Preparing for a move includes packing your belongings to protect them from dust, dirt, damage, and to move them in a compact and organized manner in a vehicle. Whether you rely on the services of a professional moving company or do it yourself, you need to rely on calculations to understand what vehicle and how much packing material you need.
Many moving companies offer online tools to estimate packing materials and truck sizes based on your inventory. If uncertain, hire professional movers like bestmovescalgary.ca who can assess your needs during an in-home estimate. Otherwise you can make a rough estimate yourself.
Estimate packing materials
The type and quantity of packing materials depend on the size of your home and the variety of items to pack. Start with boxes. For a 1-bedroom apartment, you may need 15–20 small boxes, 10–15 medium boxes, and 5–10 large boxes. Double the numbers for a 2-bedroom apartment. Add specialty boxes for items like clothing (wardrobe boxes) or dishes (dish pack boxes).
Fragile items, electronics, and large furniture may require extra protection, so include the protective materials:
* Bubble wrap or packing paper is essential for fragile items like dishes, glassware, and decorations. A standard roll of bubble wrap or 10–20 lbs of packing paper is typically sufficient for a small household.
* Ensure you have enough heavy-duty packing tape (6–10 rolls for a 2-3 bedroom home).
* For large items like sofas and tables, consider purchasing or renting furniture pads and plastic wrap.
Aside from that you will need labels and markers. Plan for at least one label per box to stay organized.
Choosing the right truck size
The truck size you need depends on the total volume of your belongings, often measured in cubic feet. Here’s a general guide:
* A 10–12 ft truck is suitable for a studio or small 1-bedroom apartment (holds around 400–450 cubic feet).
* A 15–17 ft truck is ideal for a 1–2 bedroom apartment or small house (holds 700–850 cubic feet).
* A 20–26 ft truck is best for 3–4 bedroom homes or larger (holds 1,000–1,500 cubic feet).
If you have large or unique items (pianos, gym equipment), consider whether the truck has ramps, tie-downs, or additional height to accommodate them.
It’s better to have a few extra boxes and materials than to run out mid-move. Unused supplies can often be returned or saved for future needs. Ensure the truck not only has the space but also the capacity to handle the weight of your belongings.
