Moving house in London brings up a common question: how much storage space will you need? Estimating box numbers and choosing the right storage unit will make your move smoother, whether you’re relocating from a studio in Shoreditch, a Victorian terrace in Clapham, a high-rise flat in Canary Wharf, or a family home in Wimbledon. This guide will help you assess storage needs, select suitable boxes, and plan your move efficiently. London’s variety of properties and boroughs means storage requirements can differ, so we’ve included local examples to help you apply these tips to your move.
Why Estimating Storage Space Matters
Estimating storage space is important because homes in London range in size and type. Planning ahead helps avoid last-minute setbacks, control costs, and keep your belongings organised. Box requirements also depend on property size, so careful planning will make your move less stressful.
1. Factors Affecting Storage Space Needs
1-Size of Your Property
Studio / 1-bedroom flat
Typically requires 10–20 boxes and minimal storage space. Most belongings can fit into a small van or a 25 sq ft storage unit.
If you own items like books, sports equipment, or musical instruments, plan for additional boxes or a larger storage unit.
2-bedroom apartment
Usually requires 20–40 boxes and around a 50 sq ft storage unit.
Increase your estimate if your home includes extra spaces, such as a dining room, a home office, or a large kitchen. Split-level flats, maisonettes, and common hidden storage areas, such as under-stair or built-in cupboards, often mean you’ll need more storage. Always account for these spaces to avoid underestimating.
3-bedroom house
Expect 40–60 boxes and a 75 sq ft storage unit.
Additional rooms, like studies or utility areas, may increase your storage needs.
4-bedroom house or larger
Plan for 60–80+ boxes and 100+ sq ft storage units.
Homes with lofts, garages, or multiple living areas often need more storage and may require more than one unit.
2. Volume of Belongings
- Families or collectors tend to require more boxes and larger storage spaces.
- Minimalist lifestyle → fewer boxes
3. Rooms with Special Packing Needs
Kitchen
Kitchens usually need more boxes for fragile items and small appliances.
Garage / Loft
Garages and lofts often require extra storage for bulky or rarely used items.
How Many Boxes Do I Need to Move?
With these factors in mind, you might be wondering just how many boxes you will need for your move. Let’s break down some general guidelines, followed by tailored advice for different room types.
General Guidelines
| Studio / 1-bedroom flat | 10–20 |
| 2-bedroom apartment | 20–40 |
| 3-bedroom house | 40–60 |
| 3-bedroom maisonette / townhouse | 45–70 |
| 4-bedroom house | 60–80+ |
For homes with more than five bedrooms, add 10–20 boxes per room or extra storage space.
Actual numbers will vary depending on how much you own and your packing style.
Box Sizes
Small boxes (up to 30 litres): These are best for heavy, compact items such as books, tools, and kitchenware. Using small boxes ensures heavy items are easier to lift and reduces the risk of injury or box breakage.
Medium boxes (30–60 litres): Suitable for a mix of moderately heavy and bulky items, such as clothes, electronics, toys, and everyday household goods. Medium boxes provide a balance between size and weight, making them versatile for most packing needs.
Large boxes (60+ litres): Designed for light, bulky belongings such as bedding, pillows, and curtains. Avoid overfilling large boxes with heavy items to make lifting and transport manageable.
Always pack heavy items, like books, in small boxes so their weight remains manageable. Use medium boxes for a range of everyday items, and save large boxes for bulky, lightweight belongings.
Room-by-Room Breakdown
Kitchen
7–15 boxes
Kitchens usually take the longest to pack. Use bubble wrap for fragile items and dish-pack boxes for extra protection. Pack all appliances, including toasters, blenders, and microwaves.
Bedroom
5–10 boxes per room
Use wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes. Pack under-the-bed storage, shoes, and bedside items.
Living Room
7–12 boxes
Pack books, décor, electronics, and soft furnishings. TVs and artwork may require special packing.
Bathroom
2–4 boxes
Pack toiletries in sealed bags to prevent leaks and keep daily essentials easy to reach on a moving day.
How to Calculate Storage Space Requirements
Step 1: List Your Belongings
Create a full inventory, including items stored in lofts, garages, or cupboards.
