June 23, 2025
When preparing for a move, one of the most common questions is, “How many boxes will I need?” It might seem like a simple inquiry, but the answer depends on several variables.
Whether you are moving from a studio apartment or a four-bedroom home, estimating the number of moving boxes ahead of time can help make the process smoother and less stressful.
Suppose you are working with a reputable Chicago moving company. In that case, you may have access to helpful advice or packing assistance, but having a clear idea of your box count before you begin can give you the confidence to plan your move more efficiently.
Estimating Boxes by Room Type
Every room in your house has a unique purpose and contains unique items, which in turn influence the number of boxes you would need.
For the kitchen, expect a high number of small and medium boxes. Plates, glasses, pantry staples, and utensils are available in large quantities, and they are also breakable. For a typical kitchen, a reasonable guess would be 6-10 small boxes and 4-6 medium boxes; add a few more in case special cookware or a large pantry is packed.
Bedrooms vary in terms of bed and closet storage space. A small bedroom may require 4-6 medium boxes for clothing and shoe storage and 2-4 large boxes for bedding and pillows. Master bedrooms or rooms that have a walk-in closet may require twice those amounts.
Living rooms are often more about odd-shaped or bulky items than quantity. Three to five large boxes would be enough for a living room to store all your large electronics, books, and decorations. Try to pack your books in small boxes to prevent them from becoming too heavy.
Bathrooms will likely be the least heavily boxed. The toiletries, cleansers, and medicine cabinets can be packed into two to three small boxes. In larger homes with two or more bathrooms, use two to three small boxes per bathroom.
Factoring in Home Size
The size of your home will directly correlate with the overall number of boxes. A studio or one-bedroom apartment will typically require 15 to 25 boxes, depending on how long you’ve lived there and the number of possessions you own.
Typically, a two-bed apartment or house would need between 30 and 40 boxes. Three-bedroom homes tend to range from 50 to 75 boxes, particularly when accounting for larger kitchens, additional bathrooms, and outdoor items such as tools or lawn equipment.
For a home with four bedrooms or more, the boxes can easily exceed 100 boxes. This includes seasonal decorations, additional closets, garage contents, and storage spaces that are often overlooked.
Considering Special Items
Some possessions do not fit neatly into the room-by-room box count. Seasonal decorations, musical instruments, exercise equipment, or collections can all fill multiple specialty boxes on their own. It is a good idea to take inventory on these ahead of time in the pack so that you’re not caught by surprise.
Remember that artworks, antiques, or delicate ornaments typically require special box sizes and additional padding to ensure their protection. Wardrobe boxes that include hangers are excellent for moving clothes from closet to closet without folding or wrinkling. Electronics, such as televisions, stereo units, and computer equipment, may require original boxes or specially purchased boxes to prevent damage during the move.
Planning for Extra Boxes
Despite meticulous counting, it is wise to have some additional boxes available. While packing, you are bound to come across items you had forgotten or underestimate the amount of space something will take. Having some additional small and medium-sized boxes on hand will save you from last-minute setbacks, particularly as moving day approaches.
It is also advisable to leave a few boxes open for last-minute essentials. Toiletries, battery packs, cleaning products, and cooking utensils are all utilized until they’re almost finished and need to be packed in a hurry after everything else is taken care of.
Final Thoughts on Box Planning
The number of moving boxes you will need depends on the size of your home, the number of items, and how well you organize them. A room-type calculation is a good starting point, and adding home size and specialty items provides a more accurate approximation of your packing needs.
If you’re preparing for a move and seeking experienced assistance, a trusted Chicago moving company like 2 Guys and a Van can provide the support and services to guide you from start to finish. With thoughtful planning and the correct number of boxes, your move can be as organized and smooth as possible.
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