × 12
1.5 cu ft
Books, files, canned goods, tools
Medium
18 × 18 × 16
3.0 cu ft
Pots and pans, toys, small appliances
Large
18 × 18 × 24
4.5 cu ft
Bedding, pillows, lampshades, linens
Wardrobe
24 × 20 × 34
≈9.4 cu ft
Hanging clothes
Dish pack
18 × 18 × 28
≈5.25 cu ft
Plates, glasses, fragile kitchenware
Sizes vary slightly by brand. Keep each box under about 50 lb, label the room and contents on two sides, and pack a separate "first night" box with essentials.
Frequently asked questions
How many boxes do I need for a 2-bedroom apartment?
With average belongings, a 2-bedroom apartment with one bathroom and two people usually needs around 60–70 boxes, mostly small and medium. This calculator gives 67 for that setup; a minimalist household may need closer to 55.
What size moving boxes should I use for what?
Small boxes (about 1.5 cu ft) are for heavy items like books and tools, medium boxes (about 3 cu ft) for kitchen items and decor, and large boxes (about 4.5 cu ft) for light, bulky things such as bedding and pillows. Putting heavy items in large boxes makes them too heavy to lift safely.
How much packing tape do I need?
A common rule is one 55–60 yard roll for every 15 or so boxes, since each box needs several strips across the bottom and top. Buy an extra roll; running out mid-pack is a common hold-up.
What is a dish pack box?
A dish pack is a sturdy double-wall box, about 18 × 18 × 28 inches, made for plates, glasses and fragile kitchen items. Many come with cell dividers. Wrap each item in packing paper before packing it.
Do I need wardrobe boxes?
Wardrobe boxes have a hanging bar so clothes go straight from the closet to the box without folding. They are optional but save time; plan on roughly one per bedroom closet, or fold clothes into medium boxes instead.
Is this estimate exact?
No. It is a planning estimate based on typical box counts per room. Hobbies, books, kids' toys and storage areas can change the number a lot. Many movers buy about 10% extra, and unused boxes can often be returned.
How many boxes can I fit in a moving truck?
This tool shows the total packed volume of the boxes in cubic feet. Furniture takes up much more space than boxes, so use a moving cost or truck size guide for the full load.
Are all the tools on FreeToolCabin tested for quality and accuracy?
Yes! Every tool on our site undergoes automated Q/A testing in real browser environments to ensure high precision, correct output, and zero errors. If you happen to spot a bug or have a suggestion, please contact us at [email protected] and our team will review it right away.