Moving can be quite stressful, but knowing how to pack can make things much simpler.
Gathering together the right supplies and organizing your move can streamline the process. However, knowing what supplies to purchase and how many boxes you’ll need can sometimes be a difficult question to answer.
For a two-bedroom apartment, there are a few different moving options, and sticking to those options can make your move hassle-free.
What size boxes should I choose?
In general, boxes are found in small, medium, and large sizes. Extra-large boxes are also available.
Remember to pack light items, such as clothes, pillows, blankets, or other bedding, in extra-large boxes, or they will be too heavy to safely lift.
Pack any heavier items in smaller boxes so they’re easy to lift and stack.
You can also purchase specialty boxes for dishes or hanging clothes. Wardrobe boxes are long and help to protect clothes.
Dish boxes are sturdier than average boxes and are therefore less likely to break under the weight of dishes. They can also help to protect dishes during transportation.
How many boxes will I need for a 2 bedroom apartment?
How many boxes you’ll need depends on several factors, such as how many people you have living in the apartment, how much stuff you have, and what the square footage of the apartment is.
However, you can usually make a few general guesses, which will get you in the right ballpark for the number of boxes you’ll need.
Each bedroom takes about two small boxes, three medium boxes, and between three and five large boxes. Master bedrooms may take a few additional smaller boxes.
You might also want to include a couple of extra-large boxes or wardrobe boxes if you have a lot of hanging clothes. Kitchens usually require between two and four small boxes, five and six medium boxes, and three to four dish packing boxes.
You’ll also need between one and two small boxes and a medium box for your bathroom. For the living room, you’ll need two to four small boxes and two to four large boxes, particularly if you have items such as blankets or pillows that need to be boxed.
Altogether, to comfortably pack a two-bedroom apartment, you’ll need between 10 and 15 small boxes, nine to 10 medium boxes, and five to 10 large boxes.
You’ll also need at least two dish packing boxes and either two to four additional large boxes, for clothes, or two to four wardrobe boxes.
It doesn’t hurt to gather together more boxes than you think you’ll need, either. Extra boxes can either be returned or broken down and recycled, but it’s usually better to have more than you need instead of coming up short during packing.
You will need between 10 and 15 small boxes, 9 to 10 medium boxes, and 5 to 10 large boxes to move a two bedroom apartment.
What other supplies do I need?
In addition to boxes, be sure to purchase other moving supplies, such as packing paper, which can be stuffed inside glasses to protect against damage or placed in any loose spots in boxes to keep items from knocking into each other.
You’ll also want bubble wrap, to wrap fragile items. A cutting tool, such as a pocket knife or razor blade, is also a good idea, as it can be handy when it comes to cutting or tearing bubble wrap or other packing supplies.
Plenty of tape is also a necessity. This will secure your belongings inside the boxes, and taping the bottoms of the boxes well will help to ensure they don’t open or collapse when you lift them.
For a two-bedroom apartment, you’ll probably need between three and six rolls of packing tape. A tape gun or two can also make taping each box quicker and easier.
You may also want to buy a permanent marker to mark what room each box came from so that you can unpack more easily.
How much do moving boxes cost?
The price of moving supplies varies, but in general, small boxes usually cost between $1.00 and $2.00, medium boxes cost between $2.25 and $3.00, and large or extra-large boxes cost between $3.00 and $4.00. Wardrobe boxes cost between $8.00 and $12.00 each, while a dish packing kit can cost between $10.00 and $20.00.
After adding up the number of boxes you’ll need and including the prices for bubble wrap, packing paper, tape, and markers, people moving in or out of a two-bedroom apartment can expect to spend between $150.00 and $200.00 on moving supplies.
Where can I get moving supplies?
Moving boxes and other moving supplies can be purchased from a variety of places, including larger chain stores such as Walmart, Target, Home Depot, and Lowes.
There are also moving supply companies that offer moving boxes. These companies may also have a box rental policy, so some or all of the boxes can be returned after your move, which can help you save money.
To save even more money, check with local businesses to see if they’re giving away boxes for free. Liquor stores often give away boxes they no longer need.
They might offer customers these boxes instead of bags, as they keep bottles upright, but you can always ask for a few extra. Other large stores, such as pet stores, book stores, or big box stores, also usually have many leftover boxes after unpacking their supplies, and they’re usually happy to give them away.
Before your move, you can also save any boxes that you get from online orders. These boxes are often a great way to pack smaller items, such as keepsakes, silverware, or bathroom supplies.