Packing up your wardrobe isn’t just about tossing everything into cardboard boxes. Clothing is valuable, personal, and sometimes delicate. If you want your clothes to arrive at your new house looking and smelling fresh, you’ll benefit from a thoughtful approach. Whether you’re figuring out how to move clothes locally or preparing for a long-distance move, this guide has you covered.
How to Sort Clothes for Moving
The packing process always starts before you even get out any packing supplies. Thoughtful preparation helps you unpack without hassle and reduces creases as you settle into your new closet.
Sort clothes into a “donate” pile, a “keep” pile, and a discard pile. This helps streamline your packing and makes it easier to organize your wardrobe in your new home.
Step 1: Declutter and Sort
Sort clothes into donate piles, keep piles, and items to discard. Focus on removing out-of-season clothing, worn-out items, or clothes you no longer wear. It’s also a good time to create a master inventory of valuable items or track what you own.
Remember: Packing fewer clothes means more space for necessities!
Step 2: Wash and Prepare
Launder and thoroughly dry your wardrobe before packing, as dirty clothes can cause musty odors and even mildew during long-haul or cross-country moves. For delicate items, like silk blouses or other fine garments, it’s a good idea to have them dry-cleaned before your move. This helps ensure they’re clean and better protected during transportation.
Packing Supplies: What You’ll Need
Secure the right packing supplies before you start. Here’s a list for packing clothing efficiently:
- A cardboard box is practical and affordable for packing clothes and household items. Cardboard boxes, plastic boxes, or plastic bins (for folded clothes and non-hanging clothes)
- A wardrobe box serves as a portable closet with a built-in hanging bar, making it easy to transport hanging clothes. Wardrobe boxes (to transport hanging clothes and reduce “rough handling”)
- A garment bag protects and organizes hanging clothes, especially delicate or formal wear. Garment bags and tissue paper (for delicate garments and valuable items)
- Vacuum-sealed bags are ideal for compressing bulky clothing and bedding, making them easier to store and transport.
- Vacuum storage bags or compression bags (for bulky items, winter items, or to save space)
- A duffel bag is versatile and ideal for carrying essentials or immediate necessities. Duffel bags, suitcases, or even dresser drawers (with clothes inside for short moves)
- Heavy-duty trash bags or garbage bags (for fast ways to pack hanging clothes)
- Packing paper and plastic wrap (for basic protection and extra layers)
- Rubber bands and zip ties (to group hanger hooks)
- Dryer sheets, cedar chips, or lavender sachets (to keep clothes smelling fresh)
- Labels and markers (for easy master inventory)
- Original boxes (useful for packing shoes and valuable jewelry)
How to Pack Clothes for Moving: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Folding, Rolling, or Bundling
For packing clothes efficiently, use traditional folding for t-shirts and lighter items, stacking them neatly in boxes or bins. The army roll technique is also a great way to save space while helping keep clothes wrinkle-free. For best results, pack similar items together, such as folded items with other folded items, to stay organized and protect your wardrobe during the move.
Step 2: Using Specialty Bags
Vacuum bags, also known as vacuum storage bags or compression bags, are highly effective for bulky items like sweaters, jackets, and comforters, significantly reducing the space required in your moving boxes. For fragile items, using an extra layer of packing paper or tissue can help provide more protection during the move.
Step 3: Packing in Containers
Place folded clothes in plastic bins, cardboard boxes, or duffel bags to keep them organized and protected during the move. To maintain fresh scents, line the boxes with dryer sheets or cedar chips. Be sure to label each box clearly with a description and its destination in your new house (e.g., “Kids’ Fall – Bedroom 2”) for easy unpacking.
Step 4: Clothes Inside Other Items
You can leave clothes inside dresser drawers during a move by securing the drawers shut with plastic wrap to keep everything in place. This approach saves both time and energy because there’s no need to take out and individually pack your clothes. For valuable jewelry and accessories, using original boxes provides extra protection and helps keep these items organized and safe throughout the move.
How to Move Hanging Clothes
Packing hanging clothes can be done in several ways. Different methods work for moving hanging clothes depending on your budget and distance.
1. Wardrobe Boxes
Wardrobe boxes are sturdy containers that come equipped with a hanging bar, allowing you to move your clothes directly from your closet by transferring the hanger hooks onto the box’s rail. This method is especially great for long-distance or cross-country moves, as it keeps your hanging clothes straight and wrinkle-free throughout the journey.
2. Garment Bags
Garment bags are perfect for delicate garments, such as silk blouses and suits, or any items that require extra protection during a move. Layering tissue paper between items helps prevent snags and adds an extra layer of defense for valuable clothing against rough handling. This method helps your special pieces arrive safely and wrinkle-free at your new home.
3. Garbage Bags/Heavy Duty Trash Bags
For a quick and affordable option, consider bundling hanging clothing together with a rubber band at the top. Then, slide a garbage bag or heavy-duty trash bag up from the bottom, thread the hangers through a hole in the bag’s bottom, and tie the handles securely around the hanger hooks. This method is convenient for keeping clothes ready to hang up quickly in your new closet.
4. Transport Hanging Clothes in Your Vehicle
For short moves, group hanging clothes in garment or trash bags and lay them gently across the back seat of your vehicle to keep them protected and wrinkle-free. For long-distance moves, use wardrobe boxes or garment bags, especially for delicate and formal items, so they arrive in excellent condition.
Ready for a Hassle-Free Move? Call Moving Team Six Today!
Packing clothing can be a breeze and save space when you use the right techniques and supplies. Whether you pack non-hanging clothes in plastic bins or move delicate dresses in garment bags, planning will keep your clothes smelling fresh and ready to wear. Don’t forget to label boxes and protect valuable items, and consider using a master inventory for long-distance moves.
At Moving Team Six, we understand that packing your wardrobe is just the first step in a successful move. We take every precaution to deliver your belongings, especially your clothes, clean, organized, and wrinkle-free, to your new home. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, trust Moving Team Six to provide expert packing solutions tailored to your unique needs.
Contact us now and experience the difference of working with true moving professionals who care about your peace of mind and the safety of your cherished belongings!