Moving to a new home is one of the most hectic periods in anyone’s life. Packing everything you have accumulated over the years into cardboard boxes almost feels surreal. The best way to stay sane during this time is to plan and organize your move efficiently. This often raises the question, how many moving boxes do I need to pack all my belongings?
It feels impossible to know exactly how many boxes, especially which sizes, you’ll need for a quick and organized move. Luckily, there are some indicators and guides to reference when determining how many boxes you need for your move.
How Many Moving Boxes Do I Need?
There are many factors that influence exactly how many moving boxes you need to pack up your home. However, based on experience, below is a table showing how many boxes you need based on the size of your home.
Of course, this will also depend on how much you own, how many people are in your family, and other various factors.
Sizes and Types of Moving Boxes
To answer the question, “How many moving boxes do I need?” it’s important to know your options when buying, including having a variety of sizes and types to pack certain items. You don’t want to put fragile items in an extra-large box or one pillow in a small box.
To make the most efficient use of your moving boxes, we’ve broken them down into sizes and what to pack in each.
Small Moving Boxes (16x12x12 inches)
Small moving boxes are about 1.5 cubic feet and are great for packing books, magazines, kitchen glasses, mugs, or small items such as photo frames or candles.
Medium Moving Boxes (18x16x18 inches)
Medium-sized moving boxes are ideal for packing small kitchenware items, such as countertop appliances and dishes, office supplies, shoes, and small decorative items around the house.
Large Moving Boxes (18x18x24 inches)
Large moving boxes are great for packing blankets, comforters, pillows, towels, and other large items that don’t weigh too much. Remember, just because the box is big and can hold many items doesn’t mean it can support the weight of multiple heavy items!
Extra-Large Moving Boxes (24x20x24 inches)
An extra-large moving box is perfect for packing bulky or oddly shaped items. It’s great for your kids’ toys, table lamps, and more.
TV Boxes
When moving your flat-screen television, it’s recommended that you buy a TV box kit. This kit comes with a box that you can slide your television into and protect it with foam pads to ensure it is transported safely to your new home.
Dish Barrel Boxes
For fragile items, such as wine glasses, glassware, and ceramics, it’s recommended to buy dish barrel boxes. These study, corrugated boxes provide extra protection to breakable items and separate them into compartments.
Wardrobe Boxes
Save time and space when packing clothes with wardrobe boxes. You can easily pack your clothing in these large boxes while keeping your items on the hanger. Simply hang them in the box, and you’re good to go! No folding, rolling, or stuffing that results in wrinkled clothing.
Mike Hammer Moving: The Packing and Moving Professionals
When packing your home to move, one of the best things you can do to ensure a seamless and smooth experience is to hire a professional packing and moving company. Mike Hammer Moving will do all the heavy lifting, and if you ask us, “How many moving boxes do I need?” We’ll have an answer for you on top of making sure all of your valuable items arrive in your new home safe and sound.
Request a free quote for your move within the Kansas City area today!
FAQ’S ABOUT MOVING BOX COUNTS
Is it cheaper to buy boxes or get them free?
Free boxes from retailers or online marketplaces work fine for non-fragile items, but they vary in strength and size, which can slow down packing. For fragile or heavy items, uniform purpose-built boxes (like dish barrel or wardrobe boxes) are worth the cost. Our packing services and supplies page has the full breakdown of what we provide.
How many boxes should I add as a buffer beyond the estimate?
Add 10–15% to whatever the size-of-home estimate suggests. It’s far more common to run short on moving day than to have leftover boxes, and running out mid-pack is one of the most common moving-day delays.
