How many boxes do you need for a move? Estimates for a studio, three-room flat and house

For an averagely furnished home, allow:

• Studio flat: 15–25 boxes.
• Two-room flat: 25–40 boxes.
• Three-room flat: 40–60 boxes.
• House: 70–120 boxes, and more if the loft and garage are full.

The range depends on what's in your cupboards, not on floor area. A large bookcase, a well-stocked kitchen or a record collection can double the total. That's why counting room by room works better than a table.

• Kitchen – the most small, fragile items: usually 8–15 boxes, mostly medium-sized.
• Books – allow roughly one small box per metre of full shelf.
• Clothes – large boxes for folded items, and wardrobe boxes or garment bags for anything on hangers.
• Bathroom – 2–4 boxes, packed last of all.
• Bedroom and living room – bedding, cushions, decorations and electronics: 5–10 boxes per room.
• Children's room – toys and books: 5–10 boxes.
• Cellar, balcony, garage – count these separately, as this is where most surprises lurk.

Add up the totals and allow an extra 10–15%. Spare boxes always come in handy, but you can't buy the missing ones in five minutes on moving day.

• Small boxes – for books, documents, bottles and tools. Heavy items always go in a small box.
• Medium boxes – for dishes, small appliances, toys and the contents of drawers.
• Large boxes – only for light items: bedding, clothes, pillows, soft toys.
• Special boxes – for plates, pictures and mirrors, or wardrobe boxes for clothes on hangers.

The most common mistake is a large box filled with books. It can't be lifted safely, and the bottom often gives way on the stairs. A box should weigh no more than one person can carry comfortably.

1. Reinforce the bottom. Tape it in a cross, and for heavier boxes along the edges as well.
2. Don't leave empty spaces. Fill them with paper or towels – nothing should be able to shift around.
3. Label two sides. The destination room and a short note on the contents mean each box goes straight to the right room.
4. Don't overfill. The lid must close flat, otherwise the boxes can't be stacked safely.
5. Pack the kitchen and bathroom last, so you can use them right up to the final day.

We cover packing plates and glass in detail in our post on how to pack dishes and glassware.

Used supermarket boxes are free, but they have their drawbacks: mixed sizes make them hard to stack in the van, and weakened sides won't hold heavy items. They're fine for light clothes and bedding.

If you book packing and moving, we'll deliver the boxes in advance and, on request, collect the empty ones after the move. You can also pack yourself and leave just the kitchen and fragile items to us.

How many boxes do you need for a studio flat?

Usually 15–25. If you have lots of books or a fully equipped kitchen, closer to the upper end.

How much can one box weigh?

As much as one person can safely lift and carry down the stairs. Pack heavy things in small boxes and light things in large ones.

Do clothes need to be packed in boxes?

Folded ones do, while clothes on hangers are easiest to move in wardrobe boxes or garment bags – you won't need to iron them afterwards.