Storage Box Calculator
Buying too few storage boxes means a second trip to the shop, while buying too many wastes money and space. Estimate the total volume of what you're packing away and choose your preferred box size below to see how many you need.
Work out how many storage boxes you need
Estimate the total volume of what you're packing away (a rough guide: a standard house move box holds about 50-60L) and choose your box size.
To store 300L of belongings in 55L boxes, you'll need approximately:
7 boxes
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A few well-reviewed storage boxes for home organisation.
£22.99
Pros
- Crystal-clear sides for spotting contents
- Stacks securely with the 20/33/50/84L Really Useful range
- Lockable blue clip handles stop lids popping off
Cons
- Lid clips can feel stiff when new
- Plastic
- 40L (Pack of 2)
£18.50
Pros
- Low profile (19cm) slides under most bed frames
- Removable castor wheels make it easy to pull out
- Sold as a pack of 2 for good value
Cons
- Wheels are not lockable
- Fabric
- 40 x 25 x 30cm Per Box
£64.99
Pros
- Collapses flat when not in use
- Front label holders make contents easy to find
- Stitched handles for easy carrying
Cons
- Not waterproof, so unsuitable for damp areas
- Each cube rated to 3kg, so not for heavy items
Frequently asked questions
How do I estimate the volume of what I need to store?
If you're not sure, a good starting point is to count how many standard house-move boxes (around 50-60L each) your belongings would currently fill, then multiply by that figure. Alternatively, measure a rough stack of items directly using length × width × height in litres.
Is it better to use fewer large boxes or more small ones?
Larger boxes hold more but get heavy and awkward quickly, especially with dense items like books. Smaller boxes are easier to carry and stack neatly on shelving, so many people use large boxes for lightweight bulky items (bedding, soft toys) and smaller boxes for anything heavy.
Should I leave extra room in each box?
Yes — this calculator adds a little headroom to the volume estimate since irregularly shaped items rarely pack together as efficiently as a perfect cube. Leaving a bit of slack also makes lids easier to close and boxes easier to stack.
Are clear plastic boxes better than cardboard for long-term storage?
Clear plastic boxes are more resistant to damp, pests and crushing than cardboard, and let you see the contents without opening the lid — worth the extra cost for a loft, garage or shed where conditions vary more than an airing cupboard.