One of the more troublesome steps of moving is figuring out how many boxes you need. Buying too many is a waste of money, and not having enough could send you on a last-minute trip to the store.
That’s why we offer a free moving box calculator you can use right now to estimate everything you’ll need for the big day. Whether you’re buying boxes or hunting down free ones, knowing your number ahead of time will save you money, time, and stress.
Below, we’ll explain how our calculator works and share practical tips for getting accurate estimates. We’ll also help you determine the other supplies you’ll need for a hassle-free relocation.
How Does a Moving Box Calculator Work?
A moving box calculator is a simple tool designed to give you a reliable estimate of the packing supplies your move requires. Instead of guessing, you get a data-based recommendation tailored to your specific home. It’s useful for anyone planning a move, from first-time renters to families relocating from larger homes.
“For an eco-friendly alternative [to cardboard moving boxes], consider renting plastic moving bins. These are durable, weatherproof, and require no tape.”
Using our moving supplies calculator helps you create an accurate budget and a smart packing strategy from day one. It helps you avoid overspending on supplies you don’t need or underestimating and wasting time running out halfway through packing.
To get your custom estimate, you’ll need to provide a few details:
- Your home size: The number of bedrooms gives a baseline for how much stuff you have.
- Your household size: How many people live in your home? More people usually means more belongings.
- The rooms you’re packing: Are you packing up a home office, a garage, or a storage shed in addition to the bedrooms, kitchen, and living room? Select all the rooms that apply for a more accurate count.
Based on your answers, the calculator gives you a detailed list of how many small, medium, large, and specialty boxes you’re likely to need.
Tips for Using a Moving Box Calculator Effectively
Using a calculator is a good starting point, but your personal habits can influence the final number of boxes you’ll have to get. For the most accurate estimate, try to keep these tips in mind:
- Be realistic about clutter: Take stock of how much you own and how you live day to day. Are you a minimalist, or do you have collections and keepsakes in every room? Adjust your estimate slightly upward if you’re not big on decluttering.
- Account for hidden storage: Don’t forget about the attic, basement, garage, and closets. These spaces often hold more than you think, so be sure to include them in your calculations.
- Add extra boxes: It’s always a good idea to adda few extra boxes to your final count. They’re perfect for last-minute items you forgot about, a box getting wet or damaged, or for things that don’t fit anywhere else.
- Consider reusable containers: If you plan on using plastic bins or other containers you already own, subtract them from the calculator’s final recommendation.
- Factor in specialty items: You might need special boxes for fragile or bulky items like TVs, mirrors, or framed artwork.
HireAHelper’s Moving Box Calculator
Ready to get a personalized estimate? Our calculator is simple, fast, and free. Just answer a few questions about your home, and we’ll give you a detailed breakdown of the boxes you’ll need.
Estimating Moving Box Needs by Home Size
The table below shows a typical range of boxes needed based on home size. Use it as a quick reference, but keep in mind that how much you own and store can change your total box count.
| Home Size | Estimated Boxes Needed |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom Apartment | 23 |
| 2-bedroom Apartment | 46 |
| 3-bedroom Apartment | 70 |
| 2-bedroom House | 54 |
| 3-bedroom House | 81 |
| 4-bedroom House | 108 |
| 5-bedroom House | 135 |
Types of Moving Boxes You’ll Need
Using the right box for the right items not only makes packing easier but also keeps your belongings safe during transit. From heavy books to delicate dishes, there’s a box designed for everything you own. Here’s a quick guide:
- Small Boxes: Perfect for heavy items like books, tools, canned goods, and other small, dense objects.
- Medium Boxes: The workhorse of any move. Use them for kitchen items, small appliances, toys, and decor.
- Large Boxes: Best for bulkier but lightweight items such as linens, pillows, towels, and curtains. Avoid overpacking them with heavy things, since they can collapse or become unsafe to lift.
- Extra-Large Boxes: Use these sparingly for large but light items like comforters, blankets, and large cushions.
- Dish Packs: These boxes have built-in dividers to protect fragile items such as plates, glasses, and bowls.
