How many moving boxes do you need? A studio needs about 15 to 20. A three-bedroom house needs 60 to 80. This box calculator gives counts by home size and by room, plus the right mix of small, medium, large, and wardrobe boxes.
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Moving Box Calculator by Home Size
Start with your home size. Then adjust for how full your closets and cabinets are. Counts assume a normal amount of stuff. Collectors and long-time owners should add 20 percent.
| Home | Small | Medium | Large | Wardrobe | Dish kits | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 5 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 15–20 |
| 1 bedroom | 8 | 10 | 5 | 1–2 | 1 | 20–30 |
| 2 bedrooms | 12 | 18 | 8 | 2–4 | 1–2 | 35–50 |
| 3 bedrooms | 20 | 30 | 15 | 4–6 | 2 | 60–80 |
| 4 bedrooms | 28 | 40 | 20 | 6–8 | 2–3 | 90–110 |
| 5+ bedrooms | 35 | 50 | 25 | 8–10 | 3 | 120+ |
How Many Boxes per Room?
Home size is a rough start. Rooms are where the real count comes from. Walk each room with this list and a notepad.
| Room | Small | Medium | Large | Special |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen | 4 | 8 | 2 | 1–2 dish kits, 1 glass kit |
| Living room | 3 | 5 | 3 | TV box or bubble wrap, mirror box |
| Master bedroom | 2 | 5 | 4 | 2 wardrobe boxes, mattress bag |
| Kids’ bedroom | 2 | 4 | 3 | 1 wardrobe box |
| Home office | 5 | 3 | 1 | file box, cord bags |
| Bathroom | 2 | 2 | 0 | zip bags for liquids |
| Garage or basement | 6 | 6 | 4 | tool boxes, bins for sports gear |
Which Box Sizes to Buy
The three sizes below cover almost every home. Small boxes carry weight. Medium boxes carry most of the house. Large boxes carry bulk that weighs little.
Need packing help or a full-service move? Request a LiteMovers estimate or call (610) 755-5535.
Box sizes by job
- ✓U-Haul Small Moving Boxes, 10-pack — books, records, canned food, tools, and dense decor.
- ✓U-Haul Medium Moving Boxes, 10-pack — kitchen items, toys, shoes, small appliances, and pantry.
- ✓U-Haul Large Moving Boxes, 10-pack — bedding, pillows, towels, lampshades, and coats.
- ✓U-Haul Box Variety Pack, 25 boxes — a balanced 25-box mix; one pack per bedroom is a good rule.
- ✓U-Haul Shorty Wardrobe Boxes, 3-pack — hanging clothes; three boxes cover an average closet.
- ✓U-Haul Dish Packing Kit — plates and bowls; each kit includes cell dividers and foam.
Rather skip the shopping? Request a LiteMovers estimate or call (610) 755-5535.
Kits for Apartments and Whole Homes
Kits bundle boxes with tape, paper, and a dish kit. They save a shopping trip. They fit best when your home matches the kit size.
Need packing help or a full-service move? Request a LiteMovers estimate or call (610) 755-5535.
Kits by home size
- ✓U-Haul Apartment Moving Kit, 21 boxes — studios and one-bedrooms: 21 boxes, dish kit, tape, and a mattress bag.
- ✓U-Haul Kitchen Moving Kit — just the kitchen: dish kit, glass kit, five boxes, paper, and tape.
- ✓U-Haul Household Moving Kit, 36 boxes — two- to three-bedroom homes: 36 boxes, wardrobes, and dish kits.
Rather skip the shopping? Request a LiteMovers estimate or call (610) 755-5535.
Signs You Need More Boxes Than Average
- ✓You have lived in the home ten years or longer.
- ✓A finished basement, attic, or two-car garage is full.
- ✓You own more than 200 books or a record collection.
- ✓The kitchen has a full china cabinet or bar.
- ✓Kids’ rooms have bins of toys and sports gear.
LiteMovers can count boxes for you during an in-home or virtual estimate. Read why the right moving boxes matter and our deeper box guide. Then see the full supplies checklist or go back to the moving supplies guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many moving boxes do I need for a one-bedroom apartment?
A one-bedroom home needs about 20 to 30 boxes. That is roughly 8 small, 10 medium, 5 large, 1 wardrobe, and 1 dish kit. Add more if you have a full kitchen or a book collection.
How many boxes does a three-bedroom house need?
Plan on 60 to 80 boxes for a three-bedroom house. A common mix is 20 small, 30 medium, 15 large, 5 wardrobe, and 2 dish kits. Garages and basements can add 20 more.
What size box is best for books?
Small boxes, about 1.5 cubic feet, are best for books. A small box full of books weighs 35 to 45 pounds. A medium box of books can pass 70 pounds and fail at the bottom.
Should I order more boxes than I think I need?
Yes. Order about ten percent extra. Most people own more than they remember, and running out on the last night is the most common packing problem we see.
How many boxes fit in a moving truck?
A 26-foot truck carries a full three- to four-bedroom home, including 80 to 100 boxes and the furniture. Box count matters less than total weight and how well the load stacks.
Planning a move in Philadelphia, the Main Line, or beyond?
LiteMovers packs, moves, and stores for families across the Philadelphia suburbs. Get a real estimate from a real local mover.
Call (610) 755-5535 · Toll-free 1-877-798-8989
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