Packing A 3-Bedroom House: How Many Boxes Are Needed?

Moving to a new home can be stressful, and it's hard to know how many boxes you'll need to pack up your life. The number of boxes you'll need depends on the volume of items you have, the size of your home, and how efficiently you can pack them. A 3-bedroom house (excluding the garage, shed, and garden) typically has a volume of 1750 ft3, and you can expect to need between 60 and 140 boxes, depending on the size of your collection of belongings.

Box types: small, medium, large, extra-large

When packing up a 3-bedroom house, it's important to consider the variety of box sizes you'll need to efficiently pack your belongings. Small, medium, large, and extra-large boxes each serve their own purpose and can accommodate items of different shapes and weights.

Small boxes are ideal for dense, heavy items such as books, documents, and small electronics. They are easy to handle and carry due to their compact size, making them suitable for items that don't require a lot of space. Small boxes ensure that heavy items are packed in manageable quantities, reducing the risk of the box breaking under the weight.

Medium boxes are versatile and can accommodate a range of items. They are suitable for kitchenware, such as pots, pans, and small appliances. Medium boxes can also be used for linens, towels, and bedding, as well as for bulkier items like lamps and decorative pieces.

Large boxes are perfect for lightweight, bulky items that take up a lot of space but don't weigh too much. These boxes are ideal for soft items such as clothing, pillows, and stuffed toys. They can also be used for larger electronics, such as desktop computers or printers, ensuring these items have sufficient space without being cramped.

Extra-large boxes are typically used for large, unique-shaped items that may not fit into standard box sizes. This includes things like lamps, large artwork, or even outdoor equipment. Extra-large boxes provide the necessary space for these items to be packed safely and securely, ensuring they are well-protected during transport.

By utilising a combination of these box sizes, you can efficiently pack the contents of a 3-bedroom house, ensuring that your items are organised, protected, and easy to transport to your new home.

Box contents: books, crockery, clothes, shoes, etc

The number of boxes you will need to pack up a three-bedroom house depends on the volume of items to be moved, how many possessions you have, and how efficiently you can pack them. A three-bedroom property (excluding the garage, shed, and garden) has an average volume of 1750 ft3 and will require 60-120 boxes.

Now, let's focus on packing books, crockery, clothes, and shoes:

Books

Small boxes (2 ft3) are ideal for books. You will need one small box per 2 feet of books. When packing books, it is best to pack them in a box designed for this purpose. If you don't have one, wrap each book individually in bubble wrap and pack them vertically in a cardboard box. Make sure there are no empty spaces in the box, and be careful not to make the box too heavy.

Crockery

Crockery is fragile and requires careful packing. If possible, use boxes specifically designed for plates and glasses. These boxes have dividers, allowing you to slide your plates in safely. If you don't have these boxes, wrap each item individually in bubble wrap and pack them vertically in a box with newspaper or packing paper to fill any gaps. Always label crockery boxes as "Fragile".

Clothes

Large boxes are suitable for clothes. You can fit all your clothes in one large box, which will usually measure around 18" x 18" x 24". This size box is also suitable for storing a large part of your shoe collection, holding 12-15 pairs.

Shoes

Shoes can be packed in their original boxes or small moving boxes to prevent crushing. Stuff each shoe with socks, paper, or plastic wrap to retain its shape. Wrap nicer shoes in paper and box them individually. Tie sneakers together by their laces to keep pairs together. Pack heavy shoes at the bottom of the box to balance the weight, and always pack shoes with a pair of socks to save space.

Box quantities: 60-120 boxes for a 3-bedroom house

When it comes to packing up a 3-bedroom house, the number of boxes you'll need will depend on several factors. These include the volume of items to be moved, the size of your home, the number of belongings, and how efficiently you can pack them. A rough estimate of the size of your home is a good starting point for figuring out how many boxes you'll need.

An average 3-bedroom property (excluding the garage, shed, and garden) typically has a volume of around 1750 cubic feet. Based on this, you can expect to need between 60 and 120 boxes for your move. However, the actual number may vary depending on the specifics of your belongings and how you pack them.

To give you a better idea, a breakdown of the types of boxes you may need for a 3-bedroom house is as follows:

• Small boxes (1.5 cubic feet): Small boxes are ideal for small, heavy items such as books, jewellery, toiletries, and other fragile items. You'll want about 10 small boxes per room, but this may vary depending on the number of books and fragile items you have.
• Medium boxes (1.5 to 3 cubic feet): Medium boxes are great for wrapping dishes, storing shoes, office supplies, toys, and small appliances. You'll likely need the most of these, with an estimate of 8 medium boxes per room.
• Large boxes (2.5 to 3.5 cubic feet): Large boxes are perfect for folded clothes, shoes, linens, pillows, blankets, and other larger but lighter items. You'll want to avoid making these boxes too heavy, so aim for about 5 large boxes per room.
• Extra-large boxes (3.6+ cubic feet): These boxes are ideal for bulky or awkwardly shaped items, as well as for piling in lots of lightweight things like blankets and toys. With these boxes, you'll want to ensure they don't become too heavy to carry safely. You may need around 4-6 extra-large boxes per room.

