At last! You have found your new flat and the move is just around the corner. To move your belongings into your new home successfully, one thing is particularly important: moving boxes. How many boxes do you need, is any other packing material required, and how do you get the boxes to your new address quickly and safely? An overview.
Books, kitchen utensils, decorations … small items also need to come along when you move and be packed into moving boxes. But how many boxes do you need as a single person, a couple or a family?
How many moving boxes should you buy?
Estimating the number of boxes and the amount of packing material needed for an entire household is not that easy. Fortunately, there are calculation methods that help you buy the right number of moving boxes:
1. Calculate the number of moving boxes based on the number of people
This calculation is based largely on the type of household and the number and age of the people moving. It refers to boxes of the standard size of 60 × 30 × 40 cm.
For a single-person household in a one- or two-room flat, it is recommended to buy around 25 moving boxes. In a flat share, a single person needs fewer boxes: many items belong to the flat share’s shared furnishings and do not need to be moved. Here you will probably need 10 to 15 moving boxes.
For a household with several people, a family for example, the number of moving boxes required per person is calculated as follows:
- 20 to 25 moving boxes per adult
- 10 boxes per baby or toddler
- The more people are moving, the fewer boxes the adults tend to need.
2. Calculate the number of moving boxes based on square metres
Another method: work out the number of moving boxes from the size of your current flat. Plan one standard-size moving box for every square metre of the flat.
Although this method is usually less accurate than calculating the number of boxes by person, it can be useful for larger flats with a lot of storage space.
Tip: Here you can easily order moving boxes online.
Additional packing material: packing items safely
You have found the right number and type of moving boxes. That leaves one question: how do you protect fragile items from damage during the move? When transporting fragile items such as crockery, vases, lamps and decorations, bubble wrap or tissue paper can prevent breakages. For a move with large furniture (wardrobes, beds, etc.), stretch film and furniture blankets are recommended: they prevent scratches and cushion knocks. To move larger furniture, the washing machine and tumble dryer or heavy moving boxes – especially in flats or houses without a lift – a practical stair-climbing sack truck is a good idea.
You will find all the packing materials for a smooth move in our online shop.
Books, crockery, clothes: don’t pack boxes too heavily
Above all, it is important to pack the moving boxes properly – this saves you the trouble of boxes that are too heavy or even tear from the outset. Heavy items such as books should always go into the boxes first, which should then be topped up with lighter or bulky things such as clothes. This makes use of the box’s volume without making it too heavy. Make sure the handholds are not blocked. In the upper part behind the handholds, pack soft items such as clothes and towels, or stack the contents of the box cleverly so that there is enough room for your fingers behind the handholds.
Tip: label the boxes clearly – ideally on the side, as the boxes will be stacked later. This saves a lot of time when unpacking.
The all-round carefree package: practical moving sets for every flat size
Ready-made moving sets that can be ordered online are particularly practical. Depending on the number of rooms, they contain the basic supply of sturdy moving boxes and packing material for any move. For a one- to two-room flat, for example, a moving set contains the following:
- 20 moving boxes
- 1 roll of PP packing tape
- 1 roll of bubble wrap
- 1 safety cutter
>> Click here for an overview of moving sets for all flat sizes.
Applying for a no-parking zone for your move: here’s how!
You have arrived at your new flat and cannot find a parking space for your van? A parking space close to the flat is essential for a quick and safe move. If in doubt, apply to the road traffic authority for a no-parking zone at least 7 to 10 days before moving day. Too much hassle? We are happy to help: with our service, you can order the no-parking zone for your move online in 3 minutes.