Running out of boxes halfway through packing is stressful, and so is ending up with a pile you didn’t need. Use this guide to estimate how many moving boxes you need and which sizes to use.
Quick estimate by home size
These numbers are a rough guide for an average household. If you have lots of books, kitchenware or hobbies, add more.
- Studio or 1 bedroom: 15 to 25 boxes
- 2 bedrooms: 25 to 40 boxes
- 3 bedrooms: 50 to 70 boxes
- 4+ bedrooms: 70 to 100+ boxes
A good rule is to order a few more than you think you need. It’s much easier than making a trip back to get more mid-pack.
Room-by-room guide
Kitchen
The kitchen almost always takes more boxes than people expect. Plates, glasses, pots, pantry items and small appliances add up quickly. Plan on 8 to 15 boxes for an average kitchen, mostly small and medium.
Living room
Books, games, ornaments, cushions and electronics. Around 5 to 10 boxes, with small boxes for books and medium boxes for everything else.
Bedrooms
Clothes, shoes, bedding and personal items. Around 5 to 8 boxes per bedroom. A portable wardrobe box lets you move hanging clothes straight from the wardrobe, which saves a lot of folding.
Bathroom and linen cupboard
Towels, sheets and toiletries. Around 2 to 4 boxes. Seal liquids in plastic bags.
Garage, shed and outdoors
Tools, garden gear, sports equipment and camping gear. This varies hugely. Use strong medium boxes and keep heavy tools in small boxes.
Which box size for what
- Small boxes: books, files, tins, tools and anything heavy
- Medium boxes: kitchenware, toys, electronics and general household items
- Large boxes: bedding, pillows, towels, lampshades and light bulky items
- Wine boxes: bottles and glassware
- Portable wardrobes: hanging clothes
- Picture boxes: frames, mirrors and artwork
The golden rule: the heavier the item, the smaller the box. A large box full of books is too heavy to lift safely and more likely to break.
Packing tips from the pros
- Tape the bottom properly. Run tape along the centre seam and across the edges.
- Fill gaps. Half-empty boxes crush when stacked. Use packing paper or towels to fill spaces.
- Wrap fragile items individually. Stand plates on their edge, and wrap glasses in paper or bubble wrap.
- Keep boxes under about 20 kg. If you struggle to lift it, split it up.
- Label two sides. Write the room and a short list of contents, and mark fragile boxes clearly.
- Pack a first-night box. Kettle, mugs, chargers, toilet paper, bedding and medication.
Don’t forget the extras
Along with boxes you’ll need packing tape, a tape dispenser, marker pens, packing paper and bubble wrap. Mattress covers and sofa covers keep furniture clean on moving day.
We supply boxes, covers, wrap and tape for moves around Wellington. Request packing supplies and we’ll confirm pricing and availability.
Moving in the Wellington region?
Tell us about your move and we'll get back to you with a quote. House, apartment and office moves across Wellington, the Hutt Valley, Porirua, Kapiti and the Wairarapa.
