So, you’re packing up and heading off on a new adventure. Wondering what it takes to make the big move? Some grit, tons of planning, and lots and lots of boxes. But just how many are we talking?
There’s no easy answer, since it changes from household to household, but we’re determined to help you get to the correct number. So we’ve created a complete breakdown with all you need to know about boxes for your move — how many you’ll need, which kind of boxes to choose, and even where to find them!
How Many Boxes Does It Take To Move?
The last thing you want is to run out of boxes on moving day, but you also don’t want to be stuck with a bunch of empty ones after the move. Before we get to the numbers, here are a few questions you should ask yourself:
- What is the size of your house or apartment?
- How many rooms do you have?
- How many belongings do you have, and which of these can be packed into boxes?
- Have you decluttered your space and determined what should be dumped, donated, and stored instead of taken along to the new place?
This line of questioning is a good starting point for determining how many boxes you’ll need.
Below are estimates on just how many boxes you’d need based on the size of your home:
| The Size of Your Home | Estimated Number of Boxes You’ll Need |
| One room/small studio | 10–20 boxes; at least 3 medium boxes and 2 large boxes |
| One-bedroom flat | 20–40 boxes; at least 10 medium boxes and 5 large boxes |
| Two-bedroom flat | 40–80 boxes; at least 30 medium boxes and 10 large boxes |
| Three-bedroom flat/house | 80–100 boxes in various sizes; at least 15 large boxes |
| Four- to five-bedroom house | 100–200 boxes in various sizes; at least 15–20 large boxes |
Don’t let these estimates box you in; it’s always good to get extras just in case, especially if you’ve got more stuff than most.
Types of Moving Boxes
When you move, you’ll need a variety of boxes in different sizes and types. How many of each you’ll need depends on what you own. These are the kinds of boxes you may want to use for your move:
Standard Moving Box
Simple and sturdy moving boxes should accommodate the majority of your possessions, and you can get regular-sized ones as well as larger sizes. Large boxes are best for big but durable items like pots and pans and non-fragile items like clothing, linens, and shoes. You can expect these boxes to be around 53x45cm.
Smaller- or medium-sized boxes are suitable for packing heavier things, small items, and delicate pieces like crockery — packing these tightly in smaller boxes means they won’t shift around as much. A medium size box should be about 47cm x 34cm.
Mirror Packing Box
These are specifically designed to keep your pictures or mirrors safe and sound in transit — skip the seven years of bad luck and the mess of broken glass!
Archive Box
These are used for storing things like paperwork, files, books, magazines, and even CDs and DVDs. It’s good to know your files are all in order during a move, and these boxes will keep them in tip-top condition — no crumpled papers over here.
Wardrobe Box
Packing up and moving all your clothes is one of the most significant undertakings when it comes to moving homes. It’s especially difficult to pack away your bulky pieces, like winter coats and heavy jackets, as these aren’t easily folded and packed into a small box. Wardrobe boxes allow you to store hanging garments, giving you the perfect portable closet for your move.
Why You Need Quality Moving Boxes
Many people are tempted to go for random or reused boxes for their move to save money. Ultimately, this can result in even greater costs, as your items are likely to break or become damaged without the correct packaging materials. Moving boxes are generally very affordable, so investing in these will save you time, money, and stress in the end.
Here are a few reasons you should invest in high-quality moving boxes:
- Sturdiness: Flimsy boxes are a nightmare when you move — if they break or collapse during the move, your things could easily break too. High-quality moving boxes are made from sturdy materials, allowing them to withstand the weight of your items and resist tearing or crushing.
- Organisation: Different moving boxes are designed specifically to move and store specific items. Choosing the right box will protect your items and keep them better organised.
- Durability: Quality moving boxes are less likely to absorb moisture or be easily damaged by rain or humidity. This feature protects your belongings from potential water damage during the move.
- Uniformity: If you need to stack your boxes for transit or storage, you can buy moving boxes in the same size, maximising space and ensuring the stacks don’t topple over.
Tip: If you’re packing anything fragile, invest in bubble wrap and packing paper to protect delicate items and fill the gaps in your boxes. For added security, you can mark your boxes with fragile tape so anyone handling them will know to be extra careful.
Now that you know what you need, the next step is securing some sturdy packaging materials. Luckily, you can head to your nearest Storage World and find all your packaging essentials under one convenient roof! And if there’s anything you’re not taking along for the move, pop them into one of our modern storage units. Get a quick and easy quote now ahead of the big move!
