There is nothing worse than running out of boxes at 11 pm the night before the removalists arrive. Conversely, spending $200 on cardboard you never unfold is a waste of money that could have gone towards your bond cleaning.

Getting the numbers right is a balancing act. If you underestimate, you risk delay fees on moving day because loose items can't go on the truck. If you overestimate, you’re left with a garage full of clutter.

Based on data from thousands of Australian moves, here is a definitive guide. Whether you are moving a studio in St Kilda or a family home in Parramatta, here is how to calculate your packing list.

1. The Two Boxes You Actually Need

Before we talk numbers, we must talk types. Professional Australian removalists generally use two standard sizes. Understanding this ratio is key to a safe move.

  1. The Tea Chest (Large): Approx. 110 Litres. Use these for light, bulky items like linen, pillows, Tupperware, and board games.
  2. The Book Box (Small/Medium): Approx. 52 Litres. Use these for heavy items like books, wine, canned food, and crockery.

The Golden Rule: Do not buy only large boxes. If you fill a Tea Chest with books, it will weigh 50kg. The bottom will fall out, or your removalist will refuse to lift it. Aim for a 50/50 split.

2. Quick Estimate by Home Size

These figures are averages for a standard Australian household. If you are a minimalist, subtract 20%. If you are a "collector" (hoarder), add 20%.

| Home Size | Tea Chests (Large) | Book Boxes (Small) | Tape Rolls | Wardrobe Boxes | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Studio Apartment | 5 – 8 | 10 – 15 | 2 – 3 | 1 – 2 | | 1-2 Bedroom Unit | 10 – 15 | 20 – 25 | 4 – 5 | 2 – 3 | | 3 Bedroom House | 25 – 35 | 40 – 50 | 6 – 8 | 4 – 5 | | 4+ Bedroom House | 40 – 60 | 60 – 80 | 10+ | 6 – 8 |

Pro Tip: Always round up. It is better to have 5 leftover boxes (which you can flatten and return or sell) than to be frantically packing your toaster into a garbage bag on moving morning.

3. The Room-by-Room Calculator

If your house is unique (e.g., you have a huge library but no dining room), a room-by-room count is more accurate.

The Kitchen (The Box Eater)

This is the most deceptive room in the house.

  • Estimate: 15–20 Book Boxes + 2–4 Tea Chests.
  • Why? Individually wrapping glasses, mugs, and plates takes up immense volume. One shelf of glassware can fill an entire Book Box.
  • Must Have: 5kg of Butcher’s Paper (do not use newspaper; the ink stains).

The Master Bedroom

  • Estimate: 5–8 Tea Chests + 2–4 Book Boxes.
  • Why? Bedding (doonas, pillows) fills Tea Chests instantly. Shoes and handbags often go into Book Boxes.
  • Clothing: If you have built-in wardrobes, ask your removalist for "Port-a-Robes." You usually need 1 Port-a-Robe for every meter of hanging rail.

The Living Room

  • Estimate: 5–10 Book Boxes + 3–5 Tea Chests.
  • Why? Books, DVDs, and vinyl records are heavy—keep them in small boxes. Cushions and lampshades go in the large ones.

The Garage / Shed

  • Estimate: 10–15 Boxes (Mixed).
  • Why? This is often the hardest room to pack. Odd-shaped tools, tins of paint (which removalists often won't take—check our Restricted Items Guide), and camping gear require plenty of sturdy boxes.

4. The "15% Buffer" Rule

Whatever number you calculated above, add 15%.

Why? Because of the "Last Minute Stuff."

On the morning of the move, you will find items you forgot: the kettle, the bathroom toiletries, the cleaning supplies under the sink, and the contents of the "junk drawer." These items usually require 3–5 extra boxes that you didn't plan for.

5. Where to Get Boxes (and Save Money)

You don't always have to pay full retail price.

  • Buy Back Schemes: Many storage centres (like National Storage or Kennards) offer to buy back your boxes for a small refund if they remain in good condition.
  • Hire Crates: Services like Boomerang Box deliver plastic crates to your door. This eliminates the guesswork—if you run out, they can usually express deliver more.
  • Second Hand: Check Facebook Marketplace. People who just moved are often desperate to give away their boxes for free to clear space.

6. A Note on "Full Pack" Services

Does all this counting and packing sound exhausting? It is.

When you compare removalist quotes, you will see an option for "Pre-Packing Service".

  • How it works: Two packers arrive the day before the move. They bring all the boxes, paper, and tape. They pack everything professionally.
  • The Cost: It usually costs an extra $600–$1,500 depending on the house size.
  • The Value: If you calculate the cost of buying 80 boxes ($300+) plus the value of your own time (20+ hours of packing), a professional packing service is often surprisingly affordable.