Packing for moving is often a daunting task, which takes around 13 hours for a medium-sized house. And packing clothes can be one of the most challenging parts of the process.
But what if we told you that it doesn’t have to be a cumbersome experience? In this comprehensive guide on packing clothes for moving, we’ll share time-tested tips and techniques to make packing for your upcoming move a breeze.
Key Takeaways
- Prepare for your move by decluttering, laundering, and organizing clothes.
- Pack hanging clothes with wardrobe boxes, garment bags or DIY solutions. Non-hanging items using folding techniques & packing containers/bags.
- Protect delicate & valuable items. Save time with moving hacks such as labelling boxes and packing an essentials bag.
Pre-Move Preparation
Before you begin packing, a few preparatory steps are necessary for a seamless experience. If you declutter, clean, and organize your clothes, the packing process becomes manageable and paves the way for a stress-free move.
#1 Declutter Your Wardrobe
A cluttered wardrobe can make the packing process feel overwhelming. Start by sorting your clothes into three categories: keep, donate, and discard. This will not only make packing easier but also give you a fresh start in your new home.
Donating gently used items or selling clothes in good condition saves time and packing materials, reducing the overall cost of your move.
#2 Clean and Launder Clothes
Nothing is more frustrating than unpacking dirty clothes in your new home. To prevent mould and mildew growth during transit and make the unpacking process more enjoyable, it’s advisable to launder your clothes before packing.
Be sure to follow the instructions on clothing labels and hang or fold clothes once they are clean and dry.
#3 Organize by Clothing Type
A smooth packing experience hinges on efficient organization. Sort your clothes by type, material, season, or occasion to make packing and unpacking a breeze. This method not only keeps your clothes organized but also makes it easier to locate specific items when you settle into your new home.
Packing Hanging Clothes
When it’s time to pack hanging clothes, special attention is required during the packing process. Wardrobe boxes, garment bags, and DIY solutions are all viable options for packing hanging clothes. We’ll delve into each of these methods more thoroughly.
Wardrobe Boxes
Wardrobe boxes are specially designed cardboard boxes with a hanging rod, perfect for preserving the shape and preventing wrinkles in your hanging clothes. They are especially useful for delicate items that need extra care.
Although wardrobe boxes can be a bit pricey, ranging from $20 to $50, they are worth the investment for the convenience and protection they provide.
Garment Bags
Garment bags are another excellent option for protecting your hanging clothes. They are particularly useful for valuable or delicate items, as they provide an added layer of protection. Invest in quality garment bags to ensure your clothes arrive at your new home in pristine condition.
DIY Solutions
For those on a tight budget, trash bags and suitcases can serve as cost-effective alternatives for packing hanging clothes. Create a small hole at the bottom of a drawstring trash bag. Pass the hanger hooks through it and secure them with a rubber band or string. This DIY solution can save you money while still protecting your clothes.
Packing Non-Hanging Clothes
When it comes to packing non-hanging clothes, such as sweaters, t-shirts, and socks, proper techniques can make all the difference. Folding methods, packing containers, and compression bags can help you pack these items efficiently while maintaining their shape and preventing damage.
Folding Techniques
Mastering different folding techniques, such as flat-folding or the military rolling method, can save space and prevent wrinkles in your non-hanging clothes.
The flat fold technique works best for bulky items like jeans and sweaters, while the military rolling method is ideal for smaller or delicate items like shirts and dresses.
Properly folded clothes not only save space but also keep your non-hanging clothes organized and wrinkle-free.
Packing Containers
Utilize cardboard boxes, plastic bins, or luggage to pack clothes, especially your non-hanging clothes, while maintaining their shape. Remember to label each container with its contents and the room it belongs to, ensuring a more organized unpacking process.
Compression Bags
Compression bags, also known as vacuum-sealed bags, are an excellent space-saving solution for packing non-hanging clothes. These bags protect your clothes from moisture and dirt while creating additional packing space. Simply place your clothes in the bag and use a vacuum cleaner to remove the air.
Packing Shoes and Accessories
Shoes and accessories deserve special attention during the packing process. By packing them separately from your clothes, you can prevent damage and keep them organized.
Here are some useful tips for the best way to pack shoes and accessories.
