That comes out at about 79 boxes: 35 small, 25 medium, 12 large, 4 wardrobe and 3 dish packs, about $223 of boxes and a 20 ft truck. Add people or switch to lots of stuff to see how it grows.
How the moving box calculator works
MovingBoxCalc starts from typical box counts published by movers for an average household with about one person per bedroom, from 24 boxes for a studio to about 125 for a five-bedroom house. Minimal packers get 20% fewer boxes and people with lots of belongings 30% more. Each person beyond the number of bedrooms adds 10% to the small, medium and large boxes. Every count is rounded up. Supplies follow from the total: one roll of packing tape per 20 boxes, 0.4 lb of packing paper per box and a couple of markers. The cost uses the box prices you enter, which default to typical retail prices, and the truck size comes from the home size.
Moving boxes by home size (average packing)
| Home | Small | Medium | Large | Wardrobe | Dish | Total | Truck |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 10 | 8 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 24 | 10 ft truck |
| 1 bedroom | 15 | 10 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 34 | 12 ft truck |
| 2 bedrooms | 25 | 15 | 10 | 3 | 2 | 55 | 16 ft truck |
| 3 bedrooms | 35 | 25 | 12 | 4 | 3 | 79 | 20 ft truck |
| 4 bedrooms | 45 | 30 | 15 | 5 | 3 | 98 | 26 ft truck |
| 5+ bedrooms | 55 | 40 | 20 | 6 | 4 | 125 | 26 ft truck plus a trailer or a second trip |
Moving box sizes
| Box | Size | Best for | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 16 × 12 × 12 in (1.5 cu ft) | books, tools, canned food | $1.50 |
| Medium | 18 × 18 × 16 in (3 cu ft) | kitchen items, toys, electronics | $2.25 |
| Large | 18 × 18 × 24 in (4.5 cu ft) | bedding, pillows, lampshades | $3.00 |
| Wardrobe | 24 × 20 × 34 in, with hanging bar | hanging clothes | $15.00 |
| Dish pack | 18 × 18 × 28 in, double-wall | plates, glasses, fragile items | $6.00 |
Counts are estimates for planning and buying supplies. Keep heavy items in small boxes, label every box with its room, and buy a few extra: unused boxes from most stores can be returned.
Frequently asked questions
How many boxes for a 3 bedroom house?
About 70–90 for an average family, and over 100 if you have lots of belongings.
How long does it take to pack a 3 bedroom house?
Often 3–5 days for a couple packing in the evenings; start with rooms you use least.
Should I hire packers?
For a large house, professional packing can save several days and include insurance for packed items.
Is MovingBoxCalc free?
Yes, with no sign-up or ads, and your numbers stay in your browser.
Are the counts exact?
No. They are planning estimates. Homes vary a lot, so buy a few extra boxes or check the store’s return policy.