Moving Box Calculator
Estimate moving boxes needed by room type with breakdown by small, medium and large sizes.
How to Use the Moving Box Calculator
Estimate how many moving boxes you need based on the rooms in your home. This tool gives you a breakdown by box size so you can order or collect the right quantities before moving day.
- Select your rooms — check the rooms that apply to your home. Options include bedrooms, kitchen, living room, bathroom, home office, garage and more.
- Adjust quantities — if you have multiple bedrooms or bathrooms, use the + / - buttons to set the count for each room type.
- Review the results — the calculator shows total boxes by size (small, medium, large) and a per-room breakdown table.
Box sizes follow industry standards: Small (16"x12"x12") for heavy items like books, Medium (18"x18"x16") for kitchen and general items, and Large (24"x18"x18") for bedding, pillows and lightweight bulky items.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate are the box estimates?
The estimates are based on professional mover averages for a typical household. Your actual needs may vary depending on how much stuff is in each room. Use the estimates as a starting point and add 10-15% extra boxes for safety.
What size box should I use for books?
Always use small boxes for books. A medium or large box packed with books becomes too heavy to lift safely. Keep book boxes under 40-50 lbs for safe handling.
What goes in each box size?
Small boxes: books, canned goods, tools, small electronics. Medium boxes: pots, pans, dishes (well-wrapped), clothes, toys, small appliances. Large boxes: bedding, pillows, lampshades, towels, stuffed animals and other lightweight bulky items.
Should I order more boxes than estimated?
Yes, order 10-15% more than the estimate. It is much better to have leftover boxes (which can be recycled or given away) than to run out on moving day. Extra boxes also let you pack less densely for fragile items.
Do I need specialty boxes too?
This calculator covers standard boxes. You may also need wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes, dish-pack boxes for fragile kitchen items, mirror/picture boxes for artwork, and mattress bags. These are typically bought separately.
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