By Scotty McBox — 7 years packing experience, 4,200+ moves, 0 breakages on supervised packs
Well packed, safely delivered!
After 85 kilometers of tape dispensed and 4,200+ moves supervised, I've heard this question more than any other: "How many boxes do I actually need?"
It's a great question. Buy too few, and you're scrambling at midnight before moving day. Buy too many, and you've wasted money and resources. Neither scenario is ideal.
Let me help you find that perfect balance. Because proper planning means proper packing—and proper packing means everything arrives safely. Before you figure out how many boxes you need, it's worth taking stock of what you're actually moving. My colleague Tria Serene has a practical guide on how to declutter before a move — every item you let go of is one less box to buy, pack, carry, and unpack.
A well-sealed box is a well-loved box!
The Quick Answer: Box Estimates by Home Size
Here's a general guideline based on my experience. These numbers assume average furnishing levels:
| Home Size | 1.5 cu ft | 2 cu ft | 4 cu ft | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 10-15 | 8-12 | 3-5 | 20-30 |
| 1 Bedroom | 15-20 | 12-18 | 5-8 | 30-45 |
| 2 Bedroom | 20-30 | 18-25 | 8-12 | 45-65 |
| 3 Bedroom | 30-45 | 25-35 | 12-18 | 65-100 |
| 4+ Bedroom | 45-60 | 35-50 | 18-25 | 100-140 |
Important: These are estimates. Your actual needs depend on several factors we'll explore below.
Factors That Affect Your Box Count
1. How Long You've Lived There
This is the biggest variable. The longer you've lived somewhere, the more stuff accumulates.
| Time in Home | Adjustment |
|---|---|
| Less than 1 year | Reduce estimate by 20-30% |
| 1-3 years | Use base estimate |
| 3-5 years | Increase by 10-20% |
| 5-10 years | Increase by 20-40% |
| 10+ years | Increase by 40-60% |
I once helped pack a family who'd lived in the same home for 25 years. We needed nearly double the "standard" estimate for their 3-bedroom home.
2. Your Lifestyle and Hobbies
Certain hobbies and collections require significantly more boxes:
- Book lovers: Books are heavy and need many small boxes
- Collectors: Figurines, vinyl records, sports memorabilia
- Crafters: Art supplies, fabric, tools
- Kitchen enthusiasts: Gadgets, appliances, specialty cookware
- Shoe collectors: You know who you are
3. Kids and Pets
- Young children: Toys, toys, and more toys (plus equipment)
- Teenagers: Electronics, sports gear, clothing
- Pets: Supplies, crates, accessories
4. Home Office Situation
Working from home adds:
- Documents and files
- Electronics and monitors
- Office supplies
- Books and reference materials
Add 10-15 boxes for a full home office setup.
Understanding Box Sizes
Not all boxes are created equal. Using the right size for the right items makes packing safer and more efficient.
Small Boxes (1.5 cubic feet / ~16" x 12" x 12")
Best for:
- Books and magazines
- CDs, DVDs, vinyl records
- Canned goods and pantry items
- Small kitchen items
- Heavy collectibles
- Tools
The golden rule: Heavy items in small boxes. Your back will thank you, and so will the bottom of the box.
Medium Boxes (3 cubic feet / ~18" x 18" x 16")
Best for:
- Clothing and shoes
- Toys
- Kitchen appliances
- Pots and pans
- Electronics
- General household items
This is your workhorse box. Most homes need more medium boxes than any other size.
Large Boxes (4.5-6 cubic feet / ~18" x 18" x 24")
Best for:
- Linens and towels
- Pillows and cushions
- Lampshades
- Light, bulky items
- Stuffed animals
- Winter coats
Warning: Never fill a large box with heavy items. It will be impossible to lift and the bottom may give out.
Specialty Boxes
Don't forget these important additions:
| Box Type | Use For | Typical Need |
|---|---|---|
| Wardrobe boxes | Hanging clothes | 1-3 per closet |
| China boxes | Fragile dishware, glasses | 2-4 per household |
| Picture/mirror boxes | Artwork, mirrors | As needed |
| TV boxes | Flat-screen TVs | 1 per TV |
Room-by-Room Box Estimates
Here's a more detailed breakdown by room:
Kitchen (typically needs the most boxes)
| Items | Box Type | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Dishes, glasses, mugs | 1.5 cu ft / China box | 4-8 |
| Pots, pans, appliances | 2 cu ft | 3-6 |
| Pantry items | 1.5 / 2 cu ft | 2-5 |
| Utensils, gadgets | 1.5 cu ft | 2-3 |
| Kitchen Total | 10-20 boxes |
Pro tip: Plates should be packed vertically, like records in a crate. They're stronger that way. For a full breakdown of how to wrap and protect your dishes, glasses, and electronics, see my guide on how to pack fragile items like a pro.
The Scotty McBox Calculator Method
Here's my personal method for estimating boxes:
Step 1: Walk Through Each Room
Go room by room and mentally categorize items:
- Heavy items (books, tools, canned goods) → 1.5 cu ft boxes
- Medium items (most household stuff) → 2 cu ft boxes
- Light, bulky items (linens, pillows) → 4 cu ft boxes
Step 2: Count Your Shelves and Drawers
A rough rule of thumb:
- 1 bookshelf = 2-4 small boxes
- 1 dresser drawer = 1-2 medium boxes
- 1 closet = 3-6 boxes + 1-2 wardrobe boxes
- 1 kitchen cabinet = 1-3 boxes
Step 3: Add 15-20% Buffer
Always round up and add extra. You'll use them.
