![How Many Moving Boxes Do You Need [Quick Guide]](https://cdn.wisemove.co.za/image/blog/ea20e623ec8cfeebb2a2fe19a5f9241f.jpeg "How Many Moving Boxes Do You Need [Quick Guide]")
The answer will, of course, depend on several factors, such as the size of your house, the number of rooms, the amount of furniture, and the type of items you have. There is no one-size-fits-all formula, but there are some general guidelines that can help you estimate how many boxes and other packing supplies you will need. And to help you, we created this guide just for you.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to estimate how many moving boxes you need for your move. We’ll also share some tips on how to get the best-moving supplies and kits for your house size and needs. Lastly, we’ll share a handy checklist of all the supplies you’ll need for your big move.
Knowing how many moving boxes you need can help you:
Save time and money. You can avoid wasting time and money on buying or renting too many or too few boxes. You can also plan your packing and moving schedule better.
Protect your belongings. You can choose the right size and type of boxes for your items and pack them properly to prevent damage or loss.
Reduce stress and hassle. You can have a smoother and easier packing and moving experience without having to worry about running out of boxes or having too much clutter.
There is no exact formula for calculating how many moving boxes you need, as it depends on several factors, such as:
The size of your house or apartment
The number of rooms and furniture pieces
The type and quantity of items you have
Your packing style and preferences
However, there are some general guidelines that can help you get a ballpark figure of how many boxes you need. Here’s how to do it in three steps:
Make an inventory of your items. Go through each room and list down all your items - from the dresser to the dining table - and write their approximate sizes using a notepad or, better yet, use a volume calculator.
Group your items by category and box size. Categorise your stuff and figure out the box sizes. Books? Small boxes. Clothes? Medium boxes. Pillows? Large boxes. Lamps? Extra-large boxes. You get the drift.
Use the table below as a reference for how many boxes you need per room:
| Room | Small Boxes | Medium Boxes | Large Boxes | Extra-Large Boxes |
| Bedroom | 4 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Living Room | 2 | 4 | 6 | 4 |
| Kitchen | 6 | 8 | 4 | Avoid Large Boxes |
| Dining Room | 4 | 6 | 2 | 2 |
| Bathroom | 2 | 4 | 2 | - |
| Garage/Storage | 4 | 6 | 4+ | 4+ |
**Note that these numbers are only estimates and, of course, will vary depending on your specific items and preferences.**
Now that you’ve figured out the numbers do yourself these two favours:
Add 10% to 20% extra boxes to your total. This should cover any unexpected items or last-minute packing or surprise items.
Finally, don’t forget to add speciality boxes for items that require special care, such as TV boxes, wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes, dish boxes for plates and bowls, and picture boxes for frames and paintings.
If you want to save time and money on buying moving supplies individually, you can opt for moving kits. These are pre-packaged sets of boxes and other packing materials that are designed for different house sizes and needs. You can also create your own moving kit by purchasing according to the size of your house or apartment:
| Moving Kit 1 Bedroom Place | Moving Kit 2 Bedroom Place | Moving Kit 3 Bedroom Place | Moving Kit 4 Bedroom Place |
| Suitable for a studio or one-bedroom apartment. | Suitable for a two-bedroom house or apartment. | Suitable for a three-bedroom house or apartment | Suitable for a four-bedroom house or apartment |
|
22 x Small Boxes (450 x 300 x 300mm) 34 x Medium (600 x 450 x 300mm & 450 x 450 x 500mm) 22 x Large (500 mm x 400 mm x 655 mm) 12 x Extra Large (500 x 400 x 780mm) 1 x Bubble Wrap (625mm x 100M) 6 x Clear Tape (48mm x 50M) 1 x Tape Dispenser (optional) 25 x Fragile Stickers 2 X Black Markers 4 x Pallet Wrap (100mm x 150M) 1 x Scissor |
26 x Small Boxes (450 x 300 x 300mm) 40 x Medium (600 x 450 x 300mm & 450 x 450 x 500mm) 26 x Large (500 mm x 400 mm x 655 mm) 14 x Extra Large (500 x 400 x 780mm) 1 x Bubble Wrap (625mm x 100M) 8 x Clear Tape (48mm x 50M) 1 x Tape Dispenser (optional) 40 x Fragile Stickers 2 X Black Markers 6 x Pallet Wrap (100mm x 150M) 2 x Scissor |
32 x Small Boxes (450 x 300 x 300mm) 50 x Medium (600 x 450 x 300mm & 450 x 450 x 500mm) 32 x Large (500 mm x 400 mm x 655 mm) 16 x Extra Large (500 x 400 x 780mm) 2 x Bubble Wrap (625mm x 100M) 10 x Clear Tape (48mm x 50M) 2 x Tape Dispenser (optional) 50 x Fragile Stickers 4 X Black Markers 8 x Pallet Wrap (100mm x 150M) 4 x Scissor |
36 x Small Boxes (450 x 300 x 300mm) 56 x Medium (600 x 450 x 300mm & 450 x 450 x 500mm) 36 x Large (500 mm x 400 mm x 655 mm) 18 x Extra Large (500 x 400 x 780mm) 3 x Bubble Wrap (625mm x 100M) 12 x Clear Tape (48mm x 50M) 3 x Tape Dispenser (optional) 60 x Fragile Stickers 6 X Black Markers 10 x Pallet Wrap (100mm x 150M) 6 x Scissor |
Trying to figure out everything that you need for your move - beyond the boxes - can be a little stressful, so here’s a checklist to help you get started.
Moving boxes: These are the essential containers for your items. They come in different sizes and shapes, such as small, medium, large, extra-large, wardrobe, book, dish, and picture boxes. You can buy them from moving companies or online retailers or get them for free from local stores or friends who have recently moved.
Packing tape: This is used to seal the boxes and prevent them from opening during transit. You will need about one roll of tape for every 10 to 15 boxes.
Bubble wrap: This is used to protect fragile items, such as glassware, dishes, mirrors, and artwork.
Packing paper: This is used to fill the empty spaces in the boxes and prevent the items from shifting or rattling. Save up your old newspapers to help your budget here!
Labels or markers: These are used to mark the boxes with their contents and destination rooms. This will make it easier for you and the movers to identify and organize the boxes.
Moving blankets: These are used to cover and protect large furniture pieces, such as sofas, tables, chairs, and mattresses. You will need about one blanket for every large furniture item. Use your household blankets to save money and space!
Get the full list and where to get your packaging supplies here: Where to Buy Packaging Supplies in South Africa
When it comes to moving, packing takes the spotlight. Simplify this crucial task by gauging your supply needs using our pointers.
And also simply the moving process by using Wise Move to find the best moving quote for your budget and needs. Trust Wise Move to connect you to top-notch movers all in one platform.
Wise Move is South Africa’s leading moving service, helping thousands of customers with home moves, furniture removals, car and motorcycle transport, and more. Since 2017, we’ve been delivering reliable, affordable, and well-reviewed moving services in just a few simple steps. Our focus has always been on making moving as simple and effortless as possible for our customers.
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