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Packing calculator

Moving Box Calculator

Estimate how many small, medium, large and wardrobe boxes you may need.

Estimate your box count

Conversions, presets and imports retain reference precision. Manually edited numbers use the normalised value shown. Unit preference is saved in this browser.

Calculated plans stay in this browser for up to 30 days. No calculator values are sent to the server.

Planning estimate
—
—Small boxes
—Medium boxes
—Large boxes
—Wardrobe / specialty

Box sizes used in this calculator

Reference L × W × H; dimensions vary by supplier. Volumes are calculated from the exact inch dimensions; metric dimensions and displayed volumes are approximate, not rounded calculation inputs.

Small16⅜ × 12⅝ × 12⅝ in · approximately 42 × 32 × 32 cm · 1.5 ft³ / approximately 0.043 m³Books, tools; weigh dense contents
Medium18⅛ × 18 × 16 in · approximately 46 × 46 × 41 cm · 3.0 ft³ / approximately 0.086 m³Kitchen items, toys, office supplies
Large18 × 18 × 24 in · approximately 46 × 46 × 61 cm · 4.5 ft³ / approximately 0.127 m³Bedding and other bulky light contents
Wardrobe / specialty24 × 24 × 48 in · approximately 61 × 61 × 122 cm · 16 ft³ / approximately 0.453 m³Hanging clothes; 24 in / approximately 61 cm rail

Small, Medium and Large follow U-Haul’s published dimensions. Wardrobe is a MoveCalcLab planning reference, not a specific supplier model. Other specialty cartons should be measured separately. Compare box sizes and packing examples →

Assumptions used

Home-size baselines: 18, 26, 40, 60, 82 and 105 boxes for studio through 5+ bedrooms. Density factors: 0.75, 1, 1.25, 1.5. Baseline occupants: 1–6; each additional person adds 6%, with a 90% household-factor floor. Round to whole boxes, minimum 8. Split: 30% Small, 45% Medium, up to 20% Large; the remainder is Wardrobe/specialty, reserving at least one.

How this calculator works

Use the count as a shopping starting point, then compare it with your actual cupboards and furniture. A densely stocked studio can need more cartons than a sparsely furnished larger home. The size mix deliberately puts heavier, denser items into smaller cartons. You can carry this mix into Volume, Tape, Weight and Budget and adjust it there.

How to use this estimate

Packing estimates are starting points. Carton dimensions, item density and the way you seal or protect boxes change material use.

What can change the result

Measurements, provider specifications, packing style and local access conditions can all change the answer. Use the result as a planning range, then verify the actual vehicle, unit, product dimensions or supplier rules before you book or buy.

Planning note: Do not use this calculator as a substitute for payload limits, lifting guidance, building rules or professional quotations.

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