Trust me—in 7 years, I've never met anyone who said "I wish I'd bought fewer boxes."
Common Box Mistakes to Avoid
After 4,200+ moves, I've seen it all. Avoid these errors:
Mistake #1: Overpacking Large Boxes
A large box filled with books can weigh 30+ kg. That's:
- Impossible to lift safely
- Likely to break at the bottom
- A recipe for injury
Heavy items go in small boxes. Always. My complete guide on packing fragile items covers the exact techniques for dishes, glasses, and electronics — worth reading before you start.
Mistake #2: Underpacking Boxes
Empty space means items shift during transport. Shifting means damage.
Fill every gap with packing paper, towels, or clothing. A properly packed box shouldn't rattle when shaken gently.
Mistake #3: Not Reinforcing the Bottom
The bottom of the box carries all the weight. Always tape it properly:
- One strip lengthwise
- One strip across
- Two diagonal strips for heavy items
This takes 30 seconds and prevents disaster.
Mistake #4: Labeling Only on Top
When boxes are stacked, you can't see the top.
Label on at least two sides. Include:
- Room destination
- Brief contents description
- "FRAGILE" if applicable
- "THIS END UP" if needed
Mistake #5: Waiting Until the Last Minute
Packing always takes longer than you think. Start 2-4 weeks before your move and follow Rusty Allen's complete moving checklist for your full timeline from 8 weeks out to moving day:
- Week 1: Seasonal items, storage, garage
- Week 2: Books, decor, guest rooms
- Week 3: Non-essential kitchen, offices
- Week 4: Daily essentials, last items
What About Items Going Into Storage?
If some of your belongings are heading to a storage unit rather than your new home, the box count and preparation are slightly different. Sheldon Storage has a dedicated guide on how to prepare your belongings for storage — including which items should never go into a unit and how to protect furniture from Canadian temperature swings.
Quick Reference: Box Estimator
Print this or screenshot it:
| Home Size | Quick Estimate |
|---|---|
| Studio | 25 boxes |
| 1 BR | 40 boxes |
| 2 BR | 55 boxes |
| 3 BR | 80 boxes |
| 4 BR | 110 boxes |
| 5+ BR | 140+ boxes |
Adjustments:
- Lived there 5+ years? Add 25%
- Book collector? Add 10-20 small boxes
- Home office? Add 15 boxes
- Kids? Add 10-15 boxes per child
- Minimalist? Reduce by 20%
Frequently Asked Questions — Moving Boxes
How many boxes do I need for a 1-bedroom apartment?
A typical 1-bedroom apartment requires 30 to 45 boxes: approximately 15–20 small boxes (books, kitchen items), 12–18 medium boxes (clothes, linens, miscellaneous), and 5–8 large boxes (pillows, lampshades, bulky light items). If you have a lot of kitchen equipment or a home office, add 5–10 boxes to that estimate. Always round up — leftover boxes can be returned or recycled.
How many boxes do I need for a 3-bedroom house?
Expect 65 to 100 boxes for a 3-bedroom house, depending on how much you've accumulated. A family of four with a full basement and garage should plan for 80–100 boxes. Declutter before you start packing — every item donated or discarded is one less box to move and one less item to pay transport costs on.
What size boxes should I use for books when moving?
Always use small boxes (approximately 1.5 cubic feet) for books. Books are extremely heavy — a medium box full of books can easily exceed 50 lbs, which is dangerous to carry and risks the box breaking. Fill small boxes only two-thirds full with books and use the remaining space for lighter items like scarves or socks to protect the books during transport.
Can I use grocery store boxes for moving?
You can use grocery store boxes for light, non-fragile items only. They are not structurally designed for stacking or for heavy loads, and they often have cut-outs or perforations that weaken them under weight. For books, dishes, electronics, and anything fragile, always use new double-walled moving boxes. The cost of a broken item far exceeds the cost of a proper box.
Should I buy or rent moving boxes?
In Canada, plastic reusable box rental services exist in major cities (search "moving box rental Montreal"). They are eco-friendly and often cheaper for large moves. However, cardboard boxes are easier to find, more available on short notice, and perfectly adequate for most moves. If you buy, look for free used boxes on Facebook Marketplace or from local liquor stores after weekends.
How far in advance should I start buying boxes for my move?
Buy your boxes 3–4 weeks before your move date, at the same time you start packing non-essential rooms. Buying too early means boxes sit and collect dust (and potentially get damaged by moisture). Buying too late means scrambling. For peak season moves (May–August), buy earlier — moving supply stores can run low on standard sizes during busy weeks.
Ready to Start Packing?
Whether you're packing yourself or letting us handle it, the key is planning ahead. Count your boxes, gather your supplies, and give yourself plenty of time.
And remember: when in doubt, get a few extra boxes. You can always return unused ones, but you can't pack what you don't have containers for.
For your full moving timeline — from 8 weeks out all the way to moving day — check out The Complete Moving Checklist by my colleague Rusty Allen. It covers every step so nothing falls through the cracks.
Well packed, safely delivered!
Need packing supplies or professional packing services? We've got you covered.
Call us: 514-266-1239
Scotty McBox — Pro Action Transport
7 years • 4,200+ moves packed • 85 km of tape • 0 breakages on supervised packs
"Well packed, safely delivered!"
Scotty McBox — Rusty's Chronicle
7 years packing expertise • 4,200+ moves • 0 breakages on supervised packs
"Heavy in small boxes, light in large boxes—that's the golden rule!"