Estimating the right number of moving boxes for a two bedroom apartment move is crucial for a smooth transition. Generally, you’ll need around 30-50 medium-sized moving boxes, but this number can vary based on your belongings and packing style. This guide will help you accurately assess your needs for packing supplies, whether you’re moving across town or planning a long-distance relocation.
Moving can feel like a big puzzle, especially when it comes to figuring out how many boxes you’ll need. If you’re tackling a two bedroom move, you might be wondering, “How many boxes will I really need?” It’s a common question, and the truth is, there’s no single magic number that fits everyone. It depends on what you own, how much of it you’re taking, and even how you pack. But don’t worry, this guide is here to help you estimate moving boxes accurately, making your packing process much simpler. We’ll cover everything from the types of packing supplies you’ll need to how to use a moving boxes calculator effectively, ensuring your small apartment moving experience is less stressful.
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Figuring Out Your Box Needs for a Two Bedroom Apartment
Let’s break down how to get a good estimate for your two-bedroom apartment move. It’s all about looking at your stuff and making smart choices.
What Goes Into Estimating Moving Boxes?
Several factors influence how many boxes you’ll require:
- Volume of Belongings: The more stuff you have, the more boxes you’ll need. Think about furniture, clothes, books, kitchenware, and decorations.
- Size of Items: While we’re talking about boxes, remember that larger items might require specialized moving equipment rather than just boxes. For example, furniture movers will handle your sofa, but you’ll need boxes for all the smaller items that belong in your living room.
- Packing Strategy: Do you plan to pack items tightly or loosely? Do you use a lot of padding? These choices affect how many items fit into each box.
- Room-by-Room Inventory: A good way to start is by walking through each room and jotting down what you have.
Room-by-Room Box Estimation
Let’s use a room-by-room approach to get a better handle on your needs.
Bedroom(s)
- Clothing: If you have a lot of clothes, consider wardrobe boxes for hanging items. For folded clothes, small to medium boxes work well.
- Linens: Sheets, blankets, and towels can fill medium or large boxes.
- Books & Paperwork: These are heavy, so medium boxes are ideal to keep them manageable.
- Personal Items: Decorations, lamps, shoes, and accessories will need various-sized boxes.
Estimate: For two bedrooms, you might need:
* 5-8 medium boxes for clothes, books, and smaller items.
* 2-4 large boxes for linens and bulkier items.
* 1-2 wardrobe boxes if you have many hanging clothes.
Living Room
- Books & Decor: Similar to bedrooms, books and decorative items fit well in medium boxes.
- Electronics: Use original boxes if you have them for TVs and speakers. Otherwise, padded boxes or blankets are essential.
- Soft Items: Cushions, throws, and smaller decorative pillows can go into large boxes.
- Lamps & Shades: Lamp boxes are best for taller lamps, while shades can go into larger boxes with plenty of padding.
Estimate: For a living room, aim for:
* 6-10 medium boxes for books, decor, and electronics.
* 3-5 large boxes for softer items and lampshades.
* 1-2 lamp boxes if needed.
Kitchen
The kitchen often holds the most fragile items and requires the most careful packing.
- Dishware & Glassware: Use small boxes with plenty of padding. Plate dividers and bubble wrap are your best friends here.
- Pots & Pans: These can go into medium or large boxes, depending on their size.
- Small Appliances: Toasters, blenders, coffee makers – medium boxes are usually suitable.
- Food Items: Canned goods and non-perishables can fill medium or large boxes.
Estimate: The kitchen is a box-heavy area:
* 10-15 small boxes for fragile dishes, glasses, and mugs.
* 6-10 medium boxes for small appliances, cookware, and pantry items.
* 2-4 large boxes for larger pots, pans, and bulkier kitchenware.
Bathroom
- Toiletries & Personal Care: Small boxes or plastic bins work well for organizing these items.
