How to pack clothes for moving

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How to pack clothes for moving

Packing all of your clothes neatly before a move can take quite some time, and for those that have a lot of clothing, even feel like too much work. But do not worry. With a little preparation and organization, you can have your clothes packed and ready to go in no time.

In this blog post we will cover the benefits of packing clothes before moving, as well as the steps you should take to prepare, pack, and move your clothes.

Why you should pack your clothes properly before moving

While you could theoretically just throw all your clothes into some moving boxes the night before, there are several advantages to staying organized and planning ahead. 

  • Packing your clothes before moving can save you time and stress on moving day.
  • By sorting through your clothes beforehand, you will be able to get rid of items you no longer need, which can save you space and money in the long run.
  • When you pack your clothes properly, you can ensure that they stay wrinkle-free and in good condition during the move.

Preparing to pack your clothes

Before you start packing your clothes, you should first gather the necessary materials. This includes boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and possibly even vacuum-seal bags. You will also find that hangers, garment bags, and wardrobe boxes are great extra items to have when moving your clothes.

The first step in packing your clothes is to sort through them. Go through your closet, dresser drawers, storage bins and so on. Consider saving some old and thin clothes that can be used for lining the moving boxes. By reducing the amount of clothing you bring, you will make the move faster and cheaper, and even less stressful. 

Once you have sorted through your clothes, decide which items you will be keeping and which you will be getting rid of. Items that are worn out, do not fit, or you have not worn in a while can be donated to charity. If you have enough time, you can even try to sell some of it online.

Packing your clothes

Once you have sorted through your clothes and decided what to keep, it is time to start packing. Start by packing your clothes by type. It is a good idea to pack all your shirts together, all your pants together, and so on. This will make it easier to find what you need once you are settled in your new home.

  • Bulky items like sweaters and coats can take up a lot of space in a box. To save space, consider using vacuum-seal bags to compress these items. This will also help protect them from dust and moisture during the move.
  • During this process you might notice holes or wear and tear in some of your clothes. Now is a good time to take care of this, as you are going through everything anyway. 
  • Pack clothes that are not currently in season in separate boxes, this will save space and make it easier to access the clothes you need right away.
  • Fold clothes neatly and tightly to save space, and use packing paper or bubble wrap to fill any empty spaces and keep clothes from moving around during transit.
  • Use smaller boxes specifically for clothes, this will help to keep the size and weight of the boxes manageable and make it easier to stack them.
  • Pack heavy clothes on the bottom of the box to help distribute the weight and prevent damage to the lighter clothes on top
  • Be sure to label each box with the contents and the room it belongs to, this will help you and your movers to easily know where to put the clothes in your new home

Moving clothes in an appropriate manner

There are many different types of containers and utility items out there, designed to help keep your clothes organized and healthy when moving to a new home. 

Moving boxes are a tried and true staple of the moving industry, and can be used for just about any type of clothing you have. Consider adding a tea bag to each box, to help ensure a good climate and smell. 

Moving boxes are also great for stacking, just keep sure not to fill them up with too many clothing items that are heavy, as the bottom can fall out if you are not careful. 

Wardrobe boxes are tall, narrow boxes that are specifically designed to move clothes on hangers. These boxes can be a great option for