This is exactly the sort of question the team at Redwood & Sons Estate Agents get asked all the time! Of course you need an idea of how many boxes to order or collect from people who have them going spare.
Firstly, it depends on what you’re taking with you. Are you really going to take everything lock, stock and barrel, or can you make a priority packing list? Isn’t it actually a good opportunity to throw out some knick-knacks, gift some ornaments, make a few pounds from selling things, or donate to a charity shop?
Seriously, think about it. Not only will you declutter, you could make some money and save on buying as many boxes. So once you’ve decluttered, you’re ready to pack away your belongings.
How many boxes now?
Well, if you Google this, you’ll see that the word average is used a lot. There is of course the problem in that what does average actually mean? Are you below or above average? How would you know?
However, we have to start somewhere and average is a really good rule of thumb (although you have to use your common sense if you think you’re below or above).
According to the Removal Reviews website, a family of three or four people “with an average amount of possessions” will need around 10 small boxes, 10 medium boxes, and five large boxes. Meanwhile, a family of four might in a three-bed might need 15 small boxes, 10 medium boxes and 10 large boxes.
There are however a lot of packaging websites that will help you calculate how many boxes you need, and they will also show you that there are different shaped boxes too. We’ve seen boxes designed to act as wardrobes, or boxes that help with documents. Only you will know if you need specialist boxes. Don’t forget too, that you will also need to factor in packaging materials. Bubble wrap, tape, string, that sort of thing.
Top Tip: You can save money here by using bed linen or clothes to wrap some items. Newspapers can also be used to fill any spaces in boxes.
Pack from the top down
We suggest it’s best to choose one room and target that for packing everything first, before then moving to a different room. It helps with organisation and should keep any mess to a minimum. You should also start at the top of the house, in the attic if you have one.
Pack heavy items in small boxes
Another tip is that heavy items such as books should be in smaller boxes – they’ll be easier to handle and the boxes will be stronger. If you fill a large box with a lot of heavy items, you could be storing up trouble.
Start your packing in good time
One of the key things you must think about is time. Packing things up can take more time than you anticipate. Not only because you might have a lot of things, but because the chances are you’ll be thinking about the memories those things bring back, remembering holidays and parties and get-togethers. You must be focused, or at least know that’s what you’re like and factor it into your planning.
Use a professional removal service
Don’t forget, there is another way. A lot of removal companies will do the packing for you. They can either visit your home beforehand to do a survey, or they can do video surveys so they don’t have to travel and come into your property first. They’ll give you an estimate of how many boxes you need to move home, and if it is a service they offer, they can do the packing for you.
If you need some advice, please don’t hesitate to call our team at Redwood & Sons Estate Agents on 01243 551122 or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will be delighted to offer our words of wisdom.
