A one-bedroom apartment is one of the easiest moves to do well, because the whole thing fits in a weekend of packing if you work in the right order. Here's how many totes you need, how long it actually takes, and which rooms to tackle first.
How many moving totes for a one-bedroom apartment?
Plan on 15 to 20 standard totes for a typical one-bedroom, plus a wardrobe box or two for hanging clothes. A minimalist or recently-moved-in renter might need 12; someone with a packed closet and a lot of books should plan toward 22. Nice Totes' Studio and 1 Bedroom packages are built around these ranges.
A realistic packing timeline
- Two weeks out: declutter and pack anything you won't need — off-season clothes, books, decor, the back of closets
- One week out: pack the kitchen except daily dishes, and most of the bathroom
- Two days out: pack the bedroom except a few clothes, and the last of the living room
- Moving morning: the "open first" tote, toiletries, chargers, and bedding
Pack in this order
Start with the room you use least and end with the bedroom and bathroom. For a one-bedroom that's usually: storage and closets first, then the living room, then the kitchen, then the bedroom, then the bathroom last. Label the side of each tote (not the top) with the room and two or three key contents.
Kitchen and bathroom tips for small spaces
Kitchens punch above their size — expect 5 to 8 totes for a one-bedroom. Keep totes with dishes and glassware three-quarters full so they stay liftable, and pad plates on their edges, not flat. In the bathroom, seal any liquids in a zip bag before it goes in the tote.
Load the totes so moving day is quick
Uniform totes stack five high and don't crush, so a one-bedroom's worth loads into a van or small truck in one trip with room to spare. Heaviest totes on the bottom, keep the lids latched, and load by room so unloading drops each stack in the right place.
See tote packages by home size and book your delivery date.
View Residential PricingFrequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to pack a one-bedroom apartment?
Spread over a week or two of evenings, packing a one-bedroom takes most people 8–12 hours total. Done in one push, plan a full weekend.
How many boxes or totes do I need for a one-bedroom?
About 15–20 standard moving totes plus one or two wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes. Adjust up if you have a lot of books or a full closet.
What should I pack last when moving out of an apartment?
Bedding, toiletries, phone and laptop chargers, a change of clothes, and basic cleaning supplies for the final wipe-down. Keep those in one clearly marked tote.
Questions about sizing, coverage, or what's included? Check our FAQ page or email info@nicetotesrental.com.