Moving Box Calculator
Enter your bedroom count or square footage and the number of people in your home. The packing calculator below estimates how many moving boxes of each size you will need. The numbers are estimates for a typical household; pack-rats need more, minimalists less.
How many moving boxes do I need?
It depends on the size of the home, how many people live in it and how much you have collected. For two people living a modest lifestyle, a studio needs about 41 boxes and a four-bedroom home about 120, counting every size. Use the calculator below to estimate moving boxes for your own home.
The calculator covers boxes only. Always get a few extra for last-minute packing.
How to estimate moving boxes
Start with the rooms you are packing: the more rooms, the more boxes, though kitchens and garages usually need more packing materials than bedrooms. Then adjust for the people who live there. Each person adds clothing, books and personal items, so for every additional household member add 10 to 20% to the counts.
Finally think about lifestyle and how long you have lived there. Minimalists who have been in a home a short time need fewer boxes than long-term residents who have collected things for years. If you regularly declutter, count on the low end; if you have lived there more than five years or have large hobbies such as sports, crafts or collectibles, count on the high end.
Pro tip: always order 10% more boxes than you think you will need. Extra boxes are useful for last-minute items, and unused boxes can usually be returned.
Moving box estimate by bedroom count
A baseline for two people living a modest lifestyle. Always get a few extra boxes.
| Box size | Studio | 1 BR | 2 BR | 3 BR | 4 BR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medium | 18 | 22 | 33 | 49 | 54 |
| Large | 12 | 14 | 17 | 28 | 35 |
| Extra large | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 |
| Wardrobe | 3 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 |
| Picture | 2 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 10 |
Moving box calculator by square feet
Square footage is another reliable way to estimate, especially if your home has a basement, a dining room or extra storage. Use the table below for a quick reference.
| Home size (square feet) | Small | Medium | Large | Extra-large |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 750 | 14 | 11 | 5 | 3 |
| 750 to 1,000 | 17 | 15 | 7 | 4 |
| 1,001 to 1,250 | 23 | 22 | 11 | 6 |
| 1,251 to 1,500 | 32 | 31 | 16 | 10 |
| 1,501 to 1,750 | 37 | 35 | 20 | 12 |
| 1,751 to 2,250 | 42 | 41 | 26 | 15 |
| 2,251 to 2,500 | 48 | 47 | 30 | 18 |
Expert tips for smarter packing
- Label every box clearly by room and contents.
- Pack heavier items such as books and tools in smaller boxes.
- Keep similar-sized boxes so they stack efficiently in the truck.
- Set aside one box for first-night essentials: toiletries, medications, chargers and bedding.
- Use the box count to plan the truck, too.
Moving box questions
Can I reuse boxes from a previous move?
Yes, as long as they are sturdy and dry. Reinforce older boxes with tape.
How many boxes do I need to move a 3-bedroom house?
About 102 boxes in total for two people living a modest lifestyle: 49 medium, 28 large, 10 extra-large, 7 wardrobe and 8 picture boxes. Add 10 to 20% for each additional household member, and order 10% extra.
What if I run out of boxes on moving day?
Fill suitcases, baskets or bags for overflow items, but plan ahead so you do not have to.
Are wardrobe boxes worth it?
Yes. They protect hanging clothes and save unpacking time.
Who is going to drive the truck?
Once the boxes are packed, someone has to drive the 26-foot truck across the country. If that is not a job anyone in the family wants, our professional drivers, mostly ex-long-haul truckers and former police officers, can drive it for you. Read about driving a U-Haul cross country, and the option to hire a driver.