Are you relocating to a new home?
Moving is always exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. There’s so much to do and so little time to do it. One of the biggest jobs is moving all your clothing; it’s hard to say whether packing or unpacking is more exhausting. Learning how to pack clothes for moving may sound unnecessary, but there’s a right way and a wrong way to approach moving your wardrobe, and it’s worth learning the difference.
Packing clothes in an organized, thoughtful way not only protects your garments; it also makes unpacking significantly easier. Joey’s Movers has helped with more than 100,000 moves, and along the way, we’ve learned a lot about how to pack clothes for moving. This comprehensive guide will walk you through professional techniques to ensure your clothing arrives at your new home in perfect condition and ready to put away.
Getting Started: Pre-Packing Preparation
Declutter Your Wardrobe
Before you even start packing your clothes for moving, it’s a good idea to sit back and honestly assess your wardrobe. We all have things in our closets that we pass over every day but haven’t taken the time to get rid of. Moving presents the perfect opportunity to identify what you actually wear and get rid of the things that you don’t.
Sort your clothing into three categories:
– Keep: Items you’ve worn in the last year and that still fit your lifestyle
– Donate: Gently used clothing that no longer serves you
– Discard: Damaged or worn-out items
Here’s a complete guide on decluttering like a pro!
Clean and Prepare
Once you’ve decluttered, make sure that each item is clean and completely dry before packing. This may sound like a minor thing, but damp clothes can get mildewed in transit, and stains can set permanently if they haven’t been treated before a move.
Pro tip: Use a careful eye and good lighting when you’re going through your clothes; if an item has stains, it’s time to get rid of it.
Professional Methods for Packing Clothes
The best way to pack clothes for moving depends on many variables, including the type of clothing, how much space you have, and how soon you’ll want to wear each item.
Did you know that you can hire movers to pack your clothing? Give us a call at (847) 674-7779 or request a free quote, and we’ll handle it for you!
Should I Fold or Should I Roll?
Clothes that aren’t on hangers need to be either folded or rolled, and the right approach depends on the item’s weight and the type of fabric it’s made from. Items that are too bulky to be hung probably can’t be rolled effectively and are best folded to help maintain their shape and keep them from wrinkling. Items that are made from Lycra, Spandex, or polyester tend to be lightweight and wrinkle-resistant and can be rolled to save space. You can also roll small items like lingerie, socks, underwear, ties, and scarves.
Pro tip: Put a layer of tissue paper over items that are embellished to prevent them from snagging other clothing.
Wardrobe Boxes: The Best Solution for Hanging Items
If you’ve ever grabbed a bunch of clothes on hangers and put them in the back of a car, you know that it never works out well. The best way to move clothes on hangers is to invest in sturdy wardrobe boxes. These specialized moving boxes have built-in hanging rods that offer several advantages:
– Clothes will stay on their hangers, keep their shape, and stay clean
– Very little wrinkling during transit
– Easy unpacking at your destination
– Perfect for suits, dresses, and delicate garments
Pro tip: If you’ve sent hanging clothes to the dry cleaner before your move, take them out of the plastic bags before placing them in your wardrobe to avoid mildew.
Using Personal Luggage
Since you’re going to be taking your luggage with you when you move, it makes sense to take advantage of the space they provide and pack them up with clothing. Their handles or straps make them easy to carry, and the structure that suitcases provide can provide additional protection for important items while a duffel bag’s flexibility allows you to maximize space. Plus, it will save money on moving boxes.
Vacuum Storage Bags
Vacuum storage bags are a game-changer when it comes to saving space, and they have the added advantage of protecting clothes from dust, dirt, and lint. They’re perfect for transporting bulky items, but there are a few things to keep in mind:
-Don’t use them for down-filled coats or vests or for materials like leather or fur that need to ‘breathe’
-Vacuum storage isn’t recommended for clothing made from delicate fabrics like silk and satin, as wrinkling is likely.