- Towels & Linens: Similar to bedroom linens, medium to large boxes are suitable.
- Cleaning Supplies: Keep cleaning supplies upright in medium boxes.
Estimate: A bathroom usually requires:
* 3-5 small boxes for toiletries and smaller items.
* 1-2 medium boxes for towels and cleaning supplies.
Other Areas (Entryway, Hallways, Storage)
- Miscellaneous Items: You’ll likely have a collection of items from various areas that need boxing up.
Estimate:
* 5-8 assorted boxes (small to large) for these miscellaneous items.
Putting It All Together: Your Two Bedroom Apartment Box Count
Based on the room-by-room estimates, a typical two bedroom move might require somewhere in the range of 30-50 medium boxes. This is a general guideline. If you have a lot of books, a significant collection of kitchenware, or many decorative items, you might lean towards the higher end of this range or even slightly above.
Factors That Can Increase Your Box Needs
- Extensive Book Collections: Books are notoriously heavy and require numerous boxes.
- Large Kitchenware Inventory: If you’re a gourmet cook with many specialized gadgets and pots, this will add to your box count.
- Many Decorative Items: Shelves filled with knick-knacks and art pieces will need individual boxing.
- Extensive Wardrobe: A large collection of clothes, especially those that aren’t hung, can fill many boxes.
- Children’s Toys and Items: If you have children, their belongings can significantly increase the number of boxes needed.
- Hobbies and Collections: Any specialized hobby items, like crafting supplies, sports equipment, or collectibles, will require their own packing solutions.
Factors That Can Decrease Your Box Needs
- Downsizing: If you’re moving from a two-bedroom to a smaller space or simply decluttering significantly, you’ll need fewer boxes.
- Minimalist Lifestyle: Those who own fewer possessions will naturally require less packing material.
- Using Suitcases and Duffel Bags: Many non-fragile items, like clothes, linens, and toiletries, can be packed directly into luggage, reducing the need for boxes.
- Selling or Donating Items: If you’ve diligently decluttered and sold or donated items you no longer need, your box count will be lower.
Choosing the Right Moving Boxes and Packing Supplies
Beyond just the quantity, selecting the right types of boxes and packing supplies is essential for protecting your belongings and making the packing process efficient.
Types of Moving Boxes
- Small Boxes (16″ x 12″ x 12″): Ideal for heavy, small items like books, canned goods, toiletries, and small electronics. Their smaller size makes them easier to carry when full.
- Medium Boxes (18″ x 14″ x 14″): The workhorse of moving. Suitable for general household items, clothing, kitchenware (non-fragile), linens, toys, and pantry staples.
- Large Boxes (20″ x 20″ x 24″ or similar): Best for lighter, bulkier items like bedding, pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, and lampshades. Avoid filling these with heavy items to keep them manageable.
- Extra-Large Boxes (24″ x 24″ x 24″): For very bulky but lightweight items like large lampshades, sporting equipment, or large cushions.
- Wardrobe Boxes: Tall boxes with a hanging bar, specifically designed for clothes you want to keep on hangers. These are excellent for minimizing ironing after your move.
- Dish Packs/Cell Boxes: These are specialized, sturdy boxes with built-in dividers to protect fragile dishes, glasses, and china. They are a must for kitchenware.
- Picture/Mirror Boxes: Flat, adjustable boxes designed to protect artwork, mirrors, and framed pictures.
Essential Packing Supplies
- Packing Tape: Strong, durable packing tape is crucial for sealing boxes securely. Invest in a tape gun for easier application.
- Bubble Wrap: For wrapping fragile items like glassware, dishes, electronics, and decorative objects.
- Packing Paper (Unprinted): Great for cushioning items, filling empty spaces in boxes, and wrapping delicate items where you don’t want ink transfer.
- Markers: For clearly labeling each box with its contents and destination room.
- Box Cutter or Scissors: For opening tape and unpacking.
