How many boxes do I need for a 2-bedroom move?
Quick Answer
Plan for 30 to 50 boxes for a 2-bedroom apartment or home. That breaks down to roughly 15-20 medium boxes, 8-12 small boxes, 5-8 large boxes, and 2-3 wardrobe boxes. Actual count depends on how much you declutter beforehand.
The number of boxes you need depends on how much stuff you have and how aggressively you declutter before packing. Here are realistic estimates by home size.
Studio: 15-25 boxes. 1-bedroom: 20-35 boxes. 2-bedroom: 30-50 boxes. 3-bedroom: 50-75 boxes. 4-bedroom: 75-100+ boxes.
For a 2-bedroom move, a good breakdown is: 8-12 small boxes (1.5 cubic feet) for heavy items like books, canned goods, and tools. 15-20 medium boxes (3 cubic feet) for kitchen items, shoes, toys, and general household goods. 5-8 large boxes (4.5 cubic feet) for bedding, pillows, lampshades, and bulky lightweight items. 2-3 wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes. 2-4 specialty boxes for dishes (dish packs), mirrors, and pictures.
Pro tips for box efficiency: declutter before you count. Most people can eliminate 20-30% of their belongings before a move. Use the one-year rule - if you have not used it in a year, donate or sell it. Pack heavier items in smaller boxes and lighter items in larger boxes. This prevents boxes from becoming too heavy to lift safely (aim for 50 pounds max per box).
Where to get boxes: moving supply stores ($2-$6 per box), Home Depot/Lowes ($1.50-$5 per box), free from liquor stores and grocery stores, and free on Nextdoor, Facebook Marketplace, or Craigslist.