Moving Box Calculator

How the estimate works

The numbers are typical averages for a furnished home of each size: small boxes for heavy items such as books and kitchenware, large boxes for light, bulky items such as linens and pillows. The load volume includes furniture and is matched to the smallest common rental truck with enough cargo space.

Truck sizes at a glance

A 10 ft truck holds about 400 cu ft (a studio or small 1-bedroom), a 15 ft truck about 760 cu ft (1–2 bedrooms), a 20 ft truck about 1,000 cu ft (2–3 bedrooms) and a 26 ft truck about 1,680 cu ft (3–5 bedrooms). Exact capacities vary by rental company, so check before you book.

Adjust for your home

Add boxes for a home office, garage, basement, attic or large collections of books, tools or kitchen equipment. Minimalist homes need fewer. It is cheaper to buy a few extra boxes than to run out on moving day — unused boxes can often be returned.

Packing tips

Keep heavy items in small boxes so each box stays liftable, fill empty space so contents do not shift, and label every box with its room and a short list of contents. Pack a separate essentials box for the first night.

How many boxes do I need for a 2-bedroom apartment?

About 28 small and 18 large boxes — around 46 in total — is a typical estimate for a furnished 2-bedroom home.

What size truck do I need for a 2-bedroom move?

A typical 2-bedroom load is about 640 cu ft, which fits in a 15 ft truck. With a lot of furniture, choose a 20 ft truck.

What size truck do I need for a 3-bedroom house?

Around 850 cu ft is typical, which fits a 20 ft truck; larger 3-bedroom houses often need a 26 ft truck.

Are these numbers exact?

No. They are averages to help you plan and budget. The amount of furniture and belongings matters more than the number of rooms.