Some people love moving, others despise it, but it’s not something you can avoid forever. Still, depending on how much you own, the packing and moving process can be time-consuming, stressful, and expensive. This can get even more complicated when you have a bountiful wardrobe filled with hundreds (or thousands) of outfit possibilities. Luckily, learning how to pack clothes strategically for a move is a skill that can be learned. Here, you’ll find a comprehensive guide on the best way to move clothes from A to B.
Pre-Moving Packing Tips
Before you start packing, it’s important to take a little time to plan and prepare. Doing so can help save space and time while ensuring your clothes stay in good condition during transit.
Prepare for the Move: Declutter and Organize
One of the most stressful parts of packing and moving is dealing with all of the stuff you accumulate. You usually don’t realize it until you need to pack, but chances are you’ve got way more clothes than you remember. So, as you’re going through your closet, get rid of clothes that don’t fit or that you no longer wear. Downsizing your wardrobe before you pack and transport everything makes a huge difference and can help you feel like you’re getting a fresh start at your new home. If you’re hesitant to get rid of things, try the out-of-sight, out-of-mind method. Set clothes you haven’t worn in six months or longer to the side and revisit them before moving week. If you hadn’t thought about them during that time, donate them.
Launder Clothing Items Accordingly
It’s also a good idea to wash your clothes before moving. If you’re moving across the country and expect things to be in boxes for a while, this can help ensure your clothes are fresh and clean for your new home. If you’re moving down the street or nearby, just launder what’s dirty so that stains or wrinkles don’t set.
Separate Off-Season Clothes
Another pre-moving packing tip is to sort your clothes by season. If you’re moving in the summer, you won’t likely need your winter clothes, so you can pack them and put them aside sooner. This can also help you prioritize what to unpack when you’ve arrived at your new place.
Pack a Moving Bag With Enough Clothes
One tip for moving like a pro is to set aside a few outfits to wear during transit and for the first few days at your new home. This is especially important if you’re using an agency, as moving companies may not grant you access to the truck during long-haul trips. Don’t forget to pack some pajamas and toiletries in your suitcases alongside your clothes. Then, when moving day arrives, you’ll have all your moving essentials easily accessible throughout the entire process.
Consider the Distance of Your Move
The distance of your move will also influence how you pack your clothes. You might not need to be as meticulous for local moves since your belongings won’t be in transit for long. However, for long-distance moves, you’ll want to be more careful with your packing to ensure your clothes stay clean, wrinkle-free, and undamaged.
Choose Your Preferred Packing Method
Once you’ve prepared everything, it’s time to consider your preferred packing method. Ultimately, the choice is up to you. Just try to choose what will make packing and unpacking the easiest while keeping things in good condition. And don’t forget to label your boxes clearly to help you access things when you get to your new home.
8 Tips on How to Pack Clothes for a Move
The best way to pack clothes can vary from person to person. The key is finding what works best for you. To help get the creativity flowing, here are nine different options for packing clothes when you’re moving.
1. Leave Folded Clothes in Dresser Drawers
One of the easiest ways to pack clothes is to leave them right where they are—in your dresser drawers. This method works especially well for folded items like t-shirts, pants, and undergarments. However, depending on the size of the dresser, you may have to take out the drawers to decrease the weight. If you don’t need to do this, make sure they’re secured with plastic wrap to keep things from falling out.
2. Wrap Hanging Clothes in a Garbage Bag
Although not the most sophisticated method, you can keep clothes on their hangers, cover them in a trash bag, and transport them from A to B. However, this is only recommended for moving clothes on hangers, as you can create a little hole at the bottom of the trash bag to pull the hanger through, then tie the bottom to protect it. It’s also a great budget-friendly option for those trying to save on packing supplies.
3. Use a Wardrobe Box
Wardrobe boxes are the best way to pack hanging clothes while reducing the risk of damage. They’re a bit more expensive than a typical cardboard box or garment bag, but they’re specifically designed to transport hanging clothes, making them an efficient, safe option. All you need to do is take your clothes directly from the closet and hang them in the box with a bar installed at the top. Then seal it like you would a normal moving box, and it’s ready to go.
4. Separate Delicate Items
Delicate items like shirts and dresses made from silk, leather, chiffon, suede, or other materials should be handled carefully during moving. Use tissue paper or unprinted packing paper to wrap each item individually and create a buffer during transport. Invest in garment bags for particularly delicate garments, such as evening wear or suits to keep them hanging and avoid wrinkles.
5. Use Vacuum Bags for Off-Season Clothing
Since you’ve already separated clothes based on the season, consider putting your off-season wardrobe into vacuum-sealed bags. This not only compresses the clothes to save space, but it can also be a great step to long-term storage for seasonal pieces.
6. Stick to Small Containers
You may be tempted to use large boxes to fit more clothes in fewer containers, but it’s not always the most efficient option. Smaller boxes or bins are easier to carry, reduce the risk of overpacking, and minimize the chance of items getting lost or damaged.
7. Pack Clothes in Suitcases and Duffel Bags
To help reduce the need for too many moving boxes, pack non-hanging clothes in extra suitcases or duffel bags. This method is best for bulky items like jeans and sweaters, which can be folded and put inside. Alternatively, you can roll clothes to help make more space and keep things as wrinkle-free as possible.
8. Pack Shoes in Something Durable
Shoes can be tricky to pack, especially if you have a large collection or a variety of styles. To keep your footwear in good shape during the move, pack them in something sturdy and protective. Sturdy plastic bins or dedicated shoe boxes are great options, as they protect your shoes from being crushed or damaged during transit. For high-end or delicate shoes, consider wrapping them individually in packing paper or using shoe bags to prevent scuffs and scratches. Additionally, you can stuff the inside of each shoe with socks or packing paper to help them maintain their shape.
Running Out of Space for Moving Boxes? Pack Your Clothes for Short-Term Self-Storage
Moving often means you’ll need to adjust to a change in living space. Sometimes, you may move into a bigger space with tons of storage and plenty of room for hanging and non-hanging clothes. Other times, you may downsize to a space with less closet space, making it difficult to fit everything you own. However, you don’t have to start throwing out your clothes or taking things to the donation center. Instead, separate clothes by season and store your out-of-season outfits safely in a self-storage unit at The Lock Up Self Storage.
We offer temperature-controlled self-storage units protected by security features like perimeter alarms, CCTV, and unique individual access codes. With a range of sizes, our storage units provide you with all the extra space you need. Plus, with every new self-storage unit rental, The Lock Up offers a free moving truck, which can be especially useful during a move. Just make sure to confirm with your desired facility. Each truck features a 12-foot box with blankets and dollies, free of cost. Although the use of a moving truck is subject to reservation and self-storage location, it’s a great way to help offset costs and aid in your move. To find a facility near you, contact The Lock Up today at 1-866-327-LOCK or find a unit online.
