How Many Boxes Do I Need? A Complete Guide for a Smooth, Stress-Free Move

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One of the most stressful parts of preparing for a move is figuring out how many moving boxes you actually need. Too few boxes can leave you scrambling at the last minute, while too many can create clutter and unnecessary waste. Whether you’re moving across London, Ontario or relocating to a nearby community, having the right number of boxes ensures your packing stays organized, efficient, and stress-free.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know so you can confidently plan your move without the guesswork.


1. Estimate Based on Your Home Size

While every household is unique, you can follow these commonly used estimates for reusable moving boxes:

  • Studio or 1-Bedroom Apartment: 20–35 boxes
  • 2-Bedroom Home: 40–55 boxes
  • 3-Bedroom Home: 55–75 boxes
  • 4+ Bedroom Home: 75–100+ boxes

These numbers take into account clothing, kitchen items, books, linens, bathroom supplies, décor, electronics, and miscellaneous household goods. Homes with children, hobby rooms, or large kitchens typically need on the higher end of these ranges.


2. Consider Your Lifestyle and Packing Habits

The number of boxes you need also depends on how you pack. For example:

  • Minimalist packers who declutter before moving might need fewer boxes.
  • Sentimental or storage-heavy households may need extra.
  • People who cook often usually require more boxes for kitchen items.
  • Professionals working from home may need additional totes for office supplies or equipment.

As a general rule, expect your packing habits to shift your box count by about 10–20%.


3. Think Room by Room

Breaking your home into zones can help you better estimate your needs:

  • Kitchen: Often requires the most boxes due to dishes, appliances, gadgets, and pantry items.
  • Bedroom: Clothing varies greatly by person, but most bedrooms need 5–10 totes.
  • Living Room: Usually needs fewer boxes but may require sturdy totes for electronics.
  • Bathroom: A small space but filled with many small items.
  • Storage Areas: Basements, garages, and closets often surprise people, they tend to hold more than you think.

4. Why Reusable Moving Boxes Make Estimating Easier

Traditional cardboard boxes can vary in size and strength, making it hard to predict how many you need. Reusable plastic moving totes, like the ones offered by Boxdash, are:

  • Uniform in size
  • Stackable
  • Much sturdier than cardboard
  • Eco-friendly
  • Delivered clean and ready to use

This consistency makes packing easier and helps you use space more efficiently.


5. Simplify Your Move with Boxdash Packages

To save you time, Boxdash offers ready-made moving box packages tailored to different home sizes. That means no more guesswork, choose the package that fits your space and start packing with confidence.

Explore your options here: Browse first, then get a quote, then


Final Thoughts

Choosing the right number of boxes is one of the easiest ways to reduce stress during your move. By considering your home’s size, lifestyle, and packing style, and using durable, reusable boxes, you can enjoy a faster, cleaner, and more organized moving experience.

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