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Moving Box Calculator & Printable Packing List (2026 Edition)

This tool below calculates how many boxes you’ll need for your local or long distance move based on the size and scope of your home. Our moving box calculator generates a list of packing materials you’ll need, shows estimated costs, and instantly downloads your custom checklist as a PDF.

How Many Boxes Do You Need To Move Your Apartment Or House?

For a studio to a 1-bedroom apartment, you’ll need between 20 and 65 boxes. For a 2-bedroom home and a 3-4 bedroom house, you’ll need between 60 and 140 boxes.

 

Use the calculator tool above for a specific box and a supply list based on your lifestyle, or use the reference chart below for general industry averages on box count.

Why Your Move Distance Matters When Buying Boxes And Materials 

The calculator above generates a list of boxes and other materials you’ll need for a 1- to 5+-bedroom home. But how strictly you follow it depends on your mileage. A move across town is very different from a move relocating across multiple states.

• Local Moves (Short Distance): If you are moving within the same city, your items are on the truck for a few hours. You can get away with standard cardboard boxes and basic tape because there is minimal vibration and stacking.


• Long Distance Moves: How far away you’re relocating changes the amount of packing materials and boxes you’ll need. On a 1,000+ mile trip, your fragile items and furniture will be subjected to constant highway vibration, braking forces, and the weight of other items stacked on top of them.

Packing Supplies You Need That Most Overlook

Even if your move is just a few miles away, you'll need more than just boxes to protect your items — especially if you're moving from a 3- or 4-bedroom house.


Here are the essential supplies you’ll need to help prevent your items from damage:


✅ Dish Barrels: Double-walled, extra-thick boxes designed specifically to protect china and glassware. These are a must-have if you have many fragile items or are moving long distance (across state lines).


✅ Packing Paper (Newsprint): Used for wrapping fragile items for extra padding and “nesting” inside boxes to prevent movement. Packing paper is essential; without it, glassware can shift and break during transit.


✅ Stretch Wrap: A large roll of plastic film used to secure moving blankets. This is a technique professional long-distance movers use to prevent blankets from slipping off furniture and to provide an extra layer of protection.


✅ Mattress Bags: Move like a pro and use a mattress cover to keep your bed clean while it is being packaged, handled, and transported.

A Lot To Pack & Drive? Choose Our Affordable Movers Instead.

Packing is a lot of work, especially if you have to pack furniture, TVs, and fragile items, and are renting a U-Haul to DIY. Plus, if you’re embarking on a long distance move, the cost to do all of this yourself with truck and material fees isn't too far off from hiring affordable movers.

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