Packing clothes for a move may seem like an easy task but without the right approach, it can quickly become overwhelming. Clothes take up significant space and can easily get wrinkled or damaged if not packed correctly. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country having a plan for packing your clothes can save time, stress and even money. This guide will walk you through practical tips and techniques to ensure your wardrobe makes it to your new home in great condition.
Why Proper Packing Matters
When moving, it’s easy to underestimate the volume of clothing you own until you start packing. It’s not just about throwing things into boxes, you’ll want to make sure your clothes are sorted, protected and packed in a way that makes them easy to unpack. Many people consider using a packing service to make packing clothes easier especially when dealing with large wardrobes or valuable pieces.
Sort & Declutter Your Wardrobe
One of the best ways to start packing clothes for a move is by decluttering. Moving is the perfect opportunity to go through your wardrobe and decide what you really need.
- Donate or Sell Unwanted Clothes: Go through each item and separate what you haven’t worn in over a year. Gently used items can be donated or sold reducing the number of things you’ll need to move.
- Recycle Old or Damaged Clothing: For clothes that are worn out consider recycling options instead of packing them.
- Organize Seasonally: If you're moving during the summer, you likely won’t need your winter clothes right away. Packing by season can make the unpacking process more manageable.
Choose the Right Packing Materials
Choosing the right materials for packing your clothes is essential for keeping them safe and organized. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cardboard Boxes: Standard boxes work well for folded clothes and they’re cost-effective. Look for medium-sized boxes to avoid overpacking which can make them too heavy to carry.
- Wardrobe Boxes: These come with a built-in hanging rod, making them perfect for clothes that need to stay wrinkle-free like dresses, suits and jackets.
- Suitcases & Duffel Bags: Take advantage of your suitcases and bags especially for heavier items like jeans and sweaters.
- Vacuum-Seal Bags: For seasonal clothing that you won’t need immediately, vacuum-seal bags save space by compressing your clothes. These are ideal for bulky items like jackets.
- Plastic Bins: Sturdy and reusable plastic bins work well for delicate or valuable items or they’re easy to stack in a moving truck.
Folding vs. Rolling – Which is Best?
The debate between folding and rolling clothes for moving continues but each has its place depending on the type of clothing.
- Folding: Best for structured or delicate items like suits, blouses and shirts. When placed in a box, folded clothes stack neatly making them less likely to wrinkle.
- Rolling: Works well for casual clothes, t-shirts, jeans and other items that aren’t wrinkle-prone. Rolling saves space and is especially useful when using suitcases or duffel bags.
If you’re unsure which to use, experiment with both methods to see which fits best in your chosen packing materials.
Pack Strategically for Different Types of Clothes
Not all clothes are created equal and different types require different packing methods to keep them in good condition during a move.
Here’s a breakdown of packing techniques based on clothing type:
- Everyday Clothes: Pack these in boxes or suitcases, folding or rolling depending on space. Stack in layers, with heavier items like jeans at the bottom.
- Formal Wear: Use wardrobe boxes to keep formal clothes on hangers maintaining their shape and reducing wrinkles.
- Delicate Items: Wrap delicate items like silk dresses or cashmere sweaters in tissue paper and place them in plastic bins to protect them from dust and moisture.
- Shoes & Accessories: Pack shoes separately from clothes to avoid dirt or damage. Place shoes in individual bags or boxes and use the space inside the shoes for small accessories like belts or socks.
Label Boxes & Keep Essentials Separate
Organizing your boxes by labeling them is essential for a smooth unpacking process.
- Label by Room & Season: Label each box with the room it’s destined for (e.g., “Bedroom”) and if applicable, the season (e.g., “Winter Clothes”). This makes it easier to prioritize unpacking once you arrive.
- Pack a “First Day” Bag: You don’t want to be digging through boxes for pajamas or a change of clothes on the first night. Pack a small bag with essentials like a couple of outfits, sleepwear and toiletries.
Handle Bulky Items with Care
Bulky items like coats, jackets and bedding can take up a lot of space. Here are some tips for packing them efficiently:
- Use Vacuum-Seal Bags: These can significantly reduce the space taken up by bulky items. However, avoid storing natural fabrics like wool in vacuum-seal bags for extended periods, as it may damage the fibers.
- Stuff Large Pockets & Hoods: Make use of every bit of space. Fill coat pockets and hoods with smaller items like socks, underwear or scarves.
- Distribute Weight Evenly: Don’t pack all heavy items in one box, as it could make the box difficult to move. Spread out heavy pieces across multiple boxes or bags.
Consider Professional Help for Packing Clothes
If you’re pressed for time or want to ensure your clothes are packed securely, consider a packers and movers company that provides packing services. These companies bring expertise and materials to pack your clothes efficiently, minimizing the risk of wrinkles or damage.
Many also offer wardrobe boxes for easier transportation of hanging clothes, making the whole process smoother.
Tips for Storing Clothes Safely During Transit
Keeping your clothes safe from dirt, moisture and wrinkles during the move requires a few precautions:
- Line Boxes with Plastic: If there’s a chance of rain or humidity, line boxes with plastic to keep moisture out.
- Avoid Overpacking: Overstuffed boxes are more likely to burst or shift during transit, so leave some room for air circulation.
- Handle Delicate Items Separately: Keep delicate or sentimental items in hand luggage if possible, ensuring they’re not jostled in the moving truck.
Unpacking & Organizing at Your New Home
Once you’ve arrived at your new home, unpacking clothes can feel just as overwhelming as packing them. Here’s how to make the process easier:
- Unpack Wardrobe Boxes First: Start with wardrobe boxes so you can quickly hang up clothes that wrinkle easily.
- Sort Clothes by Room & Season: If you labeled boxes by room and season, unpack strategically, focusing on immediate essentials before tackling seasonal items.
- Check for Damages: As you unpack, check for any damages that may have occurred during the move. Small wrinkles can usually be smoothed out with a steamer or a quick run through the dryer.
Tips for a Smooth Moving Day
Packing clothes can be a simple task with the right approach but on a hectic moving day, even small tasks can feel overwhelming. Here’s a quick recap to keep in mind:
- Start by decluttering to reduce the load.
- Invest in the right packing materials.
- Use rolling and folding techniques to save space and reduce wrinkles.
- Label boxes for easy unpacking.
- Keep essentials separate for immediate access at your new home.
Whether you’re handling the move yourself or hiring a packers and movers company for packing services, these steps will help ensure that your clothes arrive safely and ready to wear. By following these tips, you’ll be able to unpack and settle into your new home with less stress, knowing that your clothes were packed with care and strategy.