Estimating How Many Boxes You Need
It is important to know how many boxes your move will require, both in terms of obtaining them and budgeting your time. Use the chart below to help you get an idea. (Keep in mind, however, that the longer you've lived in your home, the more stuff you may have accumulated.)
| Type of Dwelling |
Approximate Number of Boxes |
| Studio |
10 - 20 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment |
20 - 35 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartment |
25 - 40 |
| 2 Bedroom House |
25 - 45 |
| 3 Bedroom House |
30 - 55 |
| 4 Bedroom House |
40 - 65 |
Note: The amount/size of your unique belongings will determine the final number of boxes you'll require.
Different Types of Boxes
| Small |
1.5 cubic ft. |
Perfect for books and CDs. Ideal for small and heavier items. |
| Medium |
3.1 cubic ft. |
These are best suited for pots and pans, kitchen utensils, stereo equipment, shoes, toys, clothes and small appliances. |
| Large |
4.5 cubic ft. |
These are used for lightweight bulky items such as linens, blankets, towels and lampshades. |
| Extra Large |
6.1 cubic ft. |
These are used for lightweight bulky items such as linens, blankets, towels and lampshades. |
| Dish Packs |
5.2 cubic ft |
Double corrugated for extra strength: best for dishware, glasses, and fragile/breakable items. |
| Wardrobes w/bar |
24" |
Clothes on hangers can be taken directly from your closets and hung in a wardrobe box. This eliminates the need to iron or clean your clothes after the move is completed. |
| Picture/Mirror |
|
These boxes are specially designed to protect mirrors, paintings and other small valuable objects. |
Other Materials
Tape: Every box needs to be taped, top and bottom, with 2 - 2 1/2 inch tape to give it additional strength and prevent opening. You will need approximately one roll of tape for every 15 to 20 boxes. You can buy the tape from the hardware store or from Consumer Focused Moving.
Wrapping paper: Ordinary newspaper will do fine for this purpose, but be careful because the print will run. For items you want to keep clean, you can buy unprinted white packing paper from Consumer Focused Moving.
Blankets: Furniture should be wrapped in blankets for its protection. Leave this job to the movers. We will provide the use of blankets free of charge.
Original packing: Whenever it's available, use the original packing material for your electronic items (stereo, computer, etc.)
If you have any questions on how to pack, please feel free to call us. We're here to help.
All loose belongings need to be boxed. You can do this yourself, pay the mover to do it all for you, or have the mover do partial packing (for example: pack only fragile items). Remember, in terms of insurance coverage, the mover is only responsible for damage to items inside boxes he packed.
Recycled boxes are available free from local stores, but they should all be clean, strong and able to close. (During your move, the boxes will be stacked on top of each other.) You can purchase new boxes from Consumer Focused Moving.
We also have survival kits with the perfect amount of boxes for each size apartment or house.
We will deliver them for free.
If you have any questions on how to pack, please give us a call. We're here to help.