- Wardrobe Boxes: A tall box with a metal bar for hanging clothes. They make it easy to transfer items directly from your closet to the box.
- Mattress Boxes: Ideal for long-distance relocations. These boxes help protect mattresses from dirt, moisture, and tears during the move.
For a deeper dive into finding the right box for your belongings, check out Moving Box Sizes: The Complete Guide.
Other Supplies You’ll Need Along with Boxes
To pack properly, you’ll need a few other key supplies to keep your items secure and organized. Having these on hand before you start will make the entire process go much more smoothly. Add these to your checklist:
- Packing Tape: You’ll need more than you think. Get several rolls of high-quality packing tape to securely seal every box.
- Bubble Wrap and Packing Paper: Use bubble wrap for fragile items like glassware. Packing paper is great for filling empty spaces and wrapping dishes.
- Labels and Markers: Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in. This will save you a lot of time when unloading.
- Furniture Covers: These plastic covers protect your sofas, chairs, and other upholstered items from dust and stains.
- Moving Blankets: Great for protecting wood furniture and appliances from scratches, and your walls and floors from damage.
- Furniture Dollies: These make moving heavy dressers, appliances, and stacks of boxes much easier and safer.
- Box Cutter: For easily opening all those well-taped boxes once you arrive at your new home.
Don’t forget basics like scissors, trash bags, cleaning supplies, and specific boxes for items you’re going to donate.
Where to Get Moving Boxes
Once you know how many boxes you need, it’s time to start getting them. You have a few options, each with advantages and trade-offs depending on your budget and timing.
- Find them for free: The most budget-friendly option is to collect used boxes. Check with local grocery stores, liquor stores, and big-box retailers, as they often have plenty of empty boxes they’re happy to give away. You can also look at community websites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Nextdoor for people willing to give supplies away.
- Buy them new: If you’re short on time, buying new boxes is the most convenient choice. You can find them at home improvement stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot, truck rental locations, or online. While it costs more, buying new ensures your boxes are clean, sturdy, and uniform in size.
- Rent plastic bins: For an eco-friendly alternative, consider renting plastic moving bins. These are durable, weatherproof, and require no tape. Companies typically deliver the bins to your home and pick them up from your new address when you’re finished.
Do Professional Packers Bring Their Own Boxes?
Not usually. Most full-service moving companies that also offer packing services as an add-on will not provide packing supplies, and you’ll have to source your own. However, sometimes the companies will sell supplies themselves. However, this convenience comes at an additional cost. The price of the boxes and materials will be added to your final bill.
“It’s always a good idea to adda few extra boxes to your final count. They’re perfect for last-minute items you forgot about, a box getting wet or damaged, or for things that don’t fit anywhere else.”
HireAHelper makes it easy to find the right movers for your needs. You can compare local providers by price, reviews, and available packing services. Most companies clearly list what’s covered in their rates, so you can plan ahead without worrying about surprise fees.
FAQs
How do I calculate how many moving boxes I need?
The easiest and most accurate method is to use an online moving box calculator. It uses details like your home size and the number of residents to create a personalized estimate. Alternatively, a general rule of thumb is to plan for 1 box for every 10 square feet of floor area, but this can vary widely, and does not account for unique situations, like how many people are living in the home, or if you’re more of a minimalist.
Does Home Depot give free boxes for moving?
No, Home Depot does not typically give away boxes for free. Sometimes, you can ask an employee for discarded product boxes, but there’s no guarantee of their availability or condition.
How many boxes for a 2,000 sq ft house?
A 2,000-square-foot house, which typically has 3 or 4 bedrooms, will likely require between75 and 85 moving boxes of various sizes. This can vary significantly based on your family’s lifestyle and how long you’ve lived there. Our calculator can provide a more tailored estimate for your specific situation.
What is the cheapest way to get moving boxes?
The cheapest way is to get them for free. You can start to search for free supplies by asking friends, neighbors, or colleagues who have recently moved. You can also check local businesses, grocery stores, and online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist for people giving away their used boxes.