Moving can be stressful, but packing doesn’t have to be. With our packing and moving box calculator, you can accurately estimate how many boxes you need to make your move seamless and organized.
Packing & Moving Box Calculator
* This is only an estimate. Actual box needs may vary.
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Box size guide:
Small box: Books, tools, small appliances
Medium box: Kitchen items, toys, small electronics
Large box: Linens, pillows, bulky clothing
Wardrobe box: Hanging clothes, long garments
Dish pack: Fragile kitchenware, glassware, dishes
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
Founded in 2015
3,500+ moving companies analyzed
$50,000 in moving grants delivered
Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
Fact-checked for accuracy
Why you need a packing and moving box calculator
Most people underestimate or overestimate how many boxes they’ll need for their move. Both mistakes can cost you:
Underestimating how many boxes you need leads to last-minute packing chaos.
Overestimating wastes money and leaves you with extra packing materials.
Our calculator eliminates the guesswork, providing personalized estimates based on your home size, number of rooms, and packing preferences.
How our calculator works
Our packing calculator is simple. All you have to do is answer three quick questions:
Number of rooms: Choose how many rooms in your house need to be packed.
Number of people moving: List how many people in your home need to pack.
Packing style: Describe your style. When you pack, do you max out the boxes or like to leave extra room to make them lighter?
Once you fill in these details, you’ll receive an instant custom box list that tells you what moving supplies you need to buy, including:
Small, medium, and large moving boxes
Wardrobe boxes
Dish packs
Pro tip: Add a 10% buffer for unexpected items you might find while you’re packing.
Types of moving boxes you might need
When it comes to packing for a move, using the right types of boxes can help protect your belongings and make the process more efficient. Here’s a quick guide to the most common moving boxes and what each one is best suited for.
Small cartons are often called “book boxes” because that’s what they’re most commonly used for. That said, they work well for all heavy items. Here we’re talking about:
Papers, magazines, records, CDs, and DVDs
Tools and hardware like nuts, bolts, and screws
Canned goods and pet rocks
Medium: 3 cubic feet
Medium cartons are the “jack of all trades” of moving boxes because they’re the most versatile. Not surprisingly, of all the boxes you’ll need for your move, they’ll probably account for between 40% and 70%. They’re perfect for:
Shoes, t-shirts, and linens
Arts and craft supplies
Sporting goods
Lampshades and small pillows
Kitchen items like Tupperware, cutting boards, and rolling pins
Just remember – the larger the box, the lighter the items you should put inside.
Large: 4.5 cubic feet
Large cartons are most commonly used in bedrooms, basements, garages, and attics. They’re great for:
Bed pillows, comforters, and sheets
Sweaters, winter coats, and boots
Baskets and lampshades
Bulky holiday decorations
Plastic toys
Extra Large: 6 cubic feet
Movers use extra large boxes frequently, but on DIY packing jobs you’re better off sticking to large (4.5 cubic feet) cartons.
Dish packs: 5.2 cubic feet
Dish packs, or dish barrel boxes, as their name implies, are used for breakable and fragile items like dishes and glassware. Their sides, tops, and bottoms are much thicker than those on regular cartons, and they’re recommended for:
Small appliances like coffee makers and blenders
Electronics and computers
Table lamps and clocks
Jewelry boxes
Trophies
Vases
Wardrobes: ~10.5 – 16 cubic feet
For families with walk-in closets and lots of hanging clothes, wardrobe boxes are a godsend. They come in multiple sizes and include metal bars on which clothes are hung.
Remember though, on long distance moves hangers can bounce off the bars leaving pressed clothes in heaps at the bottom of wardrobes. To avoid this, fasten the hangers to the bar using twine or moving tape.
Pro tip: Fill the bottom of wardrobes, too. Most clothes like suits, coats, and shirts only hang about halfway to the bottom of the box. To get the most bang for your buck, fill the empty space with pillows or a comforter.
Mirror cartons
Mirror cartons come in various sizes, though the 4-piece variety are the most versatile. In addition to mirrors, mirror cartons should be used for pictures, glass and marble tabletops, and any other flat, oversized, breakable items.
Remember to wrap each item in a large paper pad, moving blanket, or old sheet before packing it in the box, and always load them upright in the truck – never flat.
Benefits of using our moving box calculator
Here are a few advantages of using our moving box calculator as you prepare for your move:
🔄 Real-time updates: Adjust your inputs to get an instant updated box list.
📈 Budget estimator: Get an approximate cost for boxes and supplies.
🏡 Tailored to you: Whether you’re a college student or moving a four-bedroom house, our tool adapts to your needs.
📝 Printable guide: Easily download your customized packing list to stay organized and on budget during your move.
Essential packing tips to maximize efficiency
Want to pack like a pro? Here are a few expert packing tips to simplify your move and protect your belongings:
Label every box: Use a clear labeling system that includes the room and the box’s contents.
Choose the right size: Put heavy items in small boxes to prevent boxes from getting too heavy to lift.
Cushion fragile items: Use packing paper, bubble wrap, or even soft clothing to protect delicate items.
Seal securely: Reinforce the bottom of every box with extra tape to keep your belongings intact.
Frequently asked questions
How accurate is the moveBuddha packing calculator?
We’ve built our calculator using data from thousands of moves. While no two moves are identical, our results are 95% accurate for most households.
Is the moveBuddha moving box calculator free?
Yes, our packing and moving box calculator is completely free to use. You can get a customized estimate of how many boxes you’ll need to buy based on your home size, number of rooms, and packing habits without any cost or obligation.
Whether you’re planning a small apartment move or a large family relocation, you can use the calculator as many times as you’d like to stay organized and avoid overbuying supplies.
Does moveBuddha offer other moving calculators and tools?
Yes! In addition to our packing and moving box calculator, moveBuddha offers tools like:
Fact Checked by: Parker King
