How Many Moving Boxes Do I Need When Moving Across the Country

Relocating across the country requires thorough planning. Estimating the number of boxes needed should be based on the size of the home and how much you declutter before you start to pack. Sourcing them is the next step, and you can either buy new ones or gather previously used ones. In the end, you can skip all the hassle and hire movers that also handle shipping cars in the USA, so you can rest easy while the professionals handle your relocation.

How Many Moving Boxes Do I Need? Start by Assessing Your Belongings

Before we jump into the number crunching, it’s crucial to start with the basics – assessing belongings. One cannot answer the question, “How many boxes to move a home?” without first having a good understanding of what needs to be packed and what not.

The importance of this step cannot be overstated. By taking time to evaluate and categorize belongings, you can avoid overestimating or underestimating the number of containers required, saving both time and money. This process will also help you identify items that may need special handling, packing materials, or boxes of specific dimensions.

Start by creating categories based on room, size, or item type – for example, kitchen items, bedroom items, small appliances, large pieces of furniture, delicate items, and so on. Remember, the contents of a three-bedroom home won’t fit into the same number of cardboards as a studio apartment. Remember to consider the weight of items as well. Books, for example, are heavy, and packing too many into one box can make it unwieldy and difficult to move. It might be better to use more containers for such items, filling each only partway.

Declutter and Downsize to Reduce the Number of Items to Be Packed

Relocating to a new state can be a tiresome task, particularly when it comes to packing. One effective way to manage this is to declutter and downsize your belongings, reducing the number of items that need to be packed.

When sorting through your belongings, take a hard look at what you truly need. You might be surprised to find that there are many things you can live without. Why pack, transport, and unpack items that you no longer use or need? Every item you get rid of is one less item to pack, reducing the number of boxes, too.

The Benefits of Decluttering

There are numerous benefits to this approach. Firstly, you’ll save on materials and reduce the physical effort needed to pack, relocate, and unpack. Secondly, if you’re hiring professional movers, less stuff could translate into reduced moving costs, as many companies charge based on weight or number of items. You can throw away unusable things, or the items movers won’t move, sell some things online or on a garage sale, or donate to Goodwill or some similar organization. The following video offers an interesting strategy for decluttering.

Estimate the Number of Boxes

Now that you’ve categorized and decluttered the belongings, it’s time to dive into estimating how many containers you’ll need. This is a crucial step in the relocation process and will significantly influence the moving budget and plan. Please keep in mind that these are estimates, and the actual number can vary depending on your lifestyle, the amount of clutter you have, and how tightly you pack.

Calculate Box Quantity

Calculating the approximate number of boxes you’ll need for relocation isn’t a perfect science, but there are several steps you can follow to get a good estimate. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

• A simple way to start the calculation is by determining the average number typically needed per room. As a general guideline, a small to medium-sized room (for example, a bathroom or a small bedroom) might require around 3-5 medium ones, 2-3 large ones, and 1-2 extra-large ones. A larger room or a room with many items (such as the kitchen or master bedroom) might require more.
• Next, count the rooms in the home and multiply this by the average number of cardboards needed per room. Don’t forget to consider spaces like the garage, attic, or basement if they contain items to be moved.
• Several additional factors might affect how many boxes you’ll need. For instance, if you’ve lived in a current home for many years, you may have accumulated more items than someone who has lived in their home for only a year or two.
• Finally, add in a few extras for contingency. Even with careful planning, there are always unexpected items that pop up at the last minute. Having a few extras on hand will ensure you’re prepared for these surprises. A safe estimate is to add about 10% more to the total.

Remember, this is just a guide to help you estimate. The actual number may vary, but this should give you a starting point for preparations. Planning ahead and being prepared is the key to a successful move.

Obtaining Moving Boxes

Once you’ve estimated how many you’ll need, the next step is to obtain them. There are several things to consider and a few options available when acquiring crates and protective cardboard, each with its benefits and drawbacks.

Purchasing New Ones From Stores or Online Retailers

Purchasing new boxes is a straightforward and convenient option. You can find them in various sizes at home improvement stores or online retailers. The benefit of purchasing is that they’re sturdy, clean, and can be bought in specific dimensions to suit your needs. However, this option can be costly, particularly if you’re relocating a large house into an apartment or have many items to pack.

Seeking Free or Discounted Boxes from Local Stores, Friends, or Social Media Groups

If you’re relocating on a tight budget, you might want to consider sourcing free or discounted cardboards. Local businesses, especially retail stores and grocery stores, often have a surplus that they’re happy to give away. Just be sure to ask for their box delivery schedule, as they may break down boxes quickly.

You can also check with friends or neighbors who have recently moved or post an inquiry in local social media groups or online classifieds. Always inspect these containers for sturdiness and cleanliness – remember, not all boxes are suitable for moving to a new state, especially if they’re damp, torn, or have been used for food storage.

If You Want to Avoid All the Trouble of Getting Boxes, Hire Movers to Do the Heavy Lifting

Packing up the entire home can be a massive undertaking, and for many people, the task can be too much to handle on top of all the other stresses that come with moving. If the idea of sourcing, buying, or renting boxes, then packing and labeling everything correctly feels overwhelming, there’s an alternative option that could make the move a lot easier – hiring professional movers.

Professional movers do more than just transport belongings from point A to point B. Many companies offer full-service packages that include moving services, packing up the items, convenient door-to-door auto transport, or more affordable terminal-to-terminal car shipping. They’re trained in the best ways to pack and handle items of all types, from fragile dishes to large pieces of furniture, ensuring everything gets to the new home in one piece.

How to Pick the Right Car Shipping Company

If you do choose to hire professional movers, it’s crucial to do research and choose a reputable relocation and auto transport company. Check reviews, ask for recommendations, and ensure the company is licensed and insured. Run a USDOT number check on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website, and optionally check whether there are any complaints on Better Business Bureau. This will help you avoid potential issues and ensure your relocation is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Follow Our Guide and Your Move Will Be Smooth

Moving across the country is a significant undertaking, but it doesn’t have to be a chaotic or stressful experience. By following the steps and advice provided in our guide, you’ll be well on the way to a smooth and efficient move.

From assessing your belongings and decluttering to estimating how many moving boxes you’ll need and choosing the right moving service that suits your needs, every step of the way requires careful thought and planning. Remember, preparation is key – the more time and effort you put into planning the relocation, the less room there is for unexpected hiccups.

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Ready to take the next step? Contact us today for a free quote and to learn more about how our comprehensive services can simplify your move. We look forward to making your move a breeze!