Step 2: Estimate Box Count
Follow the above guidelines and adapt as needed—when in doubt, round up your estimate.
Step 3: Choose the Right Storage Unit Size
| 25 sq ft | ~50 medium boxes | Studio / 1-bed |
| 50 sq ft | ~100 medium boxes | 2-bedroom |
| 75 sq ft | ~150 medium boxes | 3-bedroom |
| 100+ sq ft | ~200+ boxes | 4-bedroom+ |
If your home has extra rooms (such as a study or utility room), consider combining storage units or selecting a custom solution.
Pro Tip:
Boxes are easier to stack than loose items. Pack carefully and make the most of available storage space.
Common Questions for London Movers
How many moving boxes do I need for a 2-bedroom apartment?
- 20–40 boxes
- A 50 sq ft storage unit is typically sufficient.
How many moving boxes for a 3-bedroom house?
- 40–60 boxes
- A 75 sq ft storage unit is ideal.
- Add 5–10 boxes for extra rooms, like a study.
How many boxes are needed to pack a kitchen?
- Around 7–15 boxes
How much storage space do I need when moving house in London?
- Depends on property size, box count, and furniture volume
- Allow extra space for bulky or irregular items.
Tips for Choosing Boxes for Moving House
Choosing the right boxes is essential for an efficient move. Start collecting boxes early to ensure you have enough and the correct sizes. Use strong, double-walled boxes for fragile or valuable items, and clearly mark each box, including its contents and destination room. Avoid overpacking, as heavy boxes are more difficult to lift and more likely to be damaged. For delicate or bulky items like TVs, mirrors, and clothing, opt for speciality boxes for extra protection. To reduce your environmental impact, consider eco-friendly or reusable moving boxes. London offers several plastic moving crate hire services, including Greenbox Hire, Teacrate, and Easycrate, which deliver and collect sturdy, reusable crates. For cardboard alternatives, seek recycled and recyclable options from local packaging stores or retailers such as Ecobox or TheMovingHomeCompany. Many of these companies deliver throughout Greater London. After your move, reuse or recycle your boxes to minimise waste.
Storage Solutions in London
Many Londoners use self-storage during a move for added flexibility, especially when timelines don’t align. Storage facilities in London offer options from compact lockers to large units for entire homes. Some well-known storage providers in London include Big Yellow Self Storage, Safestore, Access Self Storage, Shurgard, and Lok’nStore. These companies have multiple branches across the city and offer a range of unit sizes to meet diverse needs. When choosing a storage solution, consider 24/7 access, convenient transport links, and adaptable rental terms. To find established providers, check customer reviews and look for memberships in trade associations such as the Self Storage Association UK. Insurance gives peace of mind, and security features such as CCTV and controlled access help keep your belongings safe.
Local Insights: London Moving Tips
Moving within London creates unique challenges, so local knowledge is valuable. Borough-specific rules, such as permit-only parking zones and controlled parking times, can affect where and when your moving van can stop. Some areas, including Westminster and Camden, require advance application for temporary parking suspensions for removals, and fines for non-compliance may be high. Congestion charges apply in Central London and some Ultra Low Emission Zones, so check if your moving route or van type will incur extra fees—factor these costs into your move. During school holidays or weekends, traffic is often lighter, but removal companies may be busier or more expensive, so book well in advance. Measure lift access and stairways in advance, as limited space in some flats can make moving large items difficult. Plan your move outside peak traffic hours to evade delays. Hiring experienced local movers who understand London’s routes, regulations, and building layouts can make your move more efficient and less nerve-wracking.
Moving Checklist
A well-planned checklist keeps your move organized and hassle-free. Order boxes and packing materials in advance, and declutter to reduce your load. Start packing early, working room by room, and mark each box clearly for easy tracking. Arrange storage in advance if needed, especially in London. Book your removals van early to reserve your preferred date. Update your address and utilities before moving day, and prepare an essentials box for your first day in your new home.
Final Thoughts
Moving house in London becomes much easier with proper planning. By correctly estimating your storage needs, choosing the right number of boxes, and staying organized, you can enjoy a smooth,easy move.