How Many Moving Boxes Do I Need for an Apartment?

Published: July 21, 2026

The exact box count always depends on the specific household - two people with the same apartment size can accumulate very different amounts of belongings. Still, there are several factors that help calculate an approximate figure before you choose a kit.

Start with your home's size

Room count is the simplest reference point. The table below shows the average box count - assuming a standard amount of belongings, without the extra factors described below.

Factors that increase the number you'll need

• A book collection. If you have a large row of bookshelves, add 5–10 extra boxes - books are heavy, so they need to be spread across several boxes rather than piled into one.
• A full kitchen. Dishes, kitchen utensils, and appliances often need more boxes than expected - count on 5–8 boxes for the kitchen alone.
• Kids' belongings. Toys, books, and clothes for each child usually take up 3–5 extra boxes.
• A basement, balcony, or storage room. These spaces are often forgotten when planning, but can add a significant number of boxes.
• Hobbies and equipment. Sports gear, art supplies, or collections need their own space.

A safe margin

Even with careful calculation, we recommend adding a 10–15% margin - there are always belongings that weren't originally planned for. If you book a kit and it turns out you need more boxes, an extra 10 or 20 boxes can be added even after the initial booking - see our add-ons.

If you're not sure

It's better to choose a slightly larger kit than to risk running short of boxes on moving day. If you're torn between two kits, choose the larger one - the price difference is usually smaller than it seems, since each additional box in a kit costs less (see our price comparison).

Want a more precise answer?

Use our box calculator - answer a few questions about your home and belongings, and get a recommendation right away.