This is your reference guide for estimating every room in a house. Print it, bookmark it, or keep it open on your phone during estimates. It covers common items, typical box counts, and the things customers almost always forget to mention.
What this covers
A room-by-room breakdown of what to look for, what to count, and what most estimators miss.
Who uses this
On-site estimators and virtual estimators — use this during every estimate. Sales agents — bookmark this for quick reference when quoting over the phone.
Living Room
| Item | Count | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sofa / sectional | 1-2 | Sectionals may need disassembly |
| Coffee table | 1 | Glass top? Note it |
| TV | 1 | Wall-mounted? Add disassembly |
| TV stand / media cabinet | 1 | |
| Bookshelf | 1-2 | Count shelves — full shelves = more boxes |
| Rug | 1-2 | Roll and protect |
| Lamps | 2-3 | Floor lamps are bulky |
| Wall art / mirrors | 2-4 | Large mirrors need crating |
| Boxes | 4-8 | Books, décor, electronics |
Often forgotten: Wall-mounted TV mount, curtains and rods, fireplace items
Kitchen
| Item | Count | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dining table + chairs | 1 set | Leaf insert? |
| Refrigerator | 1 | Appliance disconnect? |
| Stove / oven | 1 | Appliance disconnect? |
| Dishwasher | 1 | Appliance disconnect? |
| Microwave | 1 | |
| Small appliances | 3-5 | Toaster, blender, coffee maker, etc. |
| Pots, pans, dishware | 5-10 boxes | Kitchen generates the most boxes |
| Pantry items | 2-4 boxes | Ask: “Do you want us to pack food?” |
Often forgotten: Spice racks, under-sink cleaners, items on top of cabinets, bar cart
Master Bedroom
| Item | Count | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bed frame | 1 | Disassembly needed? |
| Mattress + box spring | 1 set | King/queen size affects crew size |
| Dresser | 1 | May need 2 people |
| Nightstands | 2 | |
| Closet | 15-25 boxes | Wardrobe boxes for hanging items |
| Vanity / desk | 1 | |
| Boxes | 5-8 | Clothing, shoes, personal items |
Often forgotten: Under-bed storage, jewelry, shoes (customers underestimate shoe count), closet shelving
Additional Bedrooms
Per bedroom, estimate:
- Bed + mattress
- Dresser
- Desk
- 2-4 boxes per small bedroom, 4-8 per larger room
Kids’ rooms: add toy bins, bookshelves, and 2-4 extra boxes for toys and books.
Bathroom
| Item | Count | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vanity / cabinet | 1 | |
| Linens | 1-2 boxes | Towels, washcloths, rugs |
| Toiletries | 1 box | |
| Shower items | 0.5 box | Usually packed last |
Often forgotten: Medicine cabinet, under-vanity items, shower caddies
Garage
| Item | Count | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tools | 2-4 boxes | Heavy — use small boxes |
| Lawn equipment | 2-3 items | Mower, trimmer, blower — drain gas first |
| Sports equipment | 2-3 boxes | |
| Holidays / storage | 3-5 boxes | |
| Shelving units | 1-2 | May need disassembly |
| Workbench | 1 |
Often forgotten: Hanging items (bikes, ladders), loft storage, chemicals (can’t transport many), spare tires
Basement / Attic
These vary wildly. Ask the customer: “Is your basement/attic used for storage? About how many boxes would you say are down there?”
Rule of thumb:
- Partially used: 5-10 boxes
- Heavily used: 15-30 boxes
- “Just a few things”: means 5 boxes, actual count is 10
Specialty Triggers
When you see these items, flag them for extra care and pricing:
| Trigger | Add-on |
|---|---|
| Piano (upright, baby grand, grand) | Piano board + 2-3 extra crew |
| Pool table | Disassembly + reassembly (specialized) |
| Safe / gun cabinet | Weight-based pricing + dolly |
| Large artwork / mirrors | Crating |
| Hot tub | Separate quote |
| Trampoline | Disassembly |
| Swing set | Disassembly |
| Appliance (gas) | Appliance disconnect service |
| Chandelier | Crating + specialty packing |
| Exercise equipment | Disassembly (treadmill, elliptical) |
See: Specialty Items and Add-On Triggers
Quick box count formula
If you need to estimate boxes over the phone without seeing the home:
| Home size | Estimated boxes |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1BR | 20-30 |
| 2BR | 40-60 |
| 3BR | 60-90 |
| 4BR | 80-120 |
| 5BR+ | 100-150+ |
Add 20% if the customer says they have “a lot of stuff.” Add 30% if they have a full garage or basement.
Common questions
Should I count everything or estimate? For in-person and video estimates, count the major furniture and estimate boxes based on room size. For phone estimates, use the quick formula. The more precise you are, the fewer surprises on move day.
What if the customer says “pack everything”? Ask them to clarify: “When you say everything, does that include food, cleaning supplies, and items in the garage?” Add 15-20% more boxes for a full pack vs. a partial pack.
What happens next
- Specialty items: Specialty Items and Add-On Triggers
- Pricing models: Pricing Strategies
- Sending the estimate: How to Create an Estimate