How many moving boxes do I need?
Tell us about your home and we'll estimate the boxes, tape, bubble wrap and packing paper you need for your UK move. Free, instant, no sign-up.
1. Property size
2. How much stuff do you have?
3. Add specialist items (optional)
How our packing boxes calculator works
Our calculator uses standard UK removals-industry guidance to estimate the boxes you need based on three things: property size, how much you own and any specialist itemssuch as a large kitchen, books, fragile items, kids' gear or a garage.
For most UK homes we recommend a mix of small, medium and large double-wall boxes, plus wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes. See our full methodology for how we estimate volume across rooms and extra spaces like lofts and garages.
Typical boxes by property size
| Property | Small | Medium | Large | Wardrobe | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 4 | 6 | 2 | 1 | ~13 |
| 1-bed | 6 | 10 | 5 | 1 | ~22 |
| 2-bed | 10 | 18 | 9 | 2 | ~39 |
| 3-bed | 15 | 25 | 13 | 3 | ~56 |
| 4-bed | 22 | 35 | 18 | 4 | ~79 |
| 5+ bed | 30 | 50 | 25 | 6 | ~111 |
Figures are for an “average” UK home. Minimalists need around 30% fewer boxes; collectors need around 30% more.
Which box size for which items?
- • Small (book) boxes — books, records, tinned food, tools, anything heavy.
- • Medium boxes — kitchen items, electronics, ornaments, general household.
- • Large boxes — bedding, cushions, lampshades, toys, lightweight bulky items.
- • Wardrobe boxes — hanging clothes, suits, dresses, coats (no folding).
- • Picture / mirror boxes — art, framed photos, mirrors, TVs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many moving boxes do I need for a 3-bedroom house?
Most 3-bedroom UK homes need around 50–65 boxes in total: roughly 15 small (for books and heavy items), 25 medium (kitchen and general), 13 large (light bulky items) and 2–4 wardrobe boxes. Collectors usually need 20–30% more.
How many boxes do I need for a 2-bedroom flat?
A typical 2-bedroom UK flat needs around 35–45 boxes: about 10 small, 18 medium, 9 large and 1–2 wardrobe boxes. Add more if you have a well-stocked kitchen or lots of books.
How many boxes do I need for a 1-bedroom flat?
A 1-bedroom flat usually needs 20–25 boxes: around 6 small, 10 medium, 5 large and 1 wardrobe box. Studios need slightly fewer (around 12–15 boxes).
What size boxes should I use?
Use small boxes (book size) for heavy items like books, records and tinned food. Use medium boxes for kitchen items, electronics and general household goods. Use large boxes for light bulky items like bedding, cushions and toys. Use wardrobe boxes to move hanging clothes without folding.
How much packing tape and bubble wrap do I need?
As a rule of thumb, one roll of tape covers around 15 boxes and one 500mm × 100m roll of bubble wrap covers around 25 boxes. Add an extra roll if you have lots of fragile items or a well-stocked kitchen.
Should I get more boxes than I think I need?
Yes. Most people underestimate by 10–20%, especially for kitchens, lofts and garages. Order a few spares — many suppliers offer free returns on unused, flat-packed boxes.
Where to buy moving boxes in the UK
Once you know your bundle, you can order directly from a UK box supplier. We like My Moving Box — they sell industry-standard double-wall removal boxes, wardrobe boxes, tape and bubble wrap with same-day dispatch and free UK delivery on larger orders. Their box calculator lets you turn the figures above into a ready-to-buy bundle.
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