How many boxes should you buy for your local move and other packing tips

16 Sep How many boxes should you buy for your local move and other packing tips

It can be hard to tackle the process of packing on your own, but it can be even harder to sit down and plan the entire process in detail as well. One specific concern for most people is how much packing supplies they will be needing to complete the entire packing process, and how to save themselves from having to visit the hardware store more than once and losing a lot of time for no good reason. We will give you a rough guide of how many boxes you will be needing for your move, depending on the number of rooms in your home, and the square footage as well. We will also provide you with some of our favorite packing tips to make the entire process a little easier on your behalf as well.

Are you living in a studio apartment? Expect to purchase around 15 medium boxes, 15 large boxes, and 8 XL boxes. If you have any extremely heavy, bulky pieces that aren’t too big, purchase smaller boxes for each of these items as you don’t want to place your heaviest items in large boxes and risk their breakage. The same goes for wardrobe boxes that you can either rent from your moving company, or purchase for your move depending on how much clothing you own. One wardrobe box can fit around 20-25 hangers.

For 1-bedroom places, expect that you will be needing around 20 medium boxes, 18 large boxes and 9-10 XL boxes. The same is applied here when it comes to small boxes, and wardrobe boxes as well. Don’t worry about being a few boxes short – we will get to that part in a moment.

Moving from a 2-bedroom? This is how many boxes should suffice – 30 medium boxes, 25 large boxes and 10 XL boxes. Pro tip: if you are living with kids and have a lot of toys around your home, purchase more XL boxes than you think you will be needing – as this is the best box size for these kinds of items.

3-bedroom home owners should expect to purchase around 45 medium boxes, 33 large boxes and 15 XL boxes. 

Based on square footage, the numbers might differ. Of course, how many boxes you will need is individual – and not based on either of these conditions, as this is a vague outline that we have constructed based on our experience in the industry of moving. Tailor this information to fit the size and complexity of your move. However, the square footage of your current place might be a more accurate way to determine how many boxes you will be needing.

Living spaces of around 900 SQ FT require around 18 small boxes, 15 medium boxes, 8-10 large boxes and 5 XL boxes.

If you live in a home over 900 SQ FT, yet smaller than 1300 SQ FT, expect to purchase around 25 small boxes, 20 medium, 12 large and 8 XL boxes. 

Homes larger than 1300 SQ FT and smaller than 1600 SQ FT will require around 35 small boxes, 30 medium, 18 large and 10 XL boxes.

1600 SQ FT to 1800 SQ FT homes will be needing around 40 small boxes, 35 medium, 20 large and 12 XL boxes. 

Homes that are around 2000 SQ FT will be needing at least 45 small, 40 medium, 25 large and 15 XL boxes to complete the packing process.

Ran out of boxes during your move? Just use items around your house! Kill two birds with one stone by packing your belongings in suitcases, laundry baskets, bins, bags, purses and similar items. Instead of having to make multiple trips to purchase boxes, you can be cost efficient and time efficient at the same time by using these items. 

Need alternatives for the standard bubble wrap? Bubble wrap is truly one of the best packing supplies as it does protect your fragile, delicate items prone to breakage and keeps them safe and sound during the moving process. Instead of spending a lot of money on padding supplies – go with items you already have around your home, just like the box alternatives. Newspaper, pillowcases, blankets, sheets and clothing are good padding alternatives to protect your breakables with. 

Other packing tips you should always follow: 

– Never leave empty spaces in your boxes. Always fill them up completely as you don’t want the contents of your boxes to break due to them shifting inside your boxes.

– Always label your boxes in detail. This will speed up your entire move and the unpacking process as well.

– Always make a list of items – this is one of the most important parts of the entire packing process!

– Give yourself a lot of time to pack instead of stressing immensely the week before your move. Spending an hour every day packing is optimal for a smooth packing experience.

Pack smarter, not harder. If you don’t want to have to deal with a single detail regarding your packing experience, consider giving Hillsborough Movers a call. Our packers will complete the process for you in the blink of an eye.