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You know you need boxes, but how many exactly? Whether you’ve moved a dozen times or you have never moved at all, deciding how to pack your items can be difficult. Even for those who move frequently, you are likely to have accumulated more items since the last time which means more boxes now!
Here we will look at the box sizes you can get for moving and how many you are likely to need of each.
Defining Box Sizes
Moving boxes are available in as small as one cubic foot up to over 11 cubic feet. The smallest of the boxes are specially designed to hold books. They are small and sturdy so they are easy to carry and will not get overloaded. The largest of the boxes are wardrobe boxes and they serve as movable closets.
Standard box sizes include:
Small boxes: 1 to 1.5 cubic feet. Use these boxes for smaller and heavier items. While it can be tempting to use fewer larger boxes, these small boxes will not get overloaded the way a large box can. Small boxes are also best used for any items that may leak or cause damage to other items. Keep these items contained together to reduce risk.
Medium boxes: Up to 3 cubic feet. Medium boxes are the most versatile of the box sizes. They are big enough to carry canned goods, small appliances and more. When in doubt, get extra medium boxes as they are often the size that comes in the most handy.
Large boxes: Up to 3.5 cubic feet. Large boxes are the second most commonly used when moving. These can be used to pack blankets, clothes, shoes, and other voluminous things. However, avoid putting multiple heavy objects in a large box even if they seem to fit. Overfilling these boxes will not only weaken them but make them very difficult to carry. The time you might think you’re saving by having less boxes will actually end up taking more time to move.
Extra large boxes: 4 cubic feet and up. Extra large boxes are also good for large but not heavy items like comforters, blankets, and clothes. Other items can also be put in large boxes if they are securely wrapped up. For example, sporting equipment, toys, and certain kitchen items can be wrapped in bubble wrap or towels for safe transport.
How Many Boxes Per Room for Moving
There are several ways to break down how many boxes for moving are needed. You can estimate based on your whole home or by how many rooms you have. As a general rule of thumb, each room will require around:
- 8 to 10 small boxes
- 8 to 10 medium boxes
- 5 large or extra large boxes
How Many Boxes Based on Home Size
Use these estimates to get a general idea of how many boxes you are likely to need for your whole home.
- 1-Bedroom Homes (Under 700 sq ft): for a 1-bedroom home, you will need 12 small boxes, 12 medium boxes, and 7 large or extra large boxes.
- 2-Bedroom Home (Up to 1250 sq ft): for a 2-bedroom home, you are likely to need 20 small boxes, 20 medium boxes, and 15 large or extra large boxes.
- 3-Bedroom Home (Up to 1700 sq ft): for a 3-bedroom home, you will likely need 30 small boxes, 35 medium boxes, and 30 large or extra large boxes.
- 4-Bedroom Home (Up to 2200 sq ft): for a 4-bedroom home, you will need 40 small boxes, 40 medium boxes, and around 35 large to extra large boxes.
What Factors Affect How Many Moving Boxes I Will Need?
Aside from the obvious factor of how much stuff you have, there are other things that will affect the number of boxes you will need. In particular, the type of items you have and how densely packed your home is currently. Let’s take a closer look at these factors:
Fragile Items
To ensure the safety of fragile items, you need to ensure they are wrapped properly and given enough space so they are not damaged by bumping into other items. The more fragile items you have, the more particular you will need to be about how things are packed.
Fortunately, one way to make packing small, fragile objects easier is with a fragile packing kit. A Fragile kit can be used to subdivide a regular box into 12 or 24 smaller compartments. Use this kit to keep smaller items from shifting while also saving space inside a larger box versus many small boxes.
This is also an economical choice that cuts down on waste. Reduce the amount of tissue paper and bubble wrap needed for fragile items when they are securely held in a fragile kit box. You can also easily store items in a converted box or reuse the divider which can be folded flat for storage.
Dense or Sparse Furnishings
Are you a collector with many things or do you prefer minimalism? If your home primarily has large pieces of furniture with few nick nacks or other small items, you will likely require less boxes. Neither furniture nor major appliances will require a box.
How Many Items Require Boxing
Both furniture and appliances can be moved without a packing box. Instead, you will want to consider moving blankets for some items. Moving blankets are thick, durable, and reusable blankets that protect items that are too large to be packed in boxes. Since these items do not need to be boxed, you do not need to consider them when determining how many boxes you will need.
How Long You’ve Been in Your Current Home
While this is not always the case, most people who have lived in a home for many years tend to have more things than people who have only resided there for a few years. In fact, if you have lived in your home for many decades it may be time to consider selling or donating some items instead of packing them. This can save you both time and money on your moving expenses while also helping you avoid cluttering your new home.
How Many People in Your Household
While the number of boxes is often estimated based on the number of rooms, the number of residents is sometimes even more important. For example, a 3 bedroom home with one resident will tend to have less items than a two-bedroom home with four residents. Obviously there are exceptions to this, but it is something to consider when estimating the number of boxes you need.
Get Moving Boxes Now
Ready to get started with your move? Toronto Trailers is here to help. We carry standard boxes of all sizes from small to extra large. Choose from these or our specialty boxes including wardrobe moving boxes and fragile box kits.
Contact Toronto Trailers today for expert help for all your moving and packing needs.