-Avoid overfilling the bags to avoid compression damage
-Clothes should be clean and dry before vacuum sealing
Specialized Packing for Different Garment Types
Delicate and Valuable Items
When moving clothes that are delicate or expensive:
– Add a layer of acid-free tissue paper between each item
– Use garment bags for extra protection
– Consider using a professional packing service for designer pieces
– Separate these items from moving boxes containing regular clothing
Shoes and Accessories
To protect your shoes and accessories during a move:
– Clean them thoroughly before packing to prevent mold and odors
– Stack the heaviest pairs at the bottom of a box for weight distribution
– Insert socks in shoes to help them maintain their shape
– Box expensive shoes individually
– Pack off-season footwear separately
– Keep pairs together with rubber bands or shrink-wrap
-Add a separating layer of packing paper above shoes and place lightweight belts, handbags, and other accessories on top.
Pro tip: Keep jewelry separate from other items.
Seasonal Items
When packing clothes that are off-season and won’t be needed immediately:
– Vacuum seal to save space
– Label boxes clearly with contents and season
– Store in climate-controlled environments
– Use cedar balls or mothballs for long-term storage
Organization and Efficiency Tips
Labeling System
Label all clothing moving boxes clearly, indicating:
– Room destination
– Season or category (i.e. sweaters, jeans)
– Indicate whether items will be needed immediately or can be stored
– Note any special handling instructions, including arrows to indicate the top of each box
Strategic Packing
Packing up clothes for a move can be overwhelming. The best way to approach the job is to be strategic:
- Pack off-season items first
- Create an “essentials” bag for immediate needs
- Keep frequently-used items accessible
- Group similar items together
Moisture and Pest Prevention
Invest in protective items to keep your packed clothes safe from damage. These include:
– Silica gel packets to place in boxes to keep out moisture
– Cedar balls or lavender sachets will keep clothes smelling fresh
– Moisture-resistant containers
Establish a Moving Timeline
To keep yourself on track and maximize efficiency when packing clothes for moving, follow this timeline:
Two Weeks Before
– Purchase necessary packing materials
– Begin packing off-season clothing
– Sort and organize accessories
One Week Before
– Pack the majority of your everyday clothing
– Leave out only essential items
– Prepare overnight bags that will be kept separate moving day
Day Before
– Pack any remaining clothes
– Double-check that everything has been labeled
– Prepare your essentials bag
Quick Tips Summary
– Clean all clothes before packing
– Use appropriate boxes and materials
– Label everything clearly
– Keep essential items easily accessible
– Consider professional moving services for valuable items
FAQs
1. Is it better to pack clothes in boxes or bags?
While both can be useful, using special clothing moving boxes offers an extra layer of protection. Though vacuum bags are excellent for saving space, we recommend placing the vacuum-sealed bags inside sturdy boxes.
2. Should you fold or roll clothes when packing?
Whether to fold or roll clothes depends on the type of fabric. Bulkier clothing is best folded, while lighter-weight items that tend to wrinkle are best rolled.
3. What is the most space-efficient way to pack clothes?
Though using vacuum bags can compress clothing by up to 80%, they are not always the best choice. Each item of clothing should be treated individually to protect against damage or wrinkling.
Professional Packing Protects the Things You Love
When it’s time to move, you want everything to arrive at your new home in perfect condition, and your wardrobe is no exception. Following these professional tips should help keep your clothes in good shape, but packing and unpacking clothes still takes a lot of time that you could be using on other tasks.
We hope you learned how to pack clothes for moving with this convenient guide. To make your life easier and guarantee that your clothes will make the move to your new home safely, consider taking advantage of our experience. Joey’s Movers offers expert packing services that include all the necessary packing materials, including specialized wardrobe boxes. Contact us today at (847) 674-7779 or get an online quote and find out why we’re Chicagoland’s most referred moving company. We’ll save you time and worry, protect your valuable clothing investment, and make sure your move goes smoothly.
Photo by Kaboompics.com and cottonbro
