| Box Size | Dimensions | Best For | Typical Items |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 16" x 12" x 12" | Heavy items | Books, records, CDs, small kitchen items |
| Medium | 18" x 18" x 16" | Most items | Toys, small electronics, pantry items, decor |
| Large | 18" x 18" x 24" | Light, bulky items | Linens, pillows, lampshades, stuffed animals |
| Wardrobe | 24" x 24" x 40" | Hanging clothes | Dresses, suits, coats on hangers |
| Dish Pack | 18" x 18" x 28" | Fragile dishes | Plates, glasses, china with dividers |
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Result
Base estimate: 12 small + 9 medium + 4 large boxes x 1.0 modifier = 12 small, 9 medium, 4 large boxes. Total: 25 boxes, 3 tape rolls, 90 ft bubble wrap. Estimated cost: $65-85.
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Result
Base: 17 small + 13 medium + 6 large boxes. Add 5 small boxes for books = 22 small, 13 medium, 6 large boxes. Total: 41 boxes, 5 tape rolls. Estimated cost: $110-140.
Inputs
Result
Base: 35 small + 25 medium + 15 large boxes x 1.4 modifier = 49 small, 35 medium, 21 large. Add 5 medium + 3 dish pack for kitchen, 6 wardrobe boxes. Total: 119 boxes, 12 tape rolls, 380 ft bubble wrap. Estimated cost: $425-550.
The number of boxes depends on your home size and belongings. On average, a 2-bedroom apartment needs 25-30 small boxes, 15-25 medium boxes, and 8-12 large boxes. A 3-bedroom house typically requires 30-40 small, 20-30 medium, and 12-18 large boxes. Use our calculator for a personalized estimate based on your specific situation.
Use small boxes (1.5 cu ft) for heavy items like books and dishes, medium boxes (3.0 cu ft) for most household items like kitchen goods and toys, and large boxes (4.5 cu ft) for light, bulky items like linens and pillows. Wardrobe boxes are ideal for hanging clothes, keeping them wrinkle-free during the move.
Plan on using approximately one roll of packing tape for every 10 boxes. A standard roll of 2-inch packing tape contains about 60 yards. For a typical 2-bedroom move with 50 boxes, you'll need about 5 rolls. It's better to have extra tape on hand than run out mid-pack.
New moving boxes cost $1-3 for small/medium and $10-15 for wardrobe boxes. Free boxes from grocery stores or liquor stores can save money but may be less sturdy and varying sizes make stacking difficult. For valuable or fragile items, investing in quality new boxes provides better protection and uniform sizing for easier loading.
Plan on about 10 feet of bubble wrap per medium box containing fragile items. For dishes and glassware, estimate 5 pounds of packing paper per 20 items, or about one dish pack box. A 2-bedroom apartment typically needs 50-100 feet of bubble wrap and 15-20 pounds of packing paper for adequate protection.
Small boxes are typically 16x12x12 inches (1.5 cu ft), medium boxes are 18x18x16 inches (3.0 cu ft), and large boxes are 18x18x24 inches (4.5 cu ft). Wardrobe boxes measure about 24x24x40 inches with a hanging bar. Dish pack boxes are 18x18x28 inches with cell dividers for plates and glasses.
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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2026
This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.