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How Many Boxes Do I Need for a House Move? (Birmingham Moving Guide)

  • Rob
  • 6 days ago
  • 3 min read

Updated: 9 hours ago

If you’re planning a house move in Birmingham or the West Midlands, one of the most common questions people ask is:

“How many moving boxes do I actually need?”

Running out of boxes mid-pack can cause stress and delays, while ordering too many wastes money and space. At Shift It Man and Van Removals Birmingham, we help customers plan their moves every day — and box count is a big part of that.

This guide breaks it down clearly so you can pack confidently and move efficiently.

Average Number of Boxes by Property Size

As a general rule, the number of boxes you need depends on the size of your property, how cluttered it is, and how efficiently you pack.

Studio or 1 Bedroom Flat

15–25 boxes

  • Clothes

  • Kitchen items

  • Small appliances

  • Books and décor

Ideal for flat removals in Birmingham, often fitting comfortably into one trip with a Luton van.

2 Bedroom Flat or House

25–40 boxes

  • Full kitchen contents

  • Wardrobes

  • Bathrooms

  • Living room items

This is the most common move size we see for man and van removals in Birmingham.

3 Bedroom House

40–60 boxes

  • Multiple bedrooms

  • Larger kitchens

  • Storage cupboards

  • Children’s rooms

At this size, box count directly affects van choice and loading strategy.

Boxes in a Luton Van

What Size Boxes Should You Use?

Using the right mix of box sizes makes packing safer and helps everything fit better in the van.

Small Boxes

Best for:

  • Books

  • Tools

  • Plates and glassware

Small boxes prevent heavy items from becoming unsafe to lift.

Medium Boxes

Best for:

  • Clothes

  • Toys

  • Kitchen equipment

  • General household items

These are the most commonly used boxes for house moves.

Large Boxes

Best for:

  • Bedding

  • Pillows

  • Lampshades

  • Lightweight bulky items

Avoid filling large boxes with heavy items — they’re harder to stack and move.

How Box Numbers Affect Van Size

Box count isn’t just about packing — it plays a huge role in whether your move can be done in one trip.

A 16 cubic metre Luton van can usually handle:

  • 25–40 boxes

  • Plus furniture such as beds, sofas, wardrobes, and appliances

If you’re unsure whether everything will fit, our guide on what you can fit in a Luton van explains this in detail and helps you choose the right vehicle for your move.

Where Can You Get Moving Boxes in Birmingham?

You’ve got a few options:

Many customers prefer professional-grade boxes because they stack better and protect items during transport. Personally I think IKEA are great value for money and the large bags are very useful for clothes.

Tips to Reduce the Number of Boxes You Need

  • Declutter before packing

  • Donate or dispose of unused items

  • Use suitcases and bags for clothes

  • Pack room by room, not randomly

Fewer boxes = quicker loading = a smoother move.

Book a Man and Van in Birmingham

Whether you’re moving a flat, house, or small office, planning your box count properly makes the entire move easier. Our experienced team at Shift It Man and Van Removals provides reliable, affordable removals across Birmingham and the West Midlands.

📍 Serving Birmingham, Solihull, Bromsgrove, Dudley, Redditch & surrounding areas📦 Home moves, flat moves & office removals📞 Contact us today for a free no-obligation quote

 
 
 

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