Working out how many boxes to move house is one of the first jobs when a move is coming up, and getting it roughly right saves a lot of stress later. Order too few and you are making a late dash for more. Order too many and you are tripping over flat-packed cardboard for weeks. This guide gives you rough totals by home size, then breaks it down room by room, so you can pack with confidence and know exactly what to pick up before moving day.
The quick answer: rough box totals by home size
As a general rule, plan for the following:
- Studio or one bedroom flat: 15 to 25 boxes
- Two bedroom house: 25 to 40 boxes
- Three bedroom house: 40 to 60 boxes
- Four or more bedrooms: 60 to 90 boxes, sometimes more
These are starting points, not exact numbers. A minimalist couple in a two-bedroom house might need 25 boxes, while a family who have lived somewhere for years could easily pass 50. Two things push the number up more than anything else: how long you have lived there, and how much you keep in the loft, garage and kitchen.
If you want a tighter estimate, the room-by-room breakdown below is the most reliable way to plan.
A room-by-room box guide
Packing by room keeps things organised and makes unpacking far quicker at the other end. Here is what to expect from each space.
Bedrooms
Allow 5 to 10 boxes per bedroom. Clothes take up the most room, so a couple of wardrobe boxes per person keeps hanging items crease-free, with medium boxes for folded clothes, bedding and shoes. Add a small box for anything heavy, such as books on a bedside shelf.
Kitchen
The kitchen is usually the most box-hungry room, so plan for 8 to 12 boxes. Use small, sturdy boxes for crockery, glassware and tinned food, as these get heavy fast. Wrap fragile items individually and fill gaps so nothing shifts in transit. Keep one box back for the kettle, mugs and tea bags, and label it clearly, because it is the first thing you will want in the new place.
Living room
Around 5 to 8 boxes covers most living rooms. Books and DVDs go in small boxes to keep the weight manageable, while cushions, throws and lampshades fill large boxes without adding much weight. Electronics travel best in their original boxes if you still have them, or well padded in a medium box.
Bathroom
Bathrooms are quick, usually 2 to 3 boxes for toiletries, towels and cabinet contents. Seal any liquids in a bag first to avoid leaks.
Loft, garage and shed
This is the wildcard. Depending on what you store, allow anywhere from 5 to 15 boxes, plus space for tools, garden equipment and seasonal items. A move is the perfect moment to sort through this space, as most people find things they no longer need.
What box sizes you actually need
Using the right box for the job protects your belongings and saves your back. A good mix looks like this:
- Small boxes: heavy items such as books, tins, tools and crockery
- Medium boxes: the workhorse, for kitchenware, toys, folded clothes and general items
- Large boxes: light and bulky items such as bedding, cushions, pillows and lampshades
- Wardrobe boxes: hanging clothes, so they arrive ready to hang
- Book or archive boxes: paperwork, files and heavier books
A rough split many movers use is roughly half medium, a quarter small, a quarter large, plus one or two wardrobe boxes per person.
Do not forget the extras
Boxes are only part of the job. To pack properly and protect what matters, you will also want:
- Bubble wrap for glassware, mirrors, frames and electronics
- Packing paper to fill gaps and wrap crockery
- Strong packing tape and a dispenser
- Marker pens for labelling each box by room
- Furniture and mattress covers to keep larger items clean in transit or in storage
Taking a little extra care with fragile items is always worth it. Wrap each piece separately, pack plates on their edge rather than flat, and never leave empty space in a box, as movement is what causes breakages.
Where to get your moving boxes in Stoke-on-Trent
If you are moving in or around the Potteries, Super Storage keeps a full range of moving boxes and packing materials in stock at our Cobridge facility. You will find small, medium, large and wardrobe boxes, along with bubble wrap, tape and covers, so you can pick up everything for the move in one visit. You can browse the full range of packing supplies at our Cobridge facility and simply collect what you need on the day.
If your move does not line up neatly and you need somewhere to keep things for a while, we also offer flexible storage during your house move. Not sure how much space you would need? Our size guide helps you work out the right unit size before you book.
Final thoughts
Knowing roughly how many boxes to move house takes one big unknown out of the process. Use the totals above as your starting point, adjust room by room, and always add a few spare boxes, because it is far better to have one too many than one too few.
At Super Storage we keep moving boxes and packing materials in stock at our Cobridge facility in Stoke-on-Trent. There is nothing to order online, just come to reception and collect what you need on the day. If you would like help choosing the right supplies, or you need affordable, secure storage during your move, get in touch with our friendly local team and we will be happy to help.
Frequently Ask Question
How many boxes do I need for a one bedroom flat?
Most one bedroom flats need around 15 to 25 boxes, with a couple of wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes. If you have a lot of books, kitchenware or hobby equipment, plan towards the higher end.
How many boxes for a three bedroom house?
A three bedroom house typically needs 40 to 60 boxes. The exact number depends on how much you keep in the kitchen, loft and garage, so add a few extra if those spaces are full.
What size boxes should I use for moving?
Use small boxes for heavy items like books and crockery, medium boxes for general belongings, and large boxes for light, bulky things such as bedding. Wardrobe boxes keep hanging clothes tidy. A mix of all four covers almost every move.
How far in advance should I get my moving boxes?
Aim to have your boxes at least two to three weeks before moving day. This gives you time to pack a few boxes each evening rather than rushing everything at the last minute, which is when breakages tend to happen.
