Estimating the number of moving boxes you need isn’t an exact science. Every household is a bit different, but with our many years in the moving industry, we’ve learned a few things to help guide you through the process.
Moving Tip: The average 3 bedroom home will need approximately 100 moving boxes.
Here’s how that breaks down, room by room:
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Kitchen and Dining — 30 Boxes
Living Room — 10 Boxes
Garage — 15 Boxes
Master Bedroom — 15 Boxes
Second Bedroom — 10 Boxes
Third Bedroom — 10 Boxes
Utility/Closets — 10 Boxes
You’re going to need more boxes than you think.
The kitchen, pantry, closets, and garage almost always require more boxes than you expect! With so many small items, boxes fill up quickly. And keep in mind that packing materials add additional volume, taking up more space (and requiring more boxes) than your items alone.
Bigger boxes aren’t necessarily better.
You may be tempted to use large boxes since that means you will have less boxes overall. However, bigger boxes are more difficult to manage and could fall apart under the load.
If it fits in a box, put it in a box.
It doesn’t seem like a huge deal to move loose items, but trust us — it gets old, fast. Going back and forth with unboxed belongings is a hassle, and you’ll find that actually boxing your items is worth it!
Use specialty boxes for certain items.
Heavier items do better in smaller boxes, and did you know that there are moving boxes specifically for books? Using the right box for the right item can make your move much simpler.
Inspect any used boxes.
Used boxes can save you a lot of money, but they can be less sturdy than new ones. Look overused boxes before packing to make sure they will hold up.
Don’t buy all of your boxes at once!
Start packing your home early with just a handful of boxes. As you pack, you’ll have a much better gauge for how many boxes you are using and how many you still need. Buy as you go!
We hope these tips help you in estimating the number of boxes you need. If you’re looking for more help with your move, feel free to reach out to your local Little Guys Movers to find out how we can further assist you!
