How it works
This estimate is based on typical box counts that movers and box suppliers recommend by home size, adjusted for how much you own and how many people live there.
Use small boxes for heavy items like books, canned goods and tools, medium boxes for kitchen items and toys, and large boxes for light, bulky things like bedding and lamps. Wardrobe boxes let you move hanging clothes without folding.
One roll of tape seals roughly 15 to 20 boxes. Buying a few extra boxes is usually cheaper than a last-minute trip to the store.
Formula
Boxes = base count for home size × stuff factor (0.75 / 1 / 1.3) + extra per additional person
Questions people ask
How many boxes for a 2-bedroom apartment?
About 50 to 70 for an average household, mostly small and medium. Minimalists can get by with 45; a home with lots of books or kitchen gear may need 80.
Where can I get moving boxes for free?
Grocery and liquor stores, local buy-nothing groups and online marketplaces often have sturdy used boxes. Check that they are clean and dry.
How heavy should a packed box be?
Try to keep each box under about 50 pounds. Put heavy items in small boxes so they stay manageable.