In the moves we do, what we see most is that boxes get counted by what's in plain sight and what's inside wardrobes and lofts gets forgotten. As a quick rule, count 1-1.5 boxes per m², or 5-10 per room. A student room takes 10-15 boxes, a studio 20-30 and a 40-50 m² flat 40-60.
In short
- Quick rule: 1-1.5 boxes per m² of home.
- Heavy things in a small or medium box; no box over 20 kg.
- Add 15-20 % to your estimate and return the spares.
- Suitcases, a mattress and a bike aren't “boxes”, but they take up van space too.
How many boxes do I need for my home?
It depends more on what you've accumulated than on the square metres. This table is a rounded starting point, calibrated against several professional guides in the sector: an average small flat comes to around 20-30 boxes and large homes go up to double that or more. The separate items (suitcases, mattress, bike, boxes of books) are always more than you think.
| Home | Boxes | Typical separate items | Our rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student room | 11-15 | 2 suitcases, 1 box of books | 349 € |
| Studio, ~30 m² | 21-30 | Suitcases, bagged mattress | 349 € |
| 40-50 m² flat | 40-60 | Mattress, bike, books, suitcases | €449 (1 bed) · €699 (2 bed) |
| 60-80 m² flat | 70-100 | 2 mattresses, bike, pictures | €699 (2 bed) · €949 (3 bed) |
| 90 m² flat or larger | 110-150 | Several mattresses, bikes | Via WhatsApp |
Figures rounded from Sia Todo Embalaje and Cajeando. LetsBoxIt rates include VAT, up to 50 km.
And if I count by square metres?
Most professional guides work on one box per m² of home, with a margin up to 1.5, or about 10 per room if you don't want to do the maths. A 60 m² flat then needs 60-70 boxes, plus the separate items. No rule is exact: you don't pack the space, you pack what's inside. A minimalist 90 m² flat can need fewer boxes than a small one with full wardrobes.
What box size do I buy?
Mix two or three sizes depending on what's going in. If everything is large, you overload; if everything is small, you overspend on boxes and tape. The rule that saves the most grief: dense things in small or medium; light things in large.
- Small (25×34×26 cm, €0.99 at IKEA): books, tools and anything dense.
- Medium (50×31×40 cm, €1.99 at IKEA): clothes, kitchen and most items.
- Large (64×34×40 cm, €2.50 at IKEA): folded clothes, blankets, cushions and bulky decoration.
Prices from the IKEA moving catalogue, checked in July 2026.
Which miscalculations cost the most?
They're almost always the same ones, and nearly all can be fixed before you buy. Running short of boxes on a Sunday night is the classic; putting weight in a large box that gives way at the bottom is the second.
- Going over 20 kg per box. Even if it holds, it can't always be lifted safely. Spread the weight across more boxes.
- Not adding a margin. Add 15-20 % to the initial estimate.
- Forgetting the separate items. Suitcases, a mattress, a bike or a big mirror take up van space, so mention them when asking for a quote.
- Not counting wardrobes and lofts. That's where a good part of the boxes that “turn up” at the last minute tend to hide.
How many boxes does my price cover?
Our moving price is by home size, not by boxes: studio €349, 1 bedroom €449, 2 bedrooms €699 and 3 bedrooms €949, with VAT, insurance, up to 50 km and no overtime. If you'd also like us to pack, labour is free up to 15 boxes and new boxes cost €3.08 each (minimum 5).
To learn how to fill them, see the guide on how to pack for a move.
Frequently asked questions
How many boxes do I need for a 50 m² move?
With the rule of 1-1.5 boxes per m², between 50 and 65, split between large and medium, plus the separate items (suitcases, mattress, bike). Our table for 40-50 m² flats gives 40-60.
How many boxes per room?
Between 5 and 10 per room is the usual reference, depending on how much wardrobe and shelving you have. A room with little furniture can get by with half.
How much weight can a moving box take?
Don't go over 20 kg per box, which is what one person can lift safely. Small ones with books or tools are best at 10-12 kg.
Where do I buy cheap boxes?
IKEA has the cheapest per unit, from €0.99 to €2.50 depending on size. Amazon.es and Leroy Merlin have packs and reinforced double-wall versions for long trips.
Recommended maximum weight per box: BeYourShop.