How Many Boxes Do You Need When Moving House?

Moving boxes are a key part of every house move. To keep your move organised and avoid last-minute stress, it’s important to make sure you have enough boxes for all your belongings. Below is an estimated number of boxes you may need, depending on the size of the property you are moving from:

Estimated Number of Boxes by Property Size:

Studio/1 Bed Flat - 15-25 boxes

2 Bed home - 30-40 boxes

3 Bed home - 50-70 boxes

4 Bed home - 80-120 boxes

PS: These ranges are widely used by movers as general estimates. However, the exact number of boxes may vary depending on how much clutter you have, whether you have additional storage areas (such as a loft, garage, or shed), and how long you have lived in the property.

Estimated Number of Moving Boxes Per Room

Room Estimated Number of Boxes

Kitchen 10–15 boxes

Living Room 5–10 boxes

Bedroom 5–10 boxes per bedroom

Bathroom 2–4 boxes

Home Office 3–6 boxes

Garage / Shed 5–15 boxes

Loft / Storage Areas 5–10 boxes

Dining Room 3–6 boxes

Types of Moving Boxes You May Need

Not all items should go in the same type of box. Using the right box can make packing easier and protect your belongings.

Small boxes
Best for heavy items such as:

• books

• tools

• canned food

Medium boxes
Good for:

• kitchen items

• toys

• decorations

Large boxes
Best for lightweight items such as:

• bedding

• pillows

• clothing

Specialty boxes
Some moving companies also offer:

• wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes

• dish boxes for fragile kitchenware

• TV or electronics boxes

Where to Get Moving Boxes?

• Ask local shops for free boxes
  Many local supermarkets or shops are often happy to give away empty boxes, as they usually need to dispose of them anyway. This can help you save money on packing supplies.

• Buy boxes online or in-store

  If you prefer new boxes or need specific sizes, buying moving boxes online can save time and make packing much easier 📦

  Here are some useful moving box and packing supply options from Amazon:

  • Small Moving Boxes https://amzn.to/4u1iwJs

  • Large Moving Boxes https://amzn.to/4u1ifX1

  • Heavy Duty Packing Tape https://amzn.to/3PsiE6C

  • Moving Bags: https://amzn.to/4vf8HZw

  • Bubble Wrap https://amzn.to/4wVwqQ4

  • Packing Paper https://amzn.to/3RugvYG

  • Moving Labels https://amzn.to/4wWsVZI

  • Wardrobe Boxes https://amzn.to/3PsnVLr

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Packing Tips to Save Space and Money

• Use bin bags for clothing. Clothes can easily be packed into bin bags to save money on extra boxes.

• Soft toys can go in bin bags too. If you have children, teddy bears and other soft toys can also be packed this way since they won’t get damaged.

• Use your suitcases. Fill them with non-fragile items such as books, shoes, or folded clothes.

• Make use of backpacks. Backpacks are perfect for smaller items and can help free up space in boxes for more fragile belongings.

• Label every box clearly. Use labels or a marker to write the destination room on each box so movers know exactly where it should go in the new house.

• Declutter your home before your move by throwing away, donating, or selling items you no longer need. This will reduce the number of things you have to pack and make the moving process easier.

Extra Tip (Better Safe than Sorry):
It’s a good idea to get around 10% more boxes than you think you will need, just in case you run out during packing. Another option is to unpack boxes as you arrive at your new home and reuse them, although this may slow down the moving process.

Planning a move involves dozens of small tasks, and it’s easy to forget something important. That’s why tools like Movly App can be so helpful. It keeps your moving checklist organised, sends reminders, and even helps you track address changes and local services near your new home.