Packing clothes for moving can seem like a monumental task, and you may be tempted to simply throw everything in any box, bag, or suitcase you have to hand. However, believe us when we tell you that this is not a good idea.
Not only will this haphazard approach take up more space in your moving truck, but it will also result in all your clothes being crumpled and creased when you arrive at your new home.
Fortunately, when it comes to knowing how to pack clothes for moving, there are six simple steps that you can follow which will guarantee your belongings arrive in perfect condition.
Keep reading to discover:
• How to sort your clothes
• How to fold clothes for moving
• How to pack clothes for moving
Ready to get started?
How to sort your clothes ahead of moving day?
Before you even think about packing clothes for moving, it can first be a good idea to sort through your items, especially if you have lots of clothes, many of which you hardly ever wear.
When assessing your closet, make sure that you take a close look at not just your clothing but also your shoes, bags, hats and any other accessories that you might have. At this stage, you need to determine which items are actually worth packing and which ones can be left behind.
Once you have done this, you may want to donate unwanted clothes to your local charity store or, if they are not in great condition, they may be better off placed in the trash. Alternatively, if you could do with some extra cash, you could choose to sell unwanted items, either by having a garage sale or by selling your clothing on local social media selling sites.
If you have some sentimental items of clothing or jewelry, you may want to place them in a secure storage unit or one that is climate-controlled if you are worried about your item deteriorating or being infested with pests. Find out storage unit costs in your area here.
How to pack clothes for moving
Although there is no best way to pack, the below steps will help make the process a lot less stressful, not to mention much faster.
Step One: Get supplies
Now that you are ready to start packing clothes for moving, you need to make sure that you have all the supplies you need, including:
• Cardboard boxes
• Wardrobe boxes – these are ideal for moving hanging clothing
• Suitcases
• Duffel bags
• Packing paper – for any delicate items
• Vacuum bags to save space
• Shoe boxes
• Plastic containers for clothes
Step Two: Sort your clothes
When it comes to sorting your clothes for moving, there are four different categories that you may want to sort by.
These are:
• Material. You may want to sort your clothes by material such as cotton, silk, and cashmere.
• Season. Sorting your clothes into seasonal clothing piles can help to prevent clutter. Plus, it can allow you to store out-of-season items in a storage unit until they are needed.
• Pieces. Choose to pack all your trousers in one box, your shirts in another, etc. This can make the process of unpacking more efficient.
• Family member. You could decide to pack everyone’s clothing separately.
Step Three: Fold non-hanging items
Any clothing that doesn’t need to be transported on a hanger can now be folded and placed in a box, suitcase, or bag. There are several folding methods that you can choose from, including:
• The flat fold. The most popular and traditional method of folding.
• The military roll. The best way to maximize space and prevent wrinkles.
• The KonMari. Check out how to do this here.
Step Four: Place folded items in a box
Offering a cheap and cheerful way to transport your clothes from your old home to your new one, cardboard boxes are ideal for small items and large ones alike. Your best bet is to use small to medium-sized boxes to prevent your clothes from falling out in transit. Always line the bottom of the box with either packing paper or plastic wrap to protect your items from water damage and general wear and tear before carefully adding your folded clothes.
Step Five: Pack hanging clothes
The easiest way to transport your hanging clothes is in wardrobe boxes. If you don’t know what these are, you are in for a treat. Wardrobe boxes are boxes that are specifically designed to hang dresses, skirts, pants, and other hanging clothes when either moving to a new house or placing your clothes into a storage unit.
They are small, measuring about 2 feet wide and 3 feet long, and are easily portable, make the job of your chosen moving company a lot easier. Although they are a bit more expensive than normal storage boxes, they are worth the investment if you have high-quality items that you want to protect.
Step Six: Pack clothes using vacuum bags
If you don’t have a particularly large moving van, vacuum bags are the perfect solution. This are also a great idea if you are looking to place some items into storage. For example, if you are moving to the Dallas area, a self-storage facility can house your belongings for you in the interim, with vacuum bags allowing you to maximize your chosen storage space. These storage facilities aren’t just restricted to Dallas; you can find storage locations across the US.
To use vacuum bags:
• Fold your clothes using your preferred folding method.
• Take your bag and place the larger items of clothing inside.
• Place smaller items on top and press down to create more room.
• Once full, seal it almost all the way shut and then press down hard to remove all air.
• Finish sealing each bag.
Moving & packing tips from professional movers
• Work out how many boxes you need before you start packing clothes for moving using a handy online packing calculator.
• If you use drawstring trash bags, make sure they are tied securely before moving.
• Clean your clothing before packing and moving.
• Do not overstuff your boxes.
• Secure and label each box to make it when unpacking in your new home.
Whether you are moving into a new home and you want a short-term storage solution for your seasonal clothes, or you want to place sentimental items into a climate-controlled storage unit to keep them in mint condition, StorageArea.com can help you find the perfect storage unit for your storage needs in places including Milwaukee and Miami.