How to Pack Clothes for a Move

22 February 2024

When you're getting ready to move to a new place, making sure your clothes are packed up right is super important to keep them looking sharp. But let's face it, figuring out how to pack your clothes for a move, especially if you've got some fancy or delicate stuff, can feel like a bit of a headache. That's where a good moving company with packing services can really save the day.

In this packing for moving guide, we'll clarify how to pack clothes for a move and give you the lowdown on the best ways to pack your clothes securely and efficiently. From using wardrobe boxes to snagging custom garment bags, we'll cover all the packing tips and tricks you need to treat your wardrobe like a VIP, whether you're moving down the street or across the globe.

Things to Do Before Packing

Before you dive into packing your clothes for a move, it's important to take some preparatory steps to ensure a smooth and efficient process. Here are some things to do before you start packing:

1. Decide What to Keep & Sort Your Clothes

Start by emptying out your closet and carefully evaluate each item. Decide what you want to keep, what can be donated, and what needs to be discarded. Separate your clothes into three categories: items you wear regularly and want to keep, items that are in good condition but you no longer wear and can be donated, and items that are damaged and need to be thrown out.

When preparing to pack clothes for a move, it's important to organize them efficiently based on their purpose and significance. Here are some effective sorting methods to streamline the process:

  • Sort by Season: Start by categorizing your clothes according to the season they're typically worn in. This helps prevent clutter and ensures that seasonal items are easily accessible when needed. Clothes for warmer weather can be packed separately from those for colder seasons, making it easier to unpack and store them accordingly.
  • Sort by Pieces: Organize your clothes by type of garment, such as pants, shirts, dresses, and so on. This method helps optimize closet space and simplifies the unpacking process, as similar items can be stored together. Make sure to keep each person's clothing separated to avoid confusion during unpacking.
  • Label Boxes and Bags: As you pack each closet individually, be sure to label and identify the boxes and bags containing their belongings. Clearly mark the contents and the intended recipient to facilitate effortless unpacking and organization at your new home.

If you're not ready to part with certain sentimental clothing items but lack the space in your new home, consider storing them in a self-storage unit. Whether it's your wedding dress or unique vintage pieces, some closet treasures hold too much sentimental value to part with. While you may not wear them regularly, you still want to keep them close. Look for a secure, climate-controlled storage facility near your new home using com's Storage Center. This tool allows you to compare quotes from various storage unit providers, ensuring you find a suitable option to safeguard your cherished belongings.

2. Donate your clothes

After sorting through your clothes and deciding what to let go of, the next step is to determine whether to sell or donate these items. Here are some options to consider:

  • Sell Online: If you have gently used clothes in good condition, consider selling them online through platforms like Poshmark, thredUP, or eBay. These websites make it easy to list and sell your items, allowing you to make some extra cash before your move.
  • Host a Yard Sale: Another option is to host a yard sale or garage sale to sell your unwanted clothes, along with other household items you no longer need. This can be a great way to declutter your home and earn some money in the process.
  • Donate to Charity: If you prefer not to sell your clothes, consider donating them to charity organizations such as Goodwill, the Salvation Army, or a local shelter. Donating your gently used clothes helps those in need and reduces the amount of waste going to landfills.

Ultimately, whether you choose to sell or donate your unwanted items, you'll be decluttering your home and making the packing process easier as you prepare for your move.

3. Wash & Dry Your Clothes

Before packing your hanging and folded clothes for the move, it's essential to wash or dry-clean them thoroughly. This precautionary step helps prevent unpleasant odors and mildew issues during transit. Packing dirty or damp clothes alongside clean ones can lead to unwanted smells and potential damage. Therefore, ensure that all items are properly cleaned and dried before packing to maintain their freshness and condition throughout the moving process.

