How Many Moving Boxes Do I Need?
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Moving house soon? Here’s the easiest way to work out how many moving boxes you’ll actually need.
If you’ve never moved before - or it’s been a while - one of the first questions is usually:
“How many moving boxes do I actually need?”
Unfortunately, there’s no single magic number. The good news? You don’t have to completely guess.
At Storewell, we’ve broken it down into a simple guide based on the size of your home, how many people are moving, how much stuff you own and the types of cardboard moving boxes you’ll need.
Find your recommended pack in 60 seconds
Quick Moving Box Guide
Not every home is packed the same way, but these quantities are a practical starting point for an average move.
| Move size | Small 50L |
Medium 73L |
Tall 106L |
Total boxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small move or top-up Storage, decluttering or a few rooms | 10 | 10 | — | 20 |
| Studio or 1-bedroom home Apartments and smaller homes | — | 10 | 10 | 20 |
| 2-bedroom home An average unit, apartment or home | 10 | 10 | 10 | 30 |
| 3–4 bedroom home Larger households and family moves | 20 | 20 | 20 | 60 |
What Changes the Number of Moving Boxes You’ll Need?
The number of bedrooms matters, but it doesn’t tell the full story.
A minimalist living alone in a 2-bedroom apartment might need fewer boxes than a couple in a 1-bedroom unit with full wardrobes, a packed kitchen and a storage cage.
You’ll generally need more packing boxes if:
- More than one person lives in the home
- You have children
- You’ve lived in the property for several years
- You have a garage, shed or storage area
- You own plenty of books, kitchenware or home décor
- You’re packing everything instead of decluttering first
That’s why our Moving Box Calculator asks about more than just the size of your home.
Which Moving Box Size Do I Need?
Using the right mix of box sizes makes packing easier and helps stop boxes from becoming too heavy to lift.
Small Moving Boxes
Small moving boxes are best for heavier or fragile household items.
● Books
● Pantry goods
● Tools
● Crockery
● Glassware
● Small appliances
A giant box full of books might look efficient right up until somebody has to lift it.
Medium Moving Boxes
Medium moving boxes are the everyday all-rounder and will usually handle most of your move.
● Kitchenware
● Shoes
● Toys
● Home décor
● Folded clothes
● General household belongings
Large Tall Moving Boxes
Tall moving boxes are designed for bulky but lightweight items.
● Clothes
● Bedding
● Pillows
● Doonas
● Cushions
● Linen and soft toys
Avoid filling Tall boxes with books or heavy kitchenware.
How Many Moving Boxes Do I Need for a Small Move or Top-Up?
For a smaller move, decluttering project, storage job or simply topping up boxes you already have, 20 moving boxes is a practical starting point.
20 moving boxes in total
● 10 Small Moving Boxes (50L)
● 10 Medium Moving Boxes (73L)
Ideal for a few rooms, studio moves, office moves, storage units or adding extra capacity to a larger move.
How Many Moving Boxes Do I Need for a 1-Bedroom Home?
A typical studio or smaller 1-bedroom home usually needs around 20 moving boxes.
20 moving boxes in total
● 10 Medium Moving Boxes (73L)
● 10 Tall Moving Boxes (106L)
A practical starting point for most studios, apartments and smaller 1-bedroom homes.
Moving as a couple or bringing a storage cage full of belongings? Adding another 10-pack may be worthwhile.
How Many Moving Boxes Do I Need for a 2-Bedroom Home?
Most average 2-bedroom homes need around 30 moving boxes.
30 moving boxes in total
● 10 Small Moving Boxes (50L)
● 10 Medium Moving Boxes (73L)
● 10 Tall Moving Boxes (106L)
That gives you an even mix of all three sizes. Homes with multiple people, full wardrobes or extra storage may need another 10-pack.
How Many Moving Boxes Do I Need for a 3–4 Bedroom Home?
A typical 3–4 bedroom home needs considerably more packing space, so our largest pack includes 60 moving boxes in total.
60 moving boxes in total
● 20 Small Moving Boxes (50L)
● 20 Medium Moving Boxes (73L)
● 20 Tall Moving Boxes (106L)
That gives you a balanced mix of 20 boxes in each size, designed as a strong starting point for larger homes and family moves.
Have multiple living areas, a garage, shed or years of stored belongings? You may need one or two additional 10-packs.
Should I Buy Extra Moving Boxes?
If you’re deciding between two pack sizes, we’d usually recommend choosing the larger option.
The last thing you want is to finish packing the kitchen and realise you still have a wardrobe, laundry and garage left—with no boxes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to have too many moving boxes?
Usually, yes. A few spare boxes are handy for last-minute packing, donations, storage or anything you forgot was hiding in a cupboard. It’s much easier than trying to find more boxes the night before moving day.
What are the best cardboard moving boxes?
Strong cardboard moving boxes made specifically for moving are generally more reliable than random supermarket cartons. Matching box sizes also stack more neatly in moving trucks, garages and storage units.
Should I use Small, Medium or Tall moving boxes?
Most moves are easier with a combination of all three:
● Small boxes for heavier items
● Medium boxes for everyday household belongings
● Tall boxes for bulky but lightweight items
Can I add extra boxes to my moving pack?
Absolutely. Storewell moving boxes are sold in convenient 10-packs, making it easy to top up your order without buying another complete moving pack.
Find the right boxes for your move
Whether you’re moving out of a studio apartment or packing up a busy family home, having the right moving boxes makes the whole process easier.
Still unsure? Use our Moving Box Calculator, shop individual box sizes or compare our complete moving packs.