Shoe Boxes and Bags
Using shoe boxes, bags, or wine boxes with dividers is an excellent way to pack shoes while maintaining their shape. Stuff the interior of the shoes with smaller clothing items or tissue paper to preserve their form, and wrap them in a T-shirt or other soft material to prevent scuffs and other damage.
Accessory Storage
Keep your accessories organized and prevent tangling or damage by packing them in separate containers or pouches. For delicate items, consider wrapping them in tissue paper, bubble wrap, or plastic wrap before placing them in the container.
Handling Delicate and Valuable Items
Delicate and valuable clothing items, such as furs, wedding dresses, and silk garments, require special care during the packing process. Employ special packing materials and personal transport to ensure these items arrive at your new home unscathed.
Special Packing Materials
Using special packing supplies like packing paper, tissue paper, padded hangers, or garment bags can protect delicate fabrics and valuable items when you pack clothes for moving. These materials provide an extra layer of protection, ensuring your delicate and valuable clothing items remain in pristine condition.
Personal Transport
When packing clothes for a move, it’s essential to consider the right clothes for moving, ensuring you carry valuable clothing items close to you during the process. This approach guarantees that your prized possessions are always within your reach and reduces the risk of damage or loss during transit.
Time-Saving Packing Hacks
Efficient packing tips can save time and effort during the moving process, providing an efficient way to pack. Implementing these hacks will streamline your packing experience and alleviate the stress associated with moving.
Moving Clothes in Drawers
If you’re moving a short distance, keeping clothes in dresser drawers is a time and packing material saver. This technique eliminates the need for additional cardboard boxes and allows your clothes to remain organized during transit.
Labeling Boxes
Ease the identification and unpacking of items in your new home by labelling boxes according to clothing type, family member, and room. This simple hack can save you time during the unpacking process and ensure your clothes remain organized.
Essentials Bag
To avoid last-minute stress, pack an essentials bag with clothes and items needed until moving day. Include:
- toiletries
- a change of clothes
- phone chargers
- medications
- important documents
Make sure to keep the essentials bag with you at all times during the move for easy access to necessary items.
Summary
In conclusion, packing clothes for a move doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following these time-tested tips and techniques, you’ll be well on your way to a seamless and stress-free moving experience. Remember to declutter, clean, and organize your wardrobe, employ proper packing methods, and keep valuable items close to you during the move. With a little preparation and the right packing hacks, your clothes will arrive at your new home in pristine condition, ready to be worn and enjoyed.
F.A.Q
Is it better to pack clothes in bags or boxes?
Boxes are the most common way to pack clothes for a move, with wardrobe boxes being the best option if you need to pack clothes in hangers. Suitcases and duffel bags can also be used to pack folded clothes and shoes. For maximum efficiency, use wardrobe boxes, which will make packing hanging clothes fast and easy.
How do you pack all your clothes when moving?
Pack bulky items like jeans and sweaters using the flat fold method in boxes or vacuum bags, and use the military roll method for smaller or delicate items like shirts and dresses in suitcases or duffle bags. Layer folded clothes neatly into each box and line the inside with packing paper or plastic wrap for protection. Pack all suitcases with folded clothes for longer distance moves.
Is it OK to pack clothes in cardboard boxes?
Cardboard boxes are good for packing folded clothes, but wardrobe boxes and suitcases are preferable for packing items in hangers. It is not recommended to store clothing in plastic bags or cardboard boxes for a long time since they can cause mildew or be infiltrated by pests.
What is the most space efficient way to pack clothes?
To pack clothes efficiently, roll them and use packing cubes to keep them compact and organized. This ensures that most of the available space is used with minimal wrinkles in your clothes.
What is the best way to declutter my wardrobe before packing?
Start by sorting your clothes into three categories: keep, donate, and discard. This will help you declutter your wardrobe before packing, saving you both time and materials.
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Submit the form or call us at +1 (514) 418-4466 directly for a free quote. Good luck with your upcoming move, and stay tuned for more moving tips soon.
About Author
Pavel
Owner/Founder – STC Movers
I’m Pavel, and I run this company, with the unwavering support of my wife and kids. My team shares my values: we work hard, care about the outcome and want every single customer to feel good about doing business with us.