4. Obtain Packing Supplies

Once you've categorized your clothes, you'll have a clearer picture of the packing materials required. To safely pack your clothing items, gather various sizes of boxes, packing paper or tissue paper, bubble wrap, packing tape, wardrobe boxes, and garment bags. These packing supplies can be purchased from a moving company or local home improvement or office supply store.

For instance, if you have numerous hanging dresses, using wardrobe boxes designed for garments on hangers would be ideal. Assess your sorted clothes to determine the most suitable packing method for each category.

What you’ll need:

  • Scissors
  • Plastic storage containers
  • Cardboard boxes
  • Suitcases
  • Packing tape
  • Vacuum seal storage bags
  • Wardrobe boxes
  • Hangers
  • Packing tape
  • Garment bags

how to pack clothes for a move

How to Pack Hanging Clothes

When it comes to packing hanging clothes hacks for moving, there are several options to consider based on your needs and preferences:

  • Wardrobe boxes: These heavy-duty cardboard boxes come with a metal bar for hanging clothes. They offer excellent protection and come in various sizes.
  • Garment bags: Available in different materials like canvas or polyester, garment bags provide protection for clothes by simply hanging them inside and zipping up. They are lightweight and easy to transport.
  • Rolling rack: A wheeled frame with a hanging bar, rolling racks are adjustable and convenient for transporting a closet full of clothes. However, they offer less protection as clothes are exposed.
  • Portable closet: Combining a rolling rack with a fabric cover, portable closets keep clothes protected while offering mobility. They are ideal for keeping clothes in one place but can be bulky.

Consider your specific needs and the level of protection required for your clothes when choosing the best packing method.

How to pack clothes within cardboard boxes

Considering cardboard boxes for your closet move? It's a sensible choice. Cardboard boxes are affordable, readily available moving containers found in libraries, liquor stores, big box retailers, and online platforms like Craigslist. However, simply tossing items into the boxes won't suffice. Follow these six steps for expert guidance on packing clothes into cardboard boxes:

  1. Begin by ensuring you have appropriately sized boxes. Opt for small to medium cardboard boxes to prevent overstuffing and potential box breakage during transit. This size choice also facilitates easier carrying of your moving load.
  2. Ensure the cardboard box is properly assembled and reinforced with packing tape. Replace any damaged or crushed boxes with sturdier alternatives to safeguard your clothing items.
  3. Line the interior of the cardboard box with either packing paper or plastic wrap to provide an additional layer of protection against water damage and general wear-and-tear.
  4. Utilize one of the folding methods mentioned earlier to prepare your clothes for packing. The flat fold method is particularly recommended for cardboard boxes, streamlining the unpacking process.
  5. Once folded clothes are placed inside, cover the top layer with packing paper to further shield them during transit.
  6. Securely tape the box shut and clearly label it with a Sharpie marker or color-coded post-it note for easy identification upon arrival at your new home.

How to pack clothes in wardrobe boxes

For a convenient, wrinkle-free solution for transporting hanging clothes, consider using wardrobe boxes. These specialized cardboard boxes are designed to accommodate dresses, skirts, pants, and other hanging garments during a move. Measuring two feet wide and three feet long, they serve as portable closets, complete with a built-in metal hanger bar.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to assemble a wardrobe box:

  1. Begin by holding the box bottom side up. Fold down the short flaps first, followed by the larger flaps. Secure these cardboard flaps with packing tape to ensure stability.
  2. Flip the box over so that the bottom is now resting on the floor and the top flaps are open at the top.
  3. Secure the ends of the hanger bar inside the cutouts located on the top crease of the box. The hanger bar should fit snugly into these cutouts without any issues.
  4. Once the hanger bar is securely attached to the box, you can start hanging your clothes inside. Each hanger bar should be able to accommodate eight or more pieces of clothing on hangers.
  5. After hanging your clothes, close the two longer flaps on top of the box. These flaps typically have a cutout in the middle.
  6. Then, take the two shorter flaps and bend the outside edges (which should be cut out) downward. As you close these flaps on top of the box, the bent pieces should fit neatly into the center cutout. Secure the final top piece with packing tape to complete the assembly.

