How much do packing materials cost for a move?
Quick Answer
Budget $100 to $250 for a 1-bedroom and $200 to $500 for a 3-bedroom home. That covers boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and paper. Professional packing services add $300 to $800 on top of the material cost.
Packing materials are one of the most underbudgeted moving expenses. For a 1-bedroom apartment, expect to spend $100 to $250 on supplies. A 2-bedroom home runs $150 to $350, and a 3-bedroom home costs $200 to $500.
Here is a typical breakdown for a 2-bedroom move: 30-40 small/medium boxes ($2-4 each = $80-$160), 10-15 large boxes ($4-6 each = $50-$90), 2-3 wardrobe boxes ($10-15 each = $25-$45), packing tape 4-6 rolls ($4-6 each = $20-$36), bubble wrap 2-3 rolls ($15-$25 each = $35-$75), and packing paper 2 bundles ($15-$25 each = $30-$50).
Specialty items add up: dish pack boxes ($8-$12), mirror/picture boxes ($10-$20), mattress bags ($10-$20), and furniture blankets ($8-$15 each if purchased, free with movers).
To save money: get free boxes from liquor stores, grocery stores, or Nextdoor/Craigslist. Use towels and linens as padding instead of buying bubble wrap. Start collecting boxes 3-4 weeks before your move.
If you hire professional packers, the service typically costs $300 to $800 for a 2-bedroom home on top of material costs. Full-service packing for a 3+ bedroom home can run $800 to $1,500 including materials.