- Moving Blankets/Pads: To protect furniture and larger items during transit.
- Stretch Wrap/Plastic Wrap: Useful for securing drawers, doors on cabinets, and wrapping items like lamps.
- Furniture Sliders: Help to easily move heavy furniture.
Using a Moving Boxes Calculator Effectively
Many online moving companies and resources offer a moving boxes calculator. These tools are designed to help you estimate the number and types of boxes you’ll need.
How Moving Boxes Calculators Work
Typically, these calculators ask you to:
- Specify Apartment Size: You’ll select “2 Bedroom Apartment.”
- Estimate Belongings: You might answer questions about the number of items in specific categories (e.g., “How many books do you have?” or “How many sets of dishes?”). Some calculators might ask you to estimate the volume of items in each room.
- Indicate Fragility: You might note how many fragile items you have.
- Account for Furniture: While calculators focus on boxes, some might prompt you to consider furniture moving needs.
Tips for Using Calculators
- Be Honest: The accuracy of the calculator depends on your honest input. Don’t underestimate your belongings.
- Consider Your Packing Style: If you tend to over-pack or use a lot of padding, you might want to add a buffer of 10-15% to the calculator’s estimate.
- Cross-Reference: Use a calculator as a starting point, but also refer to room-by-room estimates like the one provided in this guide.
- Look for Comprehensive Tools: Some calculators also help estimate the number of moving blankets and other supplies you might need.
Advanced Packing Tips for a Two Bedroom Apartment Move
Once you have a good idea of how many boxes you need, it’s time to think about how to pack them efficiently and safely.
Packing Strategies
- Pack Like with Like: Keep similar items together. All kitchen items in kitchen boxes, all books in book boxes, etc.
- Don’t Overpack: Heavy boxes are difficult to lift and can break. Fill medium boxes with heavy items and large boxes with lighter items.
- Fill Empty Spaces: Use packing paper, towels, or soft clothing to fill gaps in boxes. This prevents items from shifting and breaking during transit.
- Label Clearly: Mark each box with its contents and the room it belongs in at your new place (e.g., “Kitchen – Pots & Pans,” “Master Bedroom – Linens,” “Living Room – Books”).
- Protect Fragiles: Wrap each fragile item individually in bubble wrap or packing paper. Use plenty of cushioning. Dish packs with dividers are essential for glassware.
- Heavy Items at the Bottom: Place heavier items at the bottom of the box and lighter items on top.
- Seal Boxes Properly: Use strong packing tape and apply it along all seams and edges, especially the bottom.
Preparing for Furniture Movers
While this guide focuses on boxes, it’s important to remember the larger items. Professional furniture movers will handle your larger pieces, but you can make their job easier and protect your belongings by:
- Emptying Drawers and Cabinets: Remove items from drawers and cabinets to reduce weight and prevent them from opening during the move.
- Disassembling Furniture: If possible, disassemble beds, tables, or other furniture that can be broken down. Keep all hardware (screws, bolts) in a labeled bag taped securely to the corresponding furniture piece.
- Protecting Furniture: Use moving blankets or the original packaging for delicate furniture pieces.
- Communicating with Movers: Discuss any special handling instructions for specific pieces with your furniture movers beforehand.
Creating a Relocation Checklist
A comprehensive relocation checklist can help you stay organized throughout the entire moving process.
Pre-Move Tasks
- 3-4 Weeks Before:
- Declutter and donate/sell unwanted items.
- Get moving quotes from different companies or rent a truck.
- Start gathering packing supplies.
- Notify your landlord or prepare your current residence for move-out.
- Start a preliminary relocation checklist.
- 2 Weeks Before:
- Confirm moving day arrangements.
- Pack non-essential items.
- Change your address with the post office, banks, and other important institutions.
- Arrange for utilities to be transferred to your new address.
- 1 Week Before:
- Pack essential items separately (toiletries, medications, a change of clothes).
