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How Many Boxes Do You Need to Move House in the UAE?
A studio usually needs 5 to 8 boxes, a one-bedroom apartment 8 to 10, a two-bedroom 10 to 13, and a three-bedroom 13 to 15. Villas range from about 17 boxes for a small four-bedroom to 25 for a large five-bedroom home. Add about 20% if you own a lot of books, kitchenware or fragile items.
These are planning estimates, not exact counts. The right number depends on how much you own and how you pack. Use the tables below to get a starting figure, then adjust.
How many boxes do you need? (by property size)
| Property | Total boxes | 45×45×45 cm | 45×45×70 cm | 60×60×80 cm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 5–8 | 2–4 | 2 | 1–2 |
| 1-bedroom apartment | 8–10 | 4–5 | 2–3 | 2 |
| 2-bedroom apartment | 10–13 | 4–6 | 3–4 | 3 |
| 3-bedroom apartment | 13–15 | 6–7 | 4–5 | 3 |
| 4-bedroom villa | 17–19 | 8–9 | 5–6 | 4 |
| 5-bedroom villa or larger | 20–25 | 9–11 | 6–8 | 5–6 |
Planning estimates for a fully furnished home with an average amount of belongings. Furniture is not included, since beds, sofas and tables are moved as they are or wrapped.
Which box sizes should you buy?
Mixing sizes is better than buying one size for everything. The rule is simple: heavy items go in small boxes, light items go in large boxes.
- 45×45×45 cm (small to medium): books, kitchenware, tools, bathroom items, shoes, documents. These stay easy to lift even when full. Areen Pack lists this size from AED 5.90 per box.
- 45×45×70 cm (medium to large): clothes, linen, toys, small appliances, folded towels. Listed from AED 6.90.
- 60×60×80 cm (large): pillows, duvets, cushions, lampshades and other light, bulky items. Listed from AED 12.50.
Prices shown on our site at the time of writing. Check the product page for current prices and pack sizes.
All sizes are available in the corrugated boxes category.
How to adjust the estimate for your home
Start with the number in the table, then adjust:
- Add 20% or more if you have a large kitchen, a big book collection, lots of décor, or a home office.
- Add boxes for a storage room, a maid’s room or a garage.
- Subtract 10 to 20% if the home is lightly furnished, or if you are leaving kitchenware and décor behind.
- Count differently if you plan to use wardrobe boxes or bags for clothes. Hanging clothes take fewer standard boxes.
- Order a few extra. It is cheaper to have 5 spare boxes than to run out on moving day.
How much tape do you need?
A simple rule of thumb: one standard roll (about 90 to 100 yards) seals roughly 10 to 15 boxes, using strips across the middle seam and along both edges. That is an H pattern on the top and bottom.
| Property | Tape rolls (estimate) |
|---|---|
| Studio | 1–2 |
| 1-bedroom apartment | 2–3 |
| 2-bedroom apartment | 3–6 |
| 3-bedroom apartment | 4–5 |
| 3-bedroom villa | 5–6 |
| 4-bedroom villa | 6–7 |
| 5-bedroom villa or larger | 8–9 |
Buy extra if you also tape up furniture pads or label boxes. Browse packing tape in clear, brown and fragile options.
What else do you need besides boxes and tape?
Bubble wrap and paper depend more on what you own than on the size of the home, so count your fragile items instead:
- Bubble wrap for glassware, ceramics, framed art, electronics and mirrors.
- Packing paper for plates, bowls and kitchen items, and to fill empty space inside boxes.
- Foam rolls to protect furniture surfaces, screens and appliances.
- Markers or labels for room names and “fragile” marks.
If you would rather not choose item by item, a combo pack covers the basics. See the Moving Made Easy combo or the Ultimate Packaging Bundle.
Packing tips for a move in the UAE
- Keep boxes dry. Heat and humidity weaken cardboard. Do not leave packed boxes in a hot car, a damp storage room or outside.
- Keep each box under about 20 kg. Heavy boxes split and cause injuries. If you can barely lift it, repack it.
- Check your building’s rules. Many buildings and communities require a move permit or lift booking, sometimes with a deposit. Ask your building management a few days before.
- Pack room by room and label the room name on the side, not just the top, so labels stay visible when boxes are stacked.
- Pack an essentials box with chargers, toiletries, a few kitchen items and bedding, and open it first.
- Fill gaps. Use packing paper or bubble wrap so items do not shift inside the box.
When should you order boxes?
Order 1 to 2 weeks before your move. That gives you time to pack a room a day without rushing. Orders above AED 200 qualify for free delivery on our site, so check current delivery terms when you order.
Frequently asked questions
How many boxes do I need for a 2-bedroom apartment?
Most 2-bedroom apartments need 10 to 13 boxes, depending on how much you own. Start at around 10 and adjust up if you have a lot of books, kitchenware or décor.
How many boxes do I need to move a villa?
A 3-bedroom apartment needs roughly 13 to 15 boxes, a 4-bedroom villa 17 to 19, and a 5-bedroom villa 20 to 25. Garages, storage rooms and maid’s rooms add to the total.
What size boxes are best for moving house?
Use a mix of three sizes: small boxes for heavy items such as books and kitchenware, medium boxes for clothes and linen, and large boxes for light, bulky items such as pillows and duvets.
How many rolls of tape do I need to move?
As a guide, one roll seals about 10 to 15 boxes. A 2-bedroom apartment typically needs 3 to 6 rolls.
Can I reuse boxes for moving?
Yes, if they are clean, dry and not crushed or torn. Do not reuse boxes that have been damp or that have lost their strength, as they can fail when lifted.
How far in advance should I buy moving boxes?
Order 1 to 2 weeks before moving day, so you can pack gradually and have time to replace any missing sizes.
Ready to order?
Choose your box sizes from our corrugated boxes range, or contact our team for bulk or company moves. We are based in Emirates Industrial City, Sharjah, and deliver across the UAE.
