Free Online Calculators
Calculate moving boxes and packing material needed
This calculator helps you figure out exactly how many moving boxes and how much packing material you'll need for your move. It estimates quantities based on your home size, number of rooms, and how many people are moving. Take the guesswork out of packing and plan your move with confidence.
Moving costs come down to volume, distance and labour: estimate the cubic metres of your belongings, add the kilometres to the new address, and factor in hours for loading, carrying and unloading. Extras like packing material, a lift platform, parking permits and storage are billed separately.
You want a mix: small, sturdy boxes for books, tools and crockery, medium boxes for kitchen items and toys, and large boxes for bedding, cushions and clothing. Wardrobe boxes with a hanging rail save you from ironing suits and dresses again.
Most movers prefer cardboard boxes because they come in uniform sizes, stack tightly and can be stacked high without slipping. Plastic totes are handy for reuse and damp storage, but their lids and tapered shape waste space in the truck.
Removal firms refuse hazardous goods such as petrol, gas cylinders, paint, solvents, fireworks, ammunition and open cleaning chemicals, plus perishable food and live plants on long hauls. Cash, jewellery, passports, medication and hard drives should stay with you personally.
The kitchen is generally the hardest, because it mixes fragile glass and crockery with awkward appliances, food stocks and dozens of small items. Plan extra time, small boxes and plenty of paper for it.
Free used boxes are the cheapest option: ask supermarkets, bookshops, electronics stores, and check local classifieds or neighbourhood groups where people give away boxes after their own move. If you buy, bundled packs from removal suppliers cost less per box than single purchases at a hardware store.
Moving to a new home is exciting, but figuring out how many boxes you need can feel overwhelming. Pack too few and you're scrambling at the last minute. Pack too many and you're wasting money on supplies you'll never use. Our free Moving Box Calculator takes the guesswork out of packing by estimating exactly how many boxes and how much packing material you'll need based on your home size and belongings.
Most people dramatically underestimate how many boxes a typical move requires. A one-bedroom apartment might need 30 to 50 boxes, while a four-bedroom house can easily require 150 or more. Without a solid estimate, you risk multiple trips to the store mid-pack – one of the most frustrating experiences in an already stressful process.
Using a calculator gives you a data-driven starting point so you can buy supplies once, stay organized throughout the packing process, and keep your moving budget on track. It also helps you plan the size of the moving truck you'll need and estimate how many trips or how much professional moving help to arrange.
Our calculator asks for a few key inputs to generate your personalized packing estimate:
Based on these inputs, the calculator returns an estimated number of small, medium, large, and specialty boxes, along with the amount of bubble wrap, packing paper, and tape you'll likely need.
Not all boxes are created equal. Using the right size for each type of item makes packing faster and protects your belongings during transport.
Best for heavy items like books, canned goods, tools, and small appliances. Keeping dense items in smaller boxes prevents boxes from becoming too heavy to lift safely.
The workhorse of any move. Medium boxes are ideal for kitchen items, toys, small electronics, lamps, and décor. They're the most versatile size and you'll likely need the most of these.
Use large boxes for light but bulky items like pillows, comforters, towels, and clothing. Avoid filling them with heavy items – they'll be nearly impossible to carry.
Wardrobe boxes keep hanging clothes wrinkle-free. Dish packs have built-in dividers for glassware. Picture and mirror boxes protect flat fragile items. TV boxes safeguard screens during transit. If you have these types of items, specialty boxes are absolutely worth the investment.
Beyond boxes, a successful move requires the right supporting materials. Here's what to stock up on:
Even with the right number of boxes, poor packing technique can lead to broken items and wasted space. Keep these best practices in mind:
A 2-bedroom apartment typically requires between 40 and 60 boxes depending on how much you've accumulated. Use our calculator with your specific room details to get a more accurate number tailored to your situation.
Many grocery stores, liquor stores, bookstores, and big-box retailers give away used boxes for free. Apps like Nextdoor, Facebook Marketplace, and Freecycle are also great places to find people giving away boxes after their own recent moves.
Ideally, start collecting boxes 4 to 6 weeks before your move date. This gives you time to gather enough without running out of packing time. Starting early also means less stress as moving day approaches.
New boxes are more reliable – they're structurally sound and the right size. Second-hand boxes can work well for lighter items, but inspect them carefully for moisture damage, weak seams, or pest issues before using them for anything valuable or fragile.
Absolutely. Moving boxes can be reused multiple times if they're stored flat in a dry location. Many people resell them or give them away after their move, so they rarely go to waste.