Packing clothes for a move can often feel like a huge task. Between the coats, dresses, shoes, and everything in between, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. However, with the right approach and some smart packing strategies, you can make this process much smoother and faster. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, knowing how to pack your clothes efficiently can help reduce stress and ensure everything arrives in perfect condition. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to pack clothes for a move, from drawers to hanging racks.
1. Sort and Declutter First
Before you even begin packing, it’s crucial to take stock of your clothes and decide what you really need to move. This is the perfect time to declutter and part with items that no longer fit, are out of style, or simply aren’t serving you anymore. By decluttering before you pack, you’ll save space in the moving boxes and potentially save on moving costs if you’re hiring professional movers.
Sort your clothes into categories: keep, donate, sell, or throw away. The fewer items you have to pack, the less work you’ll need to do later. This also makes unpacking in your new home a lot easier since you’ll only have items that you truly want and need.
2. Pack Clothes in Drawers to Save Time and Effort
If you have dressers or drawers that are already filled with clothes, why not leave them packed? The great news is you can often move these clothes without taking them out. Simply leave the clothing in place, and use plastic wrap to secure the drawers. Wrap each drawer individually with several layers of plastic wrap to prevent the items inside from shifting. This technique is especially useful for lightweight clothing like t-shirts, jeans, and scarves.
Pro Tip: If the dresser is lightweight enough, consider wrapping the entire dresser with plastic wrap, including the drawers. This prevents drawers from sliding out during the move.
3. Rolling vs. Folding: What’s the Best Method?
When packing clothes into boxes, the biggest debate is whether to roll or fold them. While both methods are effective, rolling clothes tends to save space and reduce wrinkles. Rolled clothes are more compact and can be easily stacked in boxes, allowing you to fit more items in each box. This is especially helpful for softer, more casual clothing like t-shirts, leggings, and sweaters.
For more delicate items like dress shirts, blouses, or suits, folding them neatly in a box may be better to prevent excessive wrinkling. You can also place a piece of tissue paper between folded items to minimize creases.
Pro Tip: For delicate fabrics like wool or silk, try to pack them in garment bags to reduce any pressure that could cause damage.
4. Use Wardrobe Boxes for Hanging Clothes
One of the most effective ways to transport your hanging clothes without causing damage is to use wardrobe boxes. These boxes come with a built-in hanging bar, which makes it easy to transfer your clothes from your closet directly into the box. Simply take the clothes off your closet rod and hang them in the wardrobe box. This method will keep your clothes wrinkle-free, and you won’t have to deal with the hassle of ironing them once you’ve unpacked.
Wardrobe boxes are also great for bulky items like coats, dresses, and suits that need a little extra care. You can even pack shoes and accessories at the bottom of the box, using the available space effectively.
5. Garment Bags Are Your Friend
For clothes that are more delicate, or if you’re moving only a few items like suits or evening gowns, consider using garment bags. These bags are designed specifically to protect clothing during transit. Simply hang your clothes in the garment bag, zip them up, and you’re good to go. Garment bags come in various sizes and can even be used for coats and jackets, which can be bulky and difficult to pack into boxes.
Pro Tip: If you don’t have access to garment bags, consider using large trash bags as a makeshift solution. Poke a hole at the top, slide the hanger through, and tie it off. This offers basic protection from dust and dirt during the move.
6. Maximize Suitcases and Duffel Bags
If you have a few extra suitcases or duffel bags lying around, use them to your advantage. Suitcases are great for packing heavier clothing items like jeans, jackets, and shoes. They’re durable, easy to carry, and will prevent your clothes from getting too jostled around. Similarly, duffel bags work well for packing larger items, such as blankets and bulky sweaters.
Don’t forget to stuff the inside of shoes with socks or other soft materials to save space and keep their shape intact during the move.
7. Pack Shoes Separately
Shoes can take up a lot of room in your boxes, so packing them separately is often a good idea. For smaller shoes like sandals or flats, use small boxes or packing cubes to keep them organized. For boots or larger shoes, you can wrap them in tissue paper or place them in their original boxes. Consider packing shoes vertically in the moving truck to maximize space and prevent them from getting crushed.
If you’re tight on space, use the inside of your shoes to store small accessories like belts, scarves, or gloves. This will save valuable space in your boxes and keep everything neat.
8. Use Packing Cubes for Smaller Items
Packing cubes are a great tool for organizing your clothing and keeping things compact. These zippered pouches help keep smaller clothing items—like socks, underwear, or accessories—organized and prevent them from getting lost or scattered throughout your boxes. You can find packing cubes in various sizes, so they work well for different types of clothing.
Pro Tip: Roll your clothing before placing it into packing cubes. This allows you to fit more into the cube and helps prevent wrinkles.
9. Be Strategic with Box Sizes
When packing clothing into boxes, be strategic about the size of the boxes you choose. Large boxes can be heavy and cumbersome when packed with clothes, so try to use medium-sized boxes for the bulk of your clothing. Reserve large boxes for lighter, bulkier items like coats, blankets, or bedding. This will make the moving process more manageable and prevent boxes from becoming too heavy to carry.
10. Don’t Overpack Boxes
One of the most common mistakes when packing clothes for a move is overpacking boxes. While it’s tempting to fill every inch of a box, it’s better to leave a little room for movement. This helps prevent the box from breaking or becoming too heavy to carry. Aim to fill boxes until they’re about 75% full, leaving some room for padding or small items.
Final Thoughts
Packing clothes for a move doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right approach, you can keep your clothes safe, organized, and wrinkle-free. Whether you’re packing up your entire wardrobe or just a few special pieces, following these tips will help you reduce stress and ensure everything arrives at your new home in top condition. From using wardrobe boxes to maximizing suitcases, the key is staying organized and strategic.
