How to Pack Clothes for Moving: Tips and Hacks
Moving to a new home is exciting! But the task can feel overwhelming, especially when you start thinking about all the closets and dresser drawers full of clothes you need to transport to your new space. How you pack your clothes can make all the difference between a move full of headaches or a smooth transition to your new home.
From essential packing tips to innovative hacks, in this article, you’ll learn the strategies to streamline the packing process and safeguard your wardrobe during the journey. Whether you’re a seasoned mover or about to embark on your first relocation adventure, there’s a packing hack or two here for you!
Best Way to Pack Clothes for Moving: 17 Tips
Before Moving
Before diving into the packing process, there are several crucial steps to take to ensure a smooth transition for your clothes. Here are some packing tips to consider whether you’re traveling a short or long distance.
1. Sort Your Closet
Before you start packing, take the time to declutter and organize your wardrobe. Sort your clothes and set aside items you no longer wear or need. You can donate, sell, or discard these items to lighten your load and make packing more manageable.
2. Clean Your Clothes
Make sure all your clothes are clean and fresh before packing them. Wash and dry them according to the care instructions on the labels. This way, you’ll prevent musty, mildew odors from developing during transit and ensure you have clean clothes that are ready to wear once you unpack them in your new home!
3. Leave Out What You’ll Need
As moving day approaches, set aside a few outfits and essentials that you’ll need during the transition period. Pack a separate bag with enough clothes, toiletries, and other daily necessities to last you for a few days after moving in. With this separate bag packed, you won’t have to rummage through boxes to find what you need immediately upon arrival. Phew!
4. Invest in Quality Packing Materials
Get sturdy moving boxes, garment bags, packing paper, bubble wrap, and other packing materials to protect your clothes during transit. Consider investing in wardrobe boxes for hanging garments to prevent wrinkles or damage, especially if you’re using a moving company or putting them in a moving truck.
5. Take Inventory
Create a detailed inventory of your clothing items to keep track of everything you’re packing. Label your boxes accordingly, marking the contents and the room they belong to in your new home so your moving company knows where to put them.
Packing Hanging Clothes
Packing hanging clothes requires some strategy to guarantee they arrive at your new home wrinkle-free and ready to wear. Here are some tips to consider.
6. Use Wardrobe Boxes
As noted earlier, investing in wardrobe boxes designed specifically for moving hanging clothes can help keep them protected. Wardrobe boxes are cardboard boxes that let you transfer your clothes directly from the closet to the box without removing them from their hangers and helps preserve the shape and good condition of your garments during transit.
7. Use a Rolling Rack
If wardrobe boxes aren’t available or you prefer an alternative method, here’s how to move clothes on hangers with a rolling rock. Transfer your hanging clothes onto the rack and cover them with a large plastic bag or a sheet to protect them from dust and dirt. This makeshift closet-on-wheels allows you to transport your clothes easily from one location to another without having to fold or pack them.
8. Try Garment Bags or Trash Bags
On a budget? Consider using garment bags or large trash bags to protect your hanging clothes. Group your clothes on their hangers, cover them with the garment or garbage bag and tie them securely at the bottom with a drawstring or packing tape. While not as sturdy as wardrobe boxes, this method provides a quick and easy way to transport your clothes while keeping them clean and protected.
Packing Non-Hanging Clothes
Packing non-hanging clothes requires a different approach compared to hanging garments. Here’s how to fold clothes for packing.
9. Folded vs. Military Rolling
Decide whether folding or military rolling works best for your clothes. Fold bulkier items like sweaters and jeans to conserve space in boxes or suitcases. If you’re wondering how to roll clothes for packing, use the military rolling technique for thinner items like t-shirts and leggings to minimize wrinkles and save space.
10. Make Use of Your Suitcases
Use your suitcases to pack folded clothes efficiently! Suitcases are sturdy and often have wheels, making them ideal for transporting heavier items like jeans and sweaters. When it comes to knowing how to pack clothes in a suitcase, you want to make sure to pack clothes tightly to maximize space and utilize every inch of your luggage. You can also utilize your duffel bags for transporting clothes, but it may be a little less convenient since they don’t have wheels.
11. Try Compression Bags
Consider using compression bags to maximize space and protect your clothes from moisture and dust. Place folded clothes inside the bags and use a vacuum or manual compression to remove excess air, shrinking the bags to a fraction of their original size. This method is extra handy for bulky items like winter coats and blankets.
12. Pack in Layers
Pack clothes in layers to prevent wrinkles and creases. Place heavier items at the bottom of cardboard boxes or suitcases and lighter, more fragile items on top—interleaving layers with tissue paper or fabric to provide extra cushioning and protect your clothes during transit.
Additional Tips
Don’t forget the odds and ends! Here are some final tips to consider when packing your remaining clothes for your move.
13. Packing Shoes
When it comes to knowing how to pack shoes correctly, it’s all about protecting them! Pack them separately from your clothes to prevent dirt and debris from transferring. Use shoe boxes or shoe bags to protect them during transit, and stuff them with socks or newspaper to help maintain their shape.
14. Packing Accessories
Keep your accessories organized by packing them in small boxes or pouches. Place delicate items like jewelry in padded containers to prevent tangling or damage. You can also tuck accessories into the pockets of clothing items to save space.
15. Packing Delicates
Handle delicate fabrics carefully by wrapping them in tissue paper or soft cloth before packing. Avoid folding delicate items too tightly to prevent creasing, and consider placing them between layers of clothing for added protection.
16. Label Your Boxes
Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to in your new home. This will make unpacking much easier and help you locate specific items quickly. Use color-coded labels or markers for added organization.
17. Use Your Drawers
If you’re moving dressers or chests of drawers, utilize the space inside them to pack clothes. Leave lightweight items like socks and underwear in the drawers to save on packing materials and space in boxes.
Need Help Packing Your Clothes?
If you don’t want to DIY, Help Moving Taskers specialize in packing clothes efficiently and securely, ensuring that your wardrobe arrives at your new home in pristine condition at an affordable price. Whether you need help sorting, folding, or packing delicate items, Taskers are here to assist you at every step of your packing (and unpacking) process!
How to Pack Clothes for Moving FAQs
What is the most efficient way to pack clothes?
The most efficient way to pack clothes for moving is to start by sorting and decluttering your wardrobe. Then, pack similar items together in sturdy boxes or suitcases, utilizing space-saving techniques such as flat folds, rolling, or using vacuum-sealed bags. Label each box or bag clearly to make unpacking easier once you arrive at your new home.
Can I move clothes on hangers?
Yes, you can move clothes on hangers. One efficient method is to use wardrobe boxes specifically designed for transporting hanging clothes. Or you can use rolling racks or garment bags to keep your clothes on hangers during the move. Just be sure to secure them correctly to prevent them from shifting or getting wrinkled.
How do you pack clothes without getting them wrinkled?
To pack clothes without wrinkling, fold them neatly and use tissue paper or plastic bags to separate layers and prevent friction. Wrap delicate items individually in tissue paper or soft cloth before packing, and put the heaviest items at the bottom of the box. You can also use garment bags or compression bags to protect clothes from wrinkles and creases during transit.
