Box counts by size: Small boxes (1.5 cu ft) are for heavy items like books and canned goods. Medium boxes (3 cu ft) handle kitchen items, toys, and linens. Large boxes (4.5 cu ft) are for lightweight bulky items like pillows and lampshades. Wardrobe boxes let you hang clothes directly.
Packing tape rolls: Based on roughly one roll per five boxes — each standard roll covers about 5–6 box closures including top and bottom sealing.
Packing paper sheets: Ten sheets per box is a general rule for wrapping fragile items like dishes and glassware to prevent scratches and breakage.
Furniture pads: One pad for every two boxes' worth of furniture and large appliances — enough to cover couches, dressers, and table surfaces during transit.
Packing time: Assumes roughly five boxes packed per hour, which accounts for wrapping, filling, taping, and labeling at a steady pace.
How This Calculator Works
You select your home size from studio through four-bedroom. The tool looks up preset box counts based on industry averages from professional movers, then scales packing supplies proportionally: one tape roll per five boxes, ten sheets of packing paper per box, one furniture pad per two boxes, and approximately five boxes per hour of packing time. The estimates assume a typically furnished home with a moderate amount of belongings.
Quick Questions
Should I buy more boxes than the estimate?
It's generally wise to add 10–15% extra, especially if you have a lot of fragile items, a full kitchen, or home office equipment. Extra boxes are inexpensive and better to have than to run out mid-pack.
What size boxes should I use for books?
Always use small boxes (1.5 cu ft) for books. They're heavy — a medium or large box full of books can weigh 50–70 lbs and be nearly impossible to lift safely.
Do I need wardrobe boxes?
Wardrobe boxes let you hang clothes on a built-in bar, keeping them wrinkle-free. They're especially useful for suits, dresses, and coats. If most of your clothes are casual and fold easily, you can use fewer than the estimate suggests.
How can I get free moving boxes?
Check local grocery stores, liquor stores, and bookshops — they typically have sturdy boxes to give away. Neighborhood groups and buy-nothing communities are also good sources. Just inspect used boxes for structural integrity before loading them.