Additionally, there are specialty boxes available for specific items:

• Book boxes (1 cubic foot): These small, strong boxes are perfect for packing books and can typically hold most book sizes without overpacking.
• Dish barrel boxes (5.25 cubic feet): These boxes have extra-thick walls to provide shock absorption and reinforced sides to keep fragile items like china and glassware safe during the move.
• Wardrobe boxes (11-16 cubic feet): Wardrobe boxes are elongated and come with a built-in hanging rod, making them ideal for transporting hanging clothes. They come in different sizes, so be sure to measure your closet before ordering.

By taking into account the size of your home, the number of belongings, and the types of items you have, you can estimate the number of boxes you'll need within the range of 60-120 boxes for a 3-bedroom house.

Box suppliers: moving companies, online, or recycled

There are several options for sourcing boxes for your move. You can buy new boxes from moving companies, purchase them online, or opt for recycled boxes to save money and help the environment. Here are some advantages and suppliers for each option.

Moving Companies

If you're renting a moving truck or storage unit from a company, it's often convenient to buy your boxes from them too. U-Haul, for example, offers a wide variety of moving boxes and kits, as well as specialty supplies like storage bags and disposable moisture absorbers. You can save time and effort by sourcing both your boxes and your transportation or storage solutions from the same company.

Online Retailers

Online retailers like Amazon and Uboxes provide a vast selection of moving boxes and supplies. Amazon offers the convenience of home delivery, especially if you're an Amazon Prime member. Uboxes, on the other hand, provides factory-direct options, allowing you to buy new high-quality items at low prices, with free shipping and delivery.

In-Store Purchases

Retailers like Walmart, Lowe's, and Home Depot offer in-store purchases of moving boxes and supplies. Walmart is ideal if you need to buy other necessities along with your boxes. Lowe's and Home Depot are great options if you're also working on home improvement projects, offering tools, lumber, and home fixtures in addition to moving supplies. Home Depot provides detailed online shopping with visual representations of box dimensions and in-stock quantities at your local store.

Recycled Boxes

An eco-friendly and cost-effective option is to use recycled boxes. Websites like usedcardboardboxes.com sell quality-inspected used moving boxes, offering various kits for different-sized homes. Additionally, you can source free boxes from community platforms like Nextdoor or U-Haul's Customer Connect, or even ask moving companies or big-box stores for their used boxes.

Packing tips: avoid overpacking, use a mix of box sizes

Packing for a move can be a tricky task. To avoid overpacking, it's important to understand the different types of boxes available and how to use them efficiently. Here are some packing tips to help you avoid overpacking and make the most of the various box sizes when packing up a 3-bedroom house:

Firstly, it's essential to understand the standard box sizes: small, medium, large, and extra-large. Small boxes are ideal for small, heavy items such as books, jewellery, toiletries, and fragile items. Medium boxes offer more room and are suitable for wrapping dishes, storing shoes, office supplies, toys, and small appliances. Large boxes are perfect for larger objects and lighter items like folded clothes, linens, pillows, and shoes. Extra-large boxes are the largest and are meant for bulky or awkwardly shaped items, as well as piles of lightweight things like blankets.

Now that you know the box sizes, here are some tips to avoid overpacking:

• Avoid overpacking medium boxes: Medium boxes can be tempting to fill with heavy items, but they should be packed with care. Fill them halfway with heavier items and then add lighter things like towels or sheets. This will prevent the boxes from becoming too heavy and difficult to carry.
• Use large boxes for clothes: If you're not packing your clothes in suitcases, large boxes are ideal. You can store all your clothes in one large box without making it too heavy. Large boxes are also great for shoes, with room for 12-15 pairs.
• Don't overfill extra-large boxes: While extra-large boxes are tempting to fill with many items, remember that they need to be easy to transport. Use them for the lightest items and awkwardly shaped things, like toys wrapped in blankets.
• Use specialty boxes: For items like books, dishes, and hanging clothes, consider using specialty boxes. Book boxes are small and strong, dish barrel boxes have extra-thick walls, and wardrobe boxes have a built-in hanging rod. These boxes provide extra protection for your belongings and make packing more efficient.
• Declutter as you pack: Moving is a great opportunity to go through your belongings and declutter. Donate or sell any items you no longer need. This will reduce the number of boxes you need and make packing more manageable.
• Pack efficiently: When packing, try to make use of all the space in each box. Fill in gaps with smaller items or packing material to prevent items from shifting during transport. This will help you make the most of each box's capacity.

By following these tips and utilising a mix of box sizes, you can avoid overpacking and efficiently pack up your 3-bedroom house. Remember to adjust the number of boxes based on your specific belongings and packing needs.

Frequently asked questions