How Many Boxes for a 2-Bedroom Apartment?
A 2-bedroom apartment typically needs 30-50 moving boxes: about 10-15 small boxes (for books and heavy items), 15-25 medium boxes (for most belongings), and 8-12 large boxes (for linens and bulky light items). Use the Moving Box Calculator for an exact estimate.
Key Takeaways
- The number of boxes depends on how much stuff you have.
- Kitchens with lots of dishes and appliances can add 10-15 extra boxes.
- Home offices with books and equipment may need 5-10 additional small boxes.
Explanation
The number of boxes depends on how much stuff you have. A minimalist 2-bedroom might need only 30 boxes, while a fully furnished apartment with lots of decor could require 50 or more. Labeling your boxes by room and contents makes unpacking dramatically faster.
Small boxes (1.5 cubic feet) are for heavy items like books, which need small boxes to keep weight manageable. Medium boxes (3 cubic feet) are the workhorses for clothes, dishes, and most household items. Large boxes (4.5 cubic feet) are for light, bulky items like pillows, linens, and lampshades.
Don't forget specialty boxes: wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes, dish packs for fragile kitchenware, and picture boxes for mirrors and art. Add 10-15% more boxes than you estimate to avoid running short.
A typical 2-bedroom apartment has roughly 800-1,000 sq ft of living space, holding an average of 3,000-5,000 lbs of belongings. To keep boxes manageable, never pack a small box heavier than 30 lbs, medium boxes over 40 lbs, or large boxes over 50 lbs. Overloaded boxes are the top cause of moving injuries, with the average person lifting 50-100 boxes during a self-move. Following these weight limits also prevents box bottoms from giving out when stacked in the moving truck.
Budget roughly $50-100 for boxes if buying new from a moving supply store, where small boxes cost $1-2 each, medium boxes $2-3, and large boxes $3-5. Wardrobe boxes run $8-15 each and you will typically need 2-4 of them. To save money, check Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or local liquor stores for free used boxes. Liquor store boxes are particularly sturdy because they are designed to carry heavy glass bottles, and their built-in dividers work perfectly for glassware and vases.
Things to Know
- Kitchens with lots of dishes and appliances can add 10-15 extra boxes. Packing electronics in original boxes reduces the need for extra padding materials.
- Home offices with books and equipment may need 5-10 additional small boxes.
- Declutter before packing to reduce box count and moving costs.
- If you have a walk-in closet or significant shoe collection, plan for 3-5 extra medium boxes per closet since shoes, bags, and folded clothing take up more volume than most people expect.