Moving can be a daunting task, and figuring out how many boxes you’ll need to pack up your belongings can feel just as overwhelming. How many boxes will it take to pack up your entire life? Fortunately, we’ve got a trusty technique that can help you calculate how many moving boxes you’ll need for your big move.

Step 1: Take an inventory of your belongings

First, make a list of all the items in each room of your house. This will help you get a clearer idea of what exactly needs to be packed and which items require special handling or packing materials.

Step 2: Estimate box quantities based on room size

A general rule of thumb is to have the following number of medium-sized moving boxes (18x14x12 inches) for each room:

– Studio or 1-bedroom apartment: 15-20 moving boxes

– 2-bedroom home: 30-40 moving boxes

– 3-bedroom home: 50-60 moving boxes

– 4-bedroom home: 70-80 moving boxes

Adjust these numbers based on the amount of stuff you have in each room. If a room is particularly cluttered, consider adding more boxes to accommodate its contents.

Step 3: Factor in additional box sizes

Next, determine if you’ll need additional small or large-sized boxes for specific items. Small boxes (16x12x12 inches) are ideal for heavy objects like books, while large boxes (24x18x12 inches) are great for lightweight but bulky items such as comforters and pillows.

Step 4: Calculate specialty box requirements

Consider any unique or fragile items that may require specialty packing materials and unique box sizes. Artwork, mirrors, glassware, and electronics may require special attention and might call for an extra purchase of specialty boxes designed to protect these items during a move.

Step 5: Adjust for packing efficiency

It’s essential to pack your boxes efficiently to minimize the number needed. As you pack, fill empty spaces in each box with smaller items or packing material to prevent your items from shifting during transit.

Step 6: Account for contingency

Finally, add 5-10% to the overall number of boxes you think you’ll need as a buffer. This gives you some wiggle room in case you underestimated or encounter last-minute packing surprises.

By following these steps, you should have a good estimate of how many moving boxes you’ll need for your big move. While it can be tempting to try and save money by undershooting the quantity of boxes, an accurate estimate will make your move go much more smoothly and keep your belongings safe and secure.