Updated: October 2026Editorial team: Umzugsexpress GmbHTeam: 17 years in moving and clearance
Well-packed boxes save time on moving day and prevent damage. With a few rules it goes faster than you think.
In short
Plan 10 to 15 boxes per room, put heavy items in small and light items in large boxes, and label every box on two sides with room and contents. A box should not weigh more than about 20 kilos.
How many boxes do I need?
As a rule of thumb, count on 10 to 15 boxes per room. A full kitchen or a large book collection needs considerably more. Our moving calculator gives a first estimate.
The five key packing rules
- Heavy items in small boxes, light items in large ones – a box should weigh no more than about 20 kilos
- Fill gaps with paper or cloths so nothing shifts
- Stand plates on edge, wrap glasses individually
- Label every box on two sides with room and contents
- Keep liquids and cleaning products away from textiles
Special boxes
Wardrobe boxes with a rail keep clothes on hangers and wrinkle-free. There are boxes with inserts for crockery and flat boxes with corner protection for pictures.
What does not belong in a moving box
- Documents, cash, jewellery and medication
- Hazardous substances such as petrol, gas bottles or large amounts of paint
- Perishable food
- Plants – they travel better upright and separately
How many boxes per room?
| Room | Boxes (guide) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen | 12–20 | Crockery boxes, plenty of padding |
| Living room | 8–15 | Books in small boxes |
| Bedroom | 6–10 | Wardrobe boxes with rail |
| Children’s room | 8–12 | Toys in sturdy boxes |
| Bathroom | 2–4 | Seal liquids and keep upright |
| Cellar and attic | 5–15 | Declutter first |
A simple labelling system
Give each room a colour and stick the same colour on the door in the new flat. Number the boxes and keep a short list. The crew finds every box immediately, and at the end you can see whether everything arrived.
Material worth having
- Sturdy moving boxes with handles
- Tissue paper for crockery instead of newspaper – it does not stain
- Bubble wrap for glasses and pictures
- Strong tape and a marker
- Order material: Moving boxes and packing material
Frequently asked questions
Can I use banana boxes?
For light, robust items yes. But they have no lids, vary in size and do not stack well.
Should I empty drawers?
Yes. Full drawers make furniture heavy and can open while carrying. Light textiles can sometimes stay in for short distances – ask the crew.
Related services
- Packing service – We pack and label boxes, with an inventory list on request.
- Home removals – Flat or house: packed, carried, driven and reassembled in your new home.
- Full-service move – Packing, transport, assembly and final cleaning with a single contact.