Packing planner

Packing Calculator UK

Estimate how many boxes and packing materials you need for your move, plus an indicative full-pack service cost. Updated for 2026 UK pricing.

Your home

Your packing list

  • Small (book) boxes24
  • Medium boxes30
  • Large boxes15
  • Wardrobe cartons5
  • Packing paper (rolls)5
  • Bubble wrap (rolls)2
  • Tape (rolls)4

Materials only£220–£319

Full-pack service£450–£800

Packing materials guide

The right materials make packing 30–50% faster and significantly reduce breakage. Use the calculator above as your shopping list, then add a few extras — most movers under-order by around 15%.

  • Small boxes (book / 1.5 cu ft) — books, files, glassware, heavy items.
  • Medium boxes (3 cu ft) — kitchenware, toys, lampshades, mid-weight items.
  • Large boxes (4.5 cu ft) — bedding, cushions, soft toys, light bulky items.
  • Wardrobe cartons — hanging clothes, suits, dresses.
  • Packing paper — wrap china, glassware and ornaments individually.
  • Bubble wrap — pictures, mirrors, electronics.
  • Tape, markers, mattress and sofa covers — finish the job and protect during transit.

Property-size recommendations

PropertyTotal boxesFull-pack cost
Studio / 1-bed flat20–30£200–£380
2-bed home40–55£300–£550
3-bed home55–75£450–£800
4-bed home75–100£650–£1,100
5-bed home100–130£900–£1,500
6+ bed / premium130+£1,200–£1,900+

FAQs

How many boxes do I need to move house?

As a rule of thumb, plan for around 20–25 boxes per bedroom for a full pack — including small (book) boxes, medium boxes, large boxes and wardrobe cartons. A 3-bed home typically uses 55–75 boxes plus 4–6 wardrobe cartons.

What packing materials do I need?

A typical 3-bed move needs around 60 boxes (mixed sizes), 4–6 wardrobe cartons, 3–4 rolls of packing paper, 2 rolls of bubble wrap, 4–6 rolls of tape, marker pens and a few mattress and sofa covers.

How much does a full pack cost in the UK?

Full-pack services usually cost £250–£600 for a 1–2 bed, £400–£900 for a 3-bed, and £700–£1,500 for a 4–5 bed home. Premium areas and specialist items (art, china, wine) add more.

Should I pack myself or pay for a full pack?

DIY packing saves money but takes 20–40 hours for a 3-bed home and increases breakage risk. A full pack is typically a 1-day service and is included in most insurance policies — well worth it for fragile or premium moves.