How to move and store hanging clothes

Chances are, you have a substantial amount of hanging clothes to relocate, including dresses, pants, blouses, and collared shirts. Most individuals possess multiple racks of hanging clothing in their closets. Fortunately, there are several effective strategies to facilitate the moving and storage of hanging clothes. Below, we've compiled five straightforward methods to transport your clothes to your new residence.

  1. Utilize a clothing rack for moving clothes. Fortunately, these racks are readily available and simple to assemble. You can easily order a portable clothing rack, like the one offered by Bed, Bath & Beyond. These racks often feature attached wheels, making maneuvering in and out of your home a breeze.
  2. Consider garment bags for added clothing protection. When relocating hanging clothes, it's crucial to safeguard them from dirt or damage. Utilizing garment bags during the move can provide proper protection. These covers are typically priced between $10 to $40. Alternatively, you can acquire free plastic garment bags from local dry cleaners.
  3. Opt for wardrobe boxes as another option. While slightly pricier than garment bags or trash bags, wardrobe boxes are specifically designed for transporting hanging clothes. Equipped with a hanger bar, these boxes simplify the task of hanging various types of clothing. Additionally, the corrugated cardboard box offers protection against external elements.
  4. Consider using a simple cardboard box for moving hanging clothes. If you're pressed for time and don't mind some minor wrinkling upon arrival at your new home, a regular cardboard box can suffice. Simply remove the clothing from the hangers, neatly fold them, and place them inside the box.
  5. Looking for a budget-friendly option? Try large drawstring trash bags. This do-it-yourself approach is a cost-effective way to transport all your hanging clothes. To pack up your hanging clothes in a trash bag, slide them inside while holding onto the hangers, then tighten the drawstrings around the hanger hooks. Ensure the hooks are securely tied together outside the bag.

Alternatively, you can cut a small hole at the bottom of the trash bag, insert the clothing with the hangers at the bottom, and pull the hanger hooks through the hole. Secure them with a rubber band or string and tie the drawstrings at the top to keep everything in place. For a visual demonstration, refer to the instructional video below.

packing tips for moving clothes

How to Pack Non-Hanging Clothes

When folding non-hanging clothes for moving, there are several methods you can use to maximize space and minimize wrinkles. Here are three helpful methods to consider:

1. KonMari Method

This method involves folding clothes into neat rectangles to maximize space and allow for easy organization. Start by folding the item in half lengthwise, then fold the sleeves or pant legs in, and finally fold the garment into thirds or quarters until it forms a compact rectangle.

2. The flat fold

The flat fold method is indeed a simple and efficient way to fold clothing for moving. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use the flat fold method for shirts and pants:

For Shirts:

  1. Lay the shirt face down flat on a clean surface, such as a table or the floor.
  2. Fold one side of the shirt and sleeve in towards the middle of the shirt, ensuring that the sleeve is neatly aligned with the body of the shirt.
  3. Repeat the folding process for the other side of the shirt, folding the sleeve and side towards the center.
  4. Once both sides have been folded in, fold the bottom half of the shirt up towards the collar, creating a neat rectangle.
  5. Smooth out any wrinkles and creases to ensure a tidy fold.

For Pants:

  1. Lay the pants flat on a clean surface, such as a table or the floor, with one leg on top of the other.
  2. Fold one leg of the pants over the other leg, ensuring that the edges are aligned.
  3. Fold the pants in half lengthwise, bringing the waistband down towards the hem.
  4. Fold the pants in thirds or quarters, depending on their size, to create a compact and tidy fold.
  5. Smooth out any wrinkles and creases to ensure a neat appearance.

Using the flat fold method for shirts and pants is a straightforward way to pack clothing for moving, ensuring that your garments remain organized and wrinkle-free during transit.

