How Many Boxes Do I Need for My Move?
Use our calculator to estimate removal cartons, book boxes, and packing materials for your move size.
Jump to CalculatorEstimating Your Moving Boxes
One of the trickiest parts of planning your move is figuring out exactly how many boxes you'll need. Underestimate, and you'll be scrambling for boxes at the last minute. Overestimate, and you've wasted money on boxes you don't need.
The best approach is to estimate room by room, rather than trying to guess for your whole home at once. Walk through each room and visualise the contents of every cupboard, drawer, and shelf as piles—each pile roughly equals one box.
Our estimates below are based on typical Australian homes. Your needs may vary depending on:
- How long you've lived in your home (longer = more stuff)
- Whether you're a minimalist or a collector
- How many books, clothes, and decorations you have
- What you're taking vs. what you're donating or discarding
What Routes Are Available from 💡 Pro Tip?
Our quoting system allows you to update your box count as you progress with packing. Give it your best estimate now, then update closer to moving day for an accurate final quote.
Box Calculator by Home Size
Find your home size below for an estimate of boxes and packing materials needed.
| Move Size | Bedrooms | Removal Cartons | Book Boxes | Packing Paper | Tape | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / Student | Bedsit / 1BR | 10-20 | 5-10 | 1 ream | 3-4 rolls | 5-10 m³ |
| Small | 1-2 BR Unit | 15-25 | 10-15 | 2 reams | 4-6 rolls | 10-15 m³ |
| Medium | 2 BR House | 20-30 | 15-20 | 2-3 reams | 3-4 rolls | 15-25 m³ |
| Medium-Large | 3 BR House | 25-40 | 20-30 | 3-4 reams | 5-7 rolls | 25-35 m³ |
| Large | 4 BR House | 35-60 | 25-40 | 4-6 reams | 5-7 rolls | 35-45 m³ |
| Very Large | 5+ BR House | 45-70 | 40-75 | 5-10 reams | 5-10 rolls | 45+ m³ |
A standard removal carton is approximately 435 x 410 x 600mm.
Room-by-Room Box Estimates
For a more accurate count, estimate boxes room by room. This table shows typical box counts for each area of your home:
| Room | Boxes | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen | 8-15 | Dishes, appliances, pantry. Use lots of paper for fragile items. |
| Master Bedroom | 5-10 | Clothes, shoes, accessories. Add 1-2 wardrobe boxes. |
| Other Bedrooms | 4-8 each | Fewer items typically. Kids rooms can vary wildly. |
| Living Room | 5-10 | Books, DVDs, decorations, electronics. |
| Bathroom | 2-4 | Toiletries, towels, medicines. Don't forget the linen closet. |
| Laundry | 2-4 | Cleaning supplies, detergents, iron, etc. |
| Garage/Shed | 5-15 | Tools, garden items, sports gear. Highly variable. |
| Home Office | 5-10 | Papers, books, supplies, electronics. |
Types of Moving Boxes
Standard Removal Carton
Size: 435 x 410 x 600mm
Your main workhorse. Use for most household items, kitchenware, clothes, and general belongings. Don't overload—aim for 15-20kg max.
Book Box (Small/Heavy)
Size: 400 x 300 x 300mm
Smaller and stronger for heavy items. Perfect for books, records, tools, canned goods, and anything dense. Easier to carry when full.
What Is Wardrobe Box?
Size: 600 x 500 x 1200mm (approx)
Tall box with hanging rail. Transfer clothes directly from wardrobe without folding. Reduces wrinkles and saves time unpacking.
What Is Picture/mirror Box?
Size: Various flat profiles
Flat, adjustable boxes for artwork, mirrors, and TVs. Provides protection for fragile flat items that don't fit in standard boxes.
Essential Packing Materials
What Is Packing Paper?
Wrap fragile items individually. Use scrunched paper to fill empty spaces and prevent shifting.
What Is Bubble Wrap?
Extra protection for delicate items, glassware, and electronics. Use for anything that could crack or break.
Tape & Markers
Heavy-duty packing tape to secure boxes. Markers to label contents and destination room.
Packing Tips for Success
What Is ✅ Do?
- ✓ Start packing 4-6 weeks early
- ✓ Pack room by room, finish one before starting another
- ✓ Label every box with contents AND destination room
- ✓ Put heavy items in small boxes, light items in large boxes
- ✓ Fill all empty space to prevent shifting
- ✓ Keep an "essentials" box with you (not on the truck)
- ✓ Take photos of electronics connections before unplugging
What Is ❌ Don't?
- ✗ Overload boxes (keep under 20kg)
- ✗ Use newspaper to wrap items (ink transfers)
- ✗ Pack hazardous materials, liquids, or perishables
- ✗ Leave boxes half-empty (they'll crush when stacked)
- ✗ Wait until the last week to start packing
- ✗ Forget to measure doorways for large furniture
- ✗ Pack items with sentimental value in the truck (carry with you)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many boxes do I need for a 3 bedroom house? ▼
What size moving boxes should I use? ▼
Should I buy new boxes or use secondhand ones? ▼
How far in advance should I start packing? ▼
What should I pack first? ▼
How do I estimate boxes for each room? ▼
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Use your box estimate to get an accurate quote. Update your count anytime as you pack.
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