- Confirm the moving boxes calculator estimate one last time and purchase any remaining supplies.
- Defrost refrigerator and freezer.
- Pack an “Open First” box with essentials for your first night.
Moving Day Tasks
- On the Day:
- Supervise the loading process.
- Do a final sweep of your apartment to ensure nothing is left behind.
- Hand over keys to your landlord.
Post-Move Tasks
- First Few Days:
- Unpack essentials.
- Begin unpacking room by room, starting with the kitchen and bathrooms.
- Assemble furniture.
- Update your driver’s license and vehicle registration.
Apartment Moving Costs and Box Considerations
The cost of moving is a significant factor, and apartment moving costs can be influenced by several things, including the number of boxes you need.
Factors Affecting Apartment Moving Costs
- Distance: Local moves are generally cheaper than long-distance moves.
- Volume of Goods: More belongings mean more boxes, more weight, and potentially a larger truck or more labor, increasing costs.
- Labor: Whether you hire professional furniture movers or a full-service moving company significantly impacts the price.
- Packing Services: If you opt for professional packing, this will add to your apartment moving costs.
- Specialty Items: Moving pianos, safes, or other unusually heavy or delicate items can incur extra charges.
- Moving Insurance: Protection for your belongings during transit is an added cost but can provide peace of mind.
How Boxes Impact Costs
- Purchasing Boxes: Buying new boxes from moving companies or supply stores can add up. A two bedroom move with 40-50 boxes can cost anywhere from $100-$250+ for boxes alone.
- Rental Services: Some companies offer box rental services, which can be a more eco-friendly and potentially cost-effective option.
- DIY Sourcing: Finding free boxes from local stores can save money but requires more effort and may result in less sturdy boxes.
- Packing Labor: If you hire movers to pack for you, the time spent boxing will be factored into their labor charges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How many medium boxes do I need for a two bedroom apartment?
For a typical two bedroom move, you’ll likely need between 30 to 50 medium-sized boxes. This is a general estimate and can vary based on the amount of stuff you own.
Q2: Should I buy moving boxes or get them for free?
Buying new boxes ensures they are sturdy and the right size, which is crucial for protecting your items and making packing easier. While free boxes can save money, they are often less durable and may not be the best quality for a move. If you choose free boxes, inspect them carefully for tears and weakness.
Q3: What is the best way to pack fragile items for my small apartment moving?
Use small boxes specifically for fragile items, like dish packs with dividers. Wrap each item individually in bubble wrap or packing paper. Fill any empty space in the box with more cushioning material to prevent movement during transit. Label the box clearly as “Fragile.”
Q4: Can I use a moving boxes calculator for my studio apartment boxes?
Yes, most moving boxes calculator tools allow you to specify different apartment sizes, including a studio apartment boxes estimate. Just select the appropriate size when prompted.
Q5: How can I reduce my apartment moving costs related to packing?
To lower your apartment moving costs, consider packing yourself instead of hiring professional packers. Also, declutter thoroughly before you move – the less you move, the fewer boxes and less labor you’ll need. Look for sales on packing supplies or consider borrowing/renting some items if available.
Q6: What if I estimate too many or too few boxes?
If you overestimate, you might have a few extra boxes left over, which can be useful for storage later or for organizing items in your new home. If you underestimate, you’ll need to make a trip to buy more boxes, which can disrupt your packing schedule and potentially increase the time it takes to pack. It’s often better to have a few extra than to run out mid-pack.
Q7: What are some essential packing tips for a two bedroom move?
- Pack room by room.
- Don’t make boxes too heavy; use smaller boxes for heavy items like books.
- Fill empty spaces in boxes to prevent items from shifting.
- Label every box with its contents and destination room.
- Pack an “Open First” box with essentials for your first night.
By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-equipped to estimate moving boxes accurately for your two bedroom move, gather all the necessary packing supplies, and plan your transition with greater confidence. Happy packing!