Running out of boxes the night before a move is a classic stress. Buying far too many is a waste of money. Here's how many you actually need.
Quick guide: 1 bedroom 15–25 boxes · 2 bedroom 25–40 · 3 bedroom 40–70 · 4 bedroom 60–90+. Add 10% spare.
Boxes by home size
| Home | Small | Medium | Large | Total (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 6–10 | 6–10 | 3–5 | 15–25 |
| 2 bedroom | 10–15 | 10–15 | 5–10 | 25–40 |
| 3 bedroom | 15–25 | 15–30 | 10–15 | 40–70 |
| 4 bedroom | 20–30 | 25–40 | 15–20 | 60–90+ |
A guide only. Collectors, big families and full sheds need more.
Which size for what?
| Box | Use it for |
|---|---|
| Small | Books, kitchenware, tools, tins, anything heavy |
| Medium | Most household items, toys, small appliances, shoes |
| Large | Light, bulky items — bedding, pillows, lampshades, soft toys |
| Wardrobe boxes | Hanging clothes |
| Dish pack / divider boxes | Glasses and fragile kitchenware |
| Plastic tubs | Documents, photos and electronics (wet season) |
The golden rule: heavy things in small boxes, light things in big boxes.
Boxes by room (rough guide)
| Room | Boxes |
|---|---|
| Kitchen | 10–20 |
| Living room | 5–10 |
| Each bedroom | 5–10 |
| Bathroom and linen | 3–6 |
| Garage or shed | 5–15+ |
| Study | 5–10 |
Where to get boxes in Darwin
- Your removalist — strong, uniform boxes that stack well
- Hardware and storage stores
- Buy-and-sell groups — people who've just moved often give boxes away
- Supermarkets and liquor stores — sometimes free, but sizes vary and some aren't strong enough
✎ Edit: Add your box packs or prices, e.g. "Our 3-bedroom box pack includes __ boxes, tape and paper."
Why same-size boxes save money
Uniform boxes stack neatly and load faster. On an hourly move, that saves time and money. See How to Save Money on Your Darwin Move.
Other supplies
- Packing tape — more than you think
- Packing paper — for kitchenware
- Bubble wrap — for special items
- Markers and labels
- Mattress covers — essential in the wet season
- Zip-lock bags — for screws and small parts
- Moisture absorbers — for boxes going into storage. See Packing for Darwin Humidity
Packing tips
- Tape top and bottom seams
- Keep boxes under about 20 kg
- Fill gaps so contents don't shift
- Label each box with the room and contents
Kitchen next? Read How to Pack a Kitchen for Moving.
Rather not pack at all?
Get a free quote · or see our packing services.
Frequently asked questions
How many boxes do I need for a 3 bedroom house?
Roughly 40–70 boxes for a typical 3 bedroom house, depending on how much you own. A mix of small, medium and large boxes works best.
What size boxes should I use for moving?
Small boxes for heavy items like books and kitchenware, medium boxes for most household items, and large boxes for light, bulky items like bedding and pillows.
Where can I get moving boxes in Darwin?
From your removalist, hardware and storage stores, or second-hand through local buy-and-sell groups. Supermarkets and liquor stores sometimes have free boxes.
Should I use plastic tubs or cardboard boxes?
Cardboard is cheaper and stacks well. Plastic tubs are better for documents and electronics in the wet season, as long as everything inside is completely dry.