3. Military rolling method

The military rolling technique stands out as a widely favored approach for packing clothes during relocation. This method not only optimizes space utilization within boxes but also safeguards garments from wrinkling during transit.

  1. To execute this method effectively, start by laying the shirt flat on a sturdy surface.
  2. Then, invert the bottom portion of the shirt by a few inches.
  3. Proceed to fold the sleeves inward and lay them flat on the shirt. Fold one half of the shirt towards the middle, followed by the other half overlapping it. Beginning from the shirt's top, tightly roll it downwards.
  4. As the shirt is rolled, a pocket will form at the bottom where the bottom was previously inverted. Fold this pocket over the rolled shirt to secure it in place during the move.

Alternatively, a more relaxed rolling approach involves simply rolling the item tightly and placing it into a box or bag for transport.

4. Bundle Wrapping Method

Bundle wrapping involves layering clothes on top of each other and wrapping them tightly together to form a compact bundle. Start with the largest items on the bottom and gradually add smaller items on top, wrapping each layer tightly as you go. This method helps prevent wrinkles and keeps clothes organized during transit.

5. Compression Bags

Vacuum-sealed bags and compression bags are a great way to save space. Simply fold and stack your clothes inside the bag, then follow the instructions to remove the air. This will compress the clothes so that you can pack more into less space. Compression bags work especially well for bulky items, such as winter coats and sweaters.

6. Packing & tissue paper

To safeguard delicate items during the move, packing paper or tissue paper can be used for wrapping. Carefully fold the item, then wrap it with paper to provide protection against wrinkles and damage. Once wrapped, place the item in a box or suitcase along with similar items for added security. This method ensures that fragile belongings remain intact throughout the relocation process.

7. Suitcases and duffle bags

If you possess suitcases or duffle bags, they can serve as alternative options for packing your clothes, replacing the need for moving boxes. However, it's crucial to keep in mind that luggage can be weighty and may not be ideal for delicate items.

8. Draws drawers

For those with dressers, leaving clothes inside the drawers and relocating the entire piece of furniture to the new residence is a convenient approach. This method eliminates the necessity of packing and unpacking clothes separately. Yet, it's essential to ensure that any fragile or spill-prone items are removed beforehand to prevent potential damage to the clothes during transportation.

Choose the method that works best for your clothing and packing needs, and don't forget to label each box or suitcase with its contents for easy unpacking later on.

packing clothes hacks for moving

How to Pack Shoes and Accessories

For the safest transportation of shoes and other accessories, utilizing specialized boxes is recommended—such as shoe boxes for footwear, hat boxes for hats, and jewelry boxes for jewelry. These dedicated containers offer superior protection and organization compared to standard moving boxes. To prevent scuffs, it's advisable to wrap shoes, hats, and purses in paper or plastic and stuff them with packing paper to maintain their shape. If available, it's preferable to pack shoes in their original boxes.

Alternatively, plastic or cardboard shoe boxes can be purchased for this purpose. Individual drawstring bags also serve as a viable option. Additionally, carefully wrapped shoes, purses, and accessories can be packed at the bottom of wardrobe boxes to optimize space. Regardless of the chosen method, it's important to label the boxes or bags with their contents and designated room, facilitating a smoother unpacking process.

How to pack and transport delicate clothings

It's essential to handle delicate items with care when moving, especially those with sentimental value, significant cost, or made from fragile materials like fur or silk. To determine if an item is delicate, consider these questions: Does it hold sentimental value? Is it valuable or expensive? Is it crafted from delicate materials like fur or silk? If any of these apply, take extra precautions when packing and transporting the item. Delicate items encompass a range of materials, including furs, wedding dresses, hats, leathers, silks, cashmere, chiffon, needlepoint, lace, and items adorned with sequins, buttons, or jewels.

  1. Transport delicate hanging clothes, like wedding dresses, in wardrobe boxes, ensuring additional protection by using garment bags or trash bags to shield them while hanging inside the box. This combination method safeguards delicate hanging clothes from dirt and damage during the move.
  2. To shield delicate items such as cashmere sweaters and silk scarves from moth and other keratin-eating insect damage, it's crucial to seal them off from external elements. Vacuum-sealed bags or compression bags are ideal for this purpose, preventing outside forces like bugs, oxygen, and moisture from harming your valuable clothing.
  3. To prevent delicate hats from being crushed during the move, transport them inside hat boxes. As you place hats inside the hat box, remember to fill them with packing paper to maintain their shape effectively.
  4. When packing delicate items, it's essential to keep them separate from the rest of your clothing. Avoid placing your mother's wedding dress in the same box as other items; instead, pack delicate items in separate, clearly labeled boxes.
  5. Consider using hardshell luggage as another excellent option for transporting delicate items. The sturdy outer shell of the luggage provides added protection, preventing valuable clothing from damage or moisture exposure during transit.

Additional Tips on the Best Ways to Pack Clothes for Moving

Ensuring your clothes are properly organized and packed is crucial for a smooth and stress-free move. Here are some essential moving tips to keep in mind:

  1. Start by putting heavier stuff at the bottom of your boxes and lighter stuff on top. This keeps things stable while you're on the move.
  2. Give your clothes a good wash before packing them. This helps keep things smelling fresh and makes unpacking way easier.
  3. Don't go crazy cramming stuff into boxes. Overstuffing can lead to tears and damage, which isn't good for your clothes.
  4. Keep your most valuable clothes with you in your car, especially if they're sentimental or expensive.
  5. Whenever you can, leave your clothes on hangers. It helps keep them wrinkle-free and makes unpacking a breeze.
  6. Use dresser drawers for folded clothes. It saves space and keeps things organized.
  7. Line your suitcases and boxes with packing paper for an extra layer of protection.
  8. Plastic storage containers are great for clothes you won't need right away.
  9. Don't forget to pack a moving bag with all the stuff you'll need right away in your new place.

For a seamless moving experience, consider Move4U services if you need assistance with packing clothes for your move. Our experts can help you efficiently pack and transport your belongings, including delicate clothing items, ensuring they arrive safely at your new home. Contact Move4U today to make your move hassle-free!

Packing Clothes for Moving FAQ

1. When should you start packing to move?

When to start packing for a move depends on various factors, including the size of your home and the amount of belongings you have. Typically, it's advisable to begin packing several weeks to a month before your move to ensure a smooth and organized process.

2. Is it better to roll or fold clothes?

Whether it's better to roll or fold clothes largely depends on the type of clothing being packed. For bulky items like jeans and sweaters, the flat fold method may be more suitable. On the other hand, small or delicate items like shirts and dresses may benefit from the military roll method. Ultimately, the choice between rolling and folding depends on personal preference and the specific needs of your clothing items.

3. Will movers pack clothes?

Yes, most full-service moving companies provide packing services, including packing clothes, for an extra fee. This means the movers will bring packing materials to your residence and pack your clothes and other belongings on your behalf.

4. How do you pack clothes to take up the least amount of space?

If you aim to pack clothes to occupy the least amount of space, consider the following methods:

  • Opt for the rolling method instead of folding your clothes, as this can help minimize the space they occupy.
  • Utilize compression bags to remove excess air from bulky clothing items, making them more compact.
  • Consider vacuum-sealed bags, which can compress clothes without causing wrinkles, particularly useful for items like bedding and winter coats.
  • Use packing cubes to compartmentalize and compress clothes efficiently, maximizing space within your luggage or storage containers.
  • Pack tightly and fill any empty spaces with smaller items, such as socks or underwear, to make the most of the available space.

5. Can I leave clothes in my dresser when moving?

You can maintain your dresser packed and secure its drawers by shrink-wrapping it, preventing them from sliding out during transportation.


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