How Many Boxes Do I Need To Move A 2 Bedroom Apartment?

Moving to a new 2-bedroom apartment can be an exciting journey, but it also comes with the daunting task of packing up your life and relocating. 

For a standard 2 bedroom apartment containing around 700-900 square feet of space, you will need an estimated 50-70 sturdy moving boxes in a mix of small, medium and large sizes to safely transport all your belongings and furniture to your new home. The exact number depends on how much stuff you have to pack up and move.

In this article, we’ll dive into the details of “how many boxes do I need to move a 2-bedroom apartment,” providing you with a comprehensive guide to make your move as smooth as possible.

Preparing for Your 2-Bedroom Apartment Move

Prepare for your 2-bedroom apartment move by assessing your belongings and selecting the right boxes. Learn how to organize and choose the most suitable moving containers.

Assessing Your Belongings

Before you can estimate the number of boxes you’ll need, it’s essential to assess your belongings. Take stock of your furniture, appliances, clothing, kitchenware, and other items in your 2-bedroom apartment. Here’s how to go about it:

1. Inventory Your Items: Start by creating a detailed inventory list of everything you plan to move. Categorize your possessions into sections such as furniture, clothing, kitchen items, electronics, and personal items.
2. Determine What to Keep: While creating your inventory, consider whether you need to keep or get rid of certain items. Donate, sell, or discard items you no longer use or need. The fewer items you have, the fewer boxes you’ll require.
3. Categorize by Room: Organize your inventory by room. This will help you estimate the number of boxes required for each room individually, making packing and unpacking more manageable.
4. Consider Seasonal Items: Remember to account for seasonal items like holiday decorations, sports equipment, or camping gear. These may need separate boxes or storage solutions.

Choosing the Right Boxes

Selecting the right type of boxes is crucial to ensure your move is efficient and your items are protected. Here’s how to choose the right boxes:

1. Standard Cardboard Boxes: Standard cardboard boxes come in various sizes and are ideal for most items. Small boxes work well for heavy items, while medium and large boxes are great for bulkier, but lighter items. Consider getting a variety of sizes to cater to your specific needs.
2. Wardrobe Boxes: Wardrobe boxes are tall, portable closets that allow you to hang clothes directly on a bar. These are perfect for transporting clothing without wrinkling or folding.
3. Specialty Boxes: Depending on your items, you might need specialty boxes, such as dish boxes, mirror boxes, and mattress boxes. These are designed to protect fragile and unusual-shaped items.
4. Plastic Bins: Plastic bins with lids are an excellent alternative to cardboard boxes. They are durable, reusable, and provide better protection against moisture. They are perfect for items you plan to use right away in your new apartment.
5. Free Boxes: You can often find free boxes at grocery stores, liquor stores, or through friends who have recently moved. While these may not be uniform in size, they can be a budget-friendly option.
6. Box Quality: Ensure the boxes you choose are in good condition. Weak or damaged boxes can lead to accidents and damage to your belongings during the move.

Estimating the Number of Boxes for Each Room

Now that you have assessed your belongings and chosen the right type of boxes, let’s delve into estimating how many boxes you’ll need for each room in your 2-bedroom apartment.

Bedroom

1. Bedroom Furniture: For the bedroom, you’ll need boxes for items such as your bed frame, mattress, dressers, nightstands, and any other furniture. Depending on the size and quantity of these items, you may require around 5-10 boxes.
2. Clothing: Estimate the number of clothing items in your closet and drawers. A standard medium-sized box can hold about 30-40 hanging items or the equivalent in folded clothing. You might need 5-10 boxes for clothing alone.
3. Bedding and Linens: Don’t forget to pack your bedding, pillows, and linens. 2-3 boxes should suffice for these items.

Kitchen

1. Pots and Pans: The kitchen is often the most challenging room to pack. Consider packing pots and pans individually in small to medium-sized boxes. You may need 3-5 boxes.
2. Dishes and Glassware: Use specialty dish boxes to ensure the safety of your dishes and glassware. Depending on your collection, you might require 3-5 boxes.
3. Small Appliances: Pack small appliances such as blenders, toasters, and coffee makers in their original boxes if available. Otherwise, 2-3 medium-sized boxes should be enough.
4. Utensils and Cutlery: Utilize small boxes or plastic bins for utensils and cutlery. 2-3 boxes should suffice.
5. Food and Pantry Items: Don’t forget to account for food items in your pantry. You may need 2-3 boxes for these.

Living Room

1. Sofa and Chairs: The size and number of boxes required for your sofa and chairs depend on their dimensions. In general, you may need 3-6 boxes.
2. Entertainment Center: If you have an entertainment center or TV stand, you might need 2-3 boxes for it.
3. Electronics: Consider packing your electronics, such as TVs, gaming consoles, and stereo systems, in their original packaging if possible. Otherwise, use small to medium-sized boxes, estimating around 2-4 boxes.
4. Books and Decor: For your books, decorative items, and knick-knacks, estimate 3-5 boxes.

Bathroom

1. Toiletries and Personal Items: Bathroom items can usually be packed in a few small boxes, approximately 2-3.
2. Towels and Linens: Towels and linens can be packed in a medium-sized box or two, depending on the quantity.
3. Medications and First Aid: Ensure your medications and first-aid supplies are packed securely in a small box.

Miscellaneous Items and Storage

Apart from the major rooms, there are various miscellaneous items and storage areas to consider when estimating the number of boxes needed.

Storage Spaces

1. Garage or Storage Unit: If you have a garage or storage unit, assess the number of items that need to be moved from there. This can vary widely but may require 5-10 boxes or more.
2. Closets: Ensure you’ve accounted for any items in closets and storage spaces, which may add another 5-10 boxes to your estimate.

Miscellaneous Items

1. Artwork and Mirrors: Artwork and mirrors should be carefully wrapped and packed. Depending on the size and quantity, you might need 2-4 boxes.
2. Tools: If you have a collection of tools, estimate 2-3 boxes for packing these securely.
3. Sporting Equipment: Calculate how many boxes you’ll need for your sporting equipment, such as bicycles, golf clubs, or skis.
4. Seasonal Items: Don’t forget seasonal items like holiday decorations, which could require an additional 1-3 boxes.

Reducing the Number of Boxes Needed

Now that you have a rough estimate of how many boxes you’ll need, let’s explore some strategies for reducing that number. This can save you both time and money during your move.

Downsizing and Decluttering

1. Host a Pre-Move Sale: Consider selling unwanted items through a garage sale or online platforms like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.
2. Donate to Charity: Donate clothing, furniture, and household items you no longer need to local charities. This not only helps others but also reduces your load.
3. Recycle or Dispose: Properly dispose of items that are broken, unusable, or hazardous. This ensures you’re not moving things that you’ll eventually throw away.

Packing Efficiently

1. Use Space-Saving Techniques: Invest in space-saving techniques such as vacuum storage bags for clothing, which can significantly reduce the number of boxes needed.
2. Disassemble Furniture: If possible, disassemble furniture to make it more compact for transportation. This can cut down the number of boxes required for large items.
3. Pack Smartly: Be efficient with your packing. Fill spaces in boxes with small items, use packing materials like bubble wrap to protect fragile items, and stack items securely.
4. Label Boxes: Properly label your boxes to make unpacking more manageable. Include details about the contents and the room they belong to.

FAQs on Estimating the Number of Boxes

In this section, we’ll address some frequently asked questions related to estimating the number of boxes needed to move a 2-bedroom apartment.

What’s the Difference Between Small, Medium, and Large Boxes?

Small boxes are typically used for heavy items like books and small appliances. Medium boxes are versatile and suitable for most belongings. Large boxes are ideal for lightweight, bulky items like bedding and pillows.

How Do I Determine the Right Box Size for an Item?

Consider the weight and size of the item. Heavier and more substantial items should go in smaller boxes, while larger, but lighter items can go in larger boxes.

Should I Get More Boxes Than I Estimate?

It’s advisable to get a few extra boxes, as you may discover more items to pack as you go. It’s better to have some additional boxes on hand than to run out during the move.

Is it Worth Investing in Specialty Boxes?

Specialty boxes are worth considering for fragile or unique items, such as dishes, glassware, and mirrors. They provide added protection and peace of mind during the move.

Can I Reuse Boxes for Future Moves?

Yes, you can reuse boxes if they’re in good condition. However, keep in mind that they may not be as sturdy after multiple uses.

How Do I Reduce the Cost of Boxes?

To reduce costs, look for free boxes at local stores, inquire with friends who have recently moved, or consider renting reusable plastic bins. Shopping for boxes in advance can also help you find better deals.

Conclusion

Estimating the number of boxes needed for a 2-bedroom apartment move might seem overwhelming, but careful planning and organization can simplify the process. 

Start by assessing your belongings, choosing the right boxes, and estimating the quantities required for each room and miscellaneous items. 

Prioritize downsizing and employ efficient packing techniques to optimize your moving experience. These guidelines will ensure a successful and stress-free move to your new apartment.