How many moving bins do I need?
The short answer: most people underestimate by about 20%. A 1-bedroom apartment that feels lightly furnished will still fill 25–30 bins once you get into the kitchen, closets, and bathroom. The table below gives you a realistic starting point for each home size — adjust up or down based on what is actually in your rooms.
Because HeyBins charges per bin, you can order the exact number you need — 22 bins or 67 bins — without paying for a package you did not fill. If you overshoot, just tell us when you schedule pickup.
Prices shown are weekly rental cost only. Add $29 flat delivery and $75 refundable deposit. Deposit is returned after pickup.
Thinking room by room
Kitchen
8–14 binsThe kitchen almost always needs more bins than people expect. Dishes, pots and pans, pantry items, small appliances — a well-stocked kitchen can fill 10–12 bins on its own. Pack heavier items (cast iron, appliances) in fewer bins to keep weight manageable.
Bedroom (per room)
8–12 binsClothes, bedding, books, and nightstand items. A typical master bedroom with a full wardrobe runs 10–12 bins. Kids' rooms with toys and craft supplies can run higher.
Living room
4–8 binsMost living room items are furniture — couch, TV, tables — and those do not go in bins. What does: books, decor, electronics, throw pillows, entertainment equipment. Budget 4–6 bins for a typical living room, more if you have a large media setup.
Bathrooms (per bath)
2–3 binsTowels, toiletries, medicine cabinet, under-sink storage. A full main bath with linens runs 2–3 bins. Guest baths are usually 1–2.
Home office
5–10 binsBooks and files are heavy — pack them in fewer, lighter-loaded bins. A fully equipped home office with a monitor, desktop equipment, and a full bookcase can need 8–10 bins.
Basement / storage
10–20 binsBasements are the most variable room. A finished rec room with entertainment equipment is one thing; a utility basement with holiday boxes, tools, and overflow is another. Walk through it carefully before estimating.
A few things that change the count
You can always add bins at checkout
The bin counter in our booking form lets you dial in any number. Start with the table estimate, adjust up or down, and the price updates live. If you end up with extra empty bins, just tell us at pickup — we will note it and that is fine.
Lightly furnished? Subtract 10–15% from the table estimate. If you are moving a furnished rental with minimal decor and a small kitchen, you likely need fewer bins than a household that has accumulated things over a decade.
Moving a whole house with packed attics and garages? Add 15–25% to the estimate. Garage bins — power tools, sporting equipment, seasonal storage — stack up fast and are often overlooked during planning.
Books and records are heavy. A 27-gallon bin full of books is around 50 lbs — the max. Pack books in half-full bins, then top off with lighter items like pillows or clothes. This protects the bins and your back.
Wondering how bins compare to buying cardboard? See the full comparison.
Pick your exact bin count.
The booking form lets you dial in any number. Price updates live. $29 flat delivery to your Frederick County door.