What is the Average Cost
of Moving Boxes in Toronto?

Moving is something most people experience several times in their lives. Whether you’re relocating for school, changing jobs, downsizing, or buying your first home in Toronto, packing is often the most time-consuming part of the process.

If it’s your first move, you might be wondering:

  • How many moving boxes do I need?
  • What types of boxes should I use?
  • How much do moving boxes cost in Toronto?

The key to a smooth move is starting with a solid packing plan and using the right supplies. Different items require different levels of protection, from fragile glassware to bulky bedding and electronics.

After helping Toronto residents move for over a decade, we’ve learned that one of the most common questions is about the average cost of moving boxes. In this guide, we’ll break down box types, current pricing, and how to estimate the number of boxes you’ll need.

Types of moving boxes

There are several types of moving boxes designed to protect specific household items during transport. Using the correct box helps prevent damage and keeps your move organized.

Standard moving boxes

Standard boxes are the most versatile type of moving box and come in several sizes, ranging from small (1.5 cubic feet) to large (5 cubic feet).

They are commonly used for packing:

  • Books
  • Dishes and kitchenware
  • Clothing
  • Toys
  • Small appliances

Because they come in uniform sizes, they stack easily in moving trucks and storage units.

Dish pack boxes

Dish pack boxes are extra-strong double-walled boxes designed specifically for fragile kitchen items.

They usually include dividers that prevent dishes and glasses from hitting each other during transport. These boxes are ideal for:

  • Plates
  • Glassware
  • Mugs
  • Fine china

Mirror, picture & TV boxes

Flat items require specialized protection.

Mirror,picture, and TV boxes are designed to protect:

  • Artwork
  • Mirrors
  • Framed photos
  • Flat-screen televisions

These boxes often telescope to accommodate different sizes, reducing internal movement and lowering the risk of cracks or damage.

Specialty moving boxes

Some items require specially designed boxes for safe transport.

Specialty boxes may include packaging for:

  • Lamps
  • Chandeliers
  • Bicycles
  • Fragile décor

Fragile cell kits are another popular option. These foldable dividers split a large box into 12 or 24 protective compartments, making them ideal for packing glasses and delicate items.

PinkPacks- Our plastic moving bin rentals

Many Toronto residents are also turning to plastic moving bin rentals as a sustainable alternative to cardboard boxes.

Reusable bins offered by companies like Frogbox provide several advantages:

  • Eco-friendly reusable materials
  • Stronger protection than cardboard
  • Stackable design for efficient loading
  • Reduced waste after the move

Our PinkPacks are particularly popular for condo moves in downtown Toronto.

What is the cost per moving box?

Moving box prices in Toronto typically range between $2.50 and $6 per standard box, depending on size and durability. Specialty boxes cost more due to their reinforced construction.

At Six Moving, we offer high-quality moving boxes in Toronto at competitive prices. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

Box Type Use Cost
Small Boxes
(1.5 cubic feet)
Books, canned goods, tools, small appliances $2.55
Small Boxes
(2 cubic feet)
Kitchen containers, decor, and cleaning supplies $2.80
Medium Boxes
(3 cubic feet)
Pots, clothing, shoes, household items $4.40
Medium Boxes
(4 cubic feet)
Pillows, blankets, linens $4.75
Large Boxes
(5 cubic feet)
Bedding, duvets, and lightweight bulky items $5.95
Wardrobe Boxes Hanging clothes (30–40 hangers) $32.00
Art/Mirror Boxes Mirrors and framed artwork ~$12.20 – $14.95
TV Boxes Flatscreen TVs (32”–70”) ~$19.95 – $69.95

We offer free delivery within Toronto on orders of $100 or more, making it more convenient to shop from our BoxShop. Your items will be delivered straight to your door, so you can prepare for your move without multiple trips to the store.

Not sure which box is the right fit?
Just remember to use small boxes for heavy or fragile items, large boxes for light and bulky items, and medium boxes for everything in between! Click to download our “Know Your Boxes” guide and find the perfect box for your move.

How many moving boxes do I need?

The number of boxes needed to pack a home varies based on factors such as:

  • Home size
  • Amount of belongings
  • Packing style
  • Fragile items

Since different types of boxes are required for different items, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to this question. A good rule of thumb is 10 boxes per room. Here's a more detailed breakdown by home size:

By Bedroom
  • Studio: 10–20 boxes
  • 1-Bedroom: 20–30 boxes
  • 2-Bedroom: 30–50 boxes
  • 3-Bedroom: 50–80 boxes
  • 4+ Bedrooms: 80+ boxes

Pro Tip: Consider your packing style. If you tend to pack light (with fewer items in each box), you’ll need more boxes. If you use a lot of protective

packing materials (bubble wrap, paper), it can also increase the number of boxes you need.

By Area
  • Kitchen: 5–15 boxes (the most packing required of any room)
  • Living Room: 5–10 boxes
  • Each Bedroom: 5–10 boxes
  • Each Bathroom: 2–3 boxes
  • Office/Study: 5–10 boxes
  • Garage/Storage: 10–20 boxes
  • Hallways: 1–3 boxes

Pro Tip: Always have a few extra boxes on hand for last-minute items or those that take up more space than expected.

By Box Type
  • Small: (1.5-2.0 cu ft) 5–10, mostly for the kitchen
  • Medium: (3.0 cu ft): 15–25, for bedrooms and living areas
  • Large: (4.0–5.0 cu ft): 5–10, for linens and bulky light items
  • Wardrobe boxes: 2–3 per bedroom
  • Specialty boxes:(mirrors, TVs, artwork): 2–5 boxes total

Pro Tip: Use small boxes for heavy or fragile items, medium boxes for general household items, and large boxes for light, bulky items. Proper box selection keeps your move safe, organized, and easier to manage.

Curated packing kits from Six Moving

If you’re unsure how many boxes to buy, packing kits simplify the process. Kits combine boxes with essential packing materials.

Size of Move What’s Included Cost
Studio / Single
Dorm Bedroom Kit
Total of 20 Boxes + Essentials

  • 6 – 1.5 Cube Boxes
  • 8 – 2 Cube Boxes
  • 4 – 3 Cube Boxes
  • 2 – 4 Cube Boxes
  • 1 – 5 Lbs Packing Paper (Approx. 90 sheets)
  • 1 – Roll of Bubble Roll (12” x 50 Ft)
  • 2 – Roll of Tape
  • 1 – Labelling Marker
  • 1 – Free Package of “Fragile Stickers.”
$113.95 + HST
1-Bedroom
Condo Kit
Total of 30 Boxes + Essentials

  • 10 – 1.5 Cube Boxes
  • 10 – 2 Cube Boxes
  • 5 – 3 Cube Boxes
  • 3 – 4 Cube Boxes
$169.95 + HST
1 Bedroom
Condo + Den Kit
Total of 38 Boxes + Essentials

  • 10 – 1.5 Cube Boxes
  • 15 – 2 Cube Boxes
  • 5 – 3 Cube Boxes
  • 4 – 4 Cube Boxes
  • 3 – 5 Cube Boxes
  • 1 – 10 Lbs Packing Paper (Approx. 160 sheets)
  • 1 – Roll of Bubble Roll (12” x 50 Ft)
  • 3 – Rolls of Tape
  • 1 – Labelling Marker
  • 1 – Free Package of “Fragile Stickers.”
$199.95 + HST
2-Bedroom
Condo Kit
Total of 45 Boxes + Essentials

  • 10 – 1.5 Cube Boxes
  • 20 – 2 Cube Boxes
  • 8 – 3 Cube Boxes
  • 4 – 4 Cube Boxes
  • 3 – 5 Cube Boxes
  • 1 – 25 Lbs Packing Paper (Approx. 400 sheets)
  • 2 – Roll of Bubble Roll (12” x 50 Ft)
  • 3 – Rolls of Tape
  • 2 – Labelling Markers
  • 1 – Free Package of “Fragile” Stickers
$249.50 + HST
2 Bedroom
Condo + Den Kit
Total of 55 Boxes + Essentials

  • 15 – 1.5 Cube Boxes
  • 20 – 2 Cube Boxes
  • 10 – 3 Cube Boxes
  • 5 – 4 Cube Boxes
  • 3 – 5 Cube Boxes
  • 1 – 25 Lbs Packing Paper (Approx. 400 sheets)
  • 2 – Roll of Bubble Roll (12” x 50 Ft)
  • 4 – Rolls of Tape
  • 2 – Labelling Markers
  • 1 – Free Package of “Fragile” Stickers
$284.95 + HST
3-Bedroom
Condo Kit
Total of 60 Boxes + Essentials

  • 20 – 1.5 Cube Boxes
  • 20 – 2 Cube Boxes
  • 10 – 3 Cube Boxes
  • 5 – 4 Cube Boxes
  • 5 – 5 Cube Boxes
  • 1 – 25 Lbs Packing Paper (Approx. 400 sheets)
  • 2 – Roll of Bubble Roll (12” x 50 Ft)
  • 5 – Rolls of Tape
  • 2 – Labelling Markers
  • 1 – Free Package of “Fragile” Stickers
$299.95 + HST
2-Bedroom
House Kit
Total of 65 Boxes + Essentials

  • 20 – 1.5 Cube Boxes
  • 20 – 2 Cube Boxes
  • 15 – 3 Cube Boxes
  • 5 – 4 Cube Boxes
  • 5 – 5 Cube Boxes
  • 1 – 25 Lbs Packing Paper (Approx 400 Sheets)
  • 2 – Roll of Bubble Roll (12” x 50 Ft)
  • 5 – Rolls of Tape
  • 2 – Labelling Markers
  • 1 – Free Package of “Fragile” Stickers
$284.95 + HST
3-Bedroom
House Kit
Total of 85 Boxes + Essentials

  • 25 – 1.5 Cube Boxes
  • 30 – 2 Cube Boxes
  • 15 – 3 Cube Boxes
  • 10 – 4 Cube Boxes
  • 5 – 5 Cube Boxes
  • 1 – 10 Lbs Packing Paper (Approx 160 Sheets)
  • 1 – 25 Lbs Packing Paper (Approx 400 Sheets)
  • 3 – Rolls of Bubble Roll (12” x 50 Ft)
  • 6 – Rolls of Tape
  • 2 – Labelling Markers
  • 1 – Free Package of “Fragile” Stickers
$385.95 + HST
4-Bedroom
House Kit
Total of 95 Boxes + Essentials

  • 30 – 1.5 Cube Boxes
  • 30 – 2 Cube Boxes
  • 15 – 3 Cube Boxes
  • 10 – 4 Cube Boxes
  • 10 – 5 Cube Boxes
  • 1 – 10 Lbs Packing Paper (Approx 160 Sheets)
  • 1 – 25 Lbs Packing Paper (Approx 400 Sheets)
  • 4 – Rolls of Bubble Roll (12” x 50 Ft)
  • 6 – Rolls of Tape
  • 3 – Labelling Markers
  • 2 – Free Package of “Fragile” Stickers
$449.95 + HST

What is the most common moving box size?

The 1.5 cubic foot small box is one of the most widely used moving boxes.

Its smaller size prevents it from becoming too heavy while still holding a good amount of items. It’s commonly used for:

  • Books
  • Kitchen items
  • Canned goods
  • Small electronics

How to save money on moving boxes

Moving supplies can add up quickly, but there are several ways to reduce costs.

Use Household Items as Padding
Instead of buying extra packing materials, you can wrap fragile items with:

  • Towels
  • Blankets
  • Clothing

Use Suitcases and Bags
Fill suitcases, backpacks, and duffel bags with clothing and soft items to reduce the number of boxes needed.

Reuse Existing Boxes
Boxes from online deliveries or previous moves can be reused if they’re still sturdy.

Ask Your Moving Company
Some moving companies offer perks like:

  • Free delivery of packing supplies
  • Wardrobe box rentals
  • Packing discounts

These services can reduce overall moving costs.

Should you use used moving boxes?

Used boxes can be a cost-effective option, but they should always be inspected carefully.

Cardboard weakens each time it’s reused, so avoid boxes with:

  • Crushed corners
  • Soft spots
  • Water damage

Strong boxes are especially important for stacking inside a moving truck.

Uniform box sizes also make packing faster and safer because they stack neatly and prevent shifting.

Essential packing supplies for moving

In addition to boxes, you’ll need several key packing materials to protect your belongings.

Common supplies include:

  • Packing tape
  • Bubble wrap
  • Packing paper
  • Stretch wrap
  • Permanent markers
  • Box cutters or scissors

Having the right supplies ready before packing begins can significantly speed up the process.

Final Thoughts

Moving in Toronto doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Understanding the average cost of moving boxes, choosing the right box types, and estimating your packing needs in advance can make the entire process smoother.

Whether you’re moving from a condo, apartment, or house, using the right packing materials helps protect your belongings and keeps your move organized.

If you’re unsure how many boxes you need or want to simplify packing, professional movers like Six Moving can help you choose the right supplies and prepare for a stress-free move.

Planning ahead makes all the difference.

Related Resources

  • Looking for more moving tips? Explore our full blog library or visit our resource hub to discover how to make your next move easier.