Moving Box Calculator
Depending on your apartment size, household, and the amount of stuff you have, get an approximation of the amount of moving boxes for your next move in Brooklyn.
How Our Moving Box Calculator Functions
Brooklyn apartments are not typical. You have brownstones that have tight staircases, high-rise (usually doorman buildings), and everything in between. This calculator has been modeled on that reality.
- You will provide the basics – Select your home size (studio – 5+ bedrooms), how many people live there and whether you lean more minimalist or “we have a lot of stuff.” You could also indicate whether you have tons of fragile items (glassware, decor, collectibles, etc.).
- We’ll turn that into a realistic box mix – The calculator will take what you’ve provided and create a sensible mix of small, medium, large, and XL boxes to incorporate wardrobe boxes and dish pack cartons. Heavier items are moved to smaller boxes to make it easier to carry them up stairs (or into) elevators.
- We make modifications for how Brooklyn is laid out on average – You have extra closets and clothing? We’ll increase the wardrobe boxes. You have a large kitchen or tons of fragile decor? You’ll see more dish packs and packing paper. Stuff-heavy households will have higher overall counts than minimalist households.
- You’ll receive a packing checklist you can share with everyone helping you pack or move – The results show a rough indication of how many boxes of each size you will want to have, along with some recommendations for tape and padding, and a rough truck size suggestion. You can either save the list, print it.
What Types of Moving Boxes Will You Use in Brooklyn?
You will not need every specialty box, but the proper balance will make a tremendous difference when coping with a walk-up, an elevator, or tight hallways.
- Small boxes – Most useful for dense, substantial items: books, records, canned items, tools, and small decor. You will be grateful for these on the 4th floor of a brownstone.
- Medium boxes – Your everyday movers: pantry items, bathroom items, small appliances, toys, and folded clothes. They are effective, but you can control them on stairs.
- Large boxes – Bulgent but light items: pillows, bedding, towels, winter coats, and light lampshades. Don’t load them with books or heavy kitchenware; you don’t want them to be unliftable.
- XL boxes – Extra room for very light, puffed items like comforters, duvets, and other fluffy textiles. If it is becoming heavy, switch back to the smaller box.
- Wardrobe boxes – Great for hanging clothes, so they don’t get wrinkled or stuffed into bags. Shoes, bags, and folded items can go on the bottom. Helpful if going between closet spaces in co-ops or doorman buildings and need to unpack quickly.
- Dish-pack boxes – Double-wall cartons designed to hold plates, glasses, and fragile kitchen items. They are deeper and sturdier than standard boxes, and are made to curtail a lot of bumps between the apartment, to the hallway, the elevator, and truck.
- Picture/mirror boxes – These kits are adjustable to framed art, mirrors, and framed wall decor. Use corner protectors or padding, and clearly label “Fragile,” and “This Side Up.”
- TV boxes – These boxes are specially sized to flat screen the TV. Lay the TV upright, pad it well, and do not load stacked heavier boxes against the screen box during the move.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a moving box?
A moving box is a strong corrugated cardboard box built for stacking, lifting, and travel. Moving boxes typically come in standard sizes (small, medium, large, XL) that the crew can stack quickly and effectively for easy moving, versus random shipping or packing boxes. There are also specialty boxes (dish packs, wardrobes, pictures, TVs) that have been built for fragile and sometimes awkward items.
What is the most cost effective way to get moving boxes in Brooklyn?
The easiest and cheapest way to get moving boxes is through local grocery stores, liquor stores, and big box stores after restock day. , Also seek out community groups and “buy nothing”/swap pages and ask for free boxes. Remember, check every box for moisture, tears, and insect damage. If something smells musty or feels wet, throw it away. The humidity here is hard on the cardboard—anything older wouldn’t survive.
How many boxes will I need for an apartment in Brooklyn?
This varies according to the size of the apartment and the amount of stuff you own, but, as a rough guide, we would say:
A studio will probably take about 15-25 boxes.
For a 1 bedroom apartment, about 25-35 boxes.
For a 2 bedroom apartment, about 40-60 boxes.
For a 3 bedroom apartment or small house, a minimum of 60-80+ boxes.
If you have a lot of books, decorating, or storage items, consider adding more boxes. The calculator will refine these estimates based on the number of people in the household, lifestyle (minimalist vs. stuff heavy), and fragile items.
What is the correct way to tape and label boxes?
For the bottom, you should use the “H-tape” method: 1 strip along the center seam, 1 strip along each edge to complete the H shape. If you are packing heavier boxes, add an additional strip on the center seam. For the top and at least one side, can write the room + key items inside (example: “KITCHEN – Pots & Pans”) and mark where appropriate with “Fragile.” Also, if it is a multi-floor building you may even want to mark which floor the box will be going to (for example “Bedroom – 3rd Floor”) to speed up unloading.
Will the calculator show me what size truck I will need?
The calculator provides a general idea of truck size based on the number of boxes you indicate and typical furniture found in a house of that size. While this information can be helpful, it is not a definitive answer. Always check your final truck size with your movers or rental company. They will take into account stops, additional volume, and access to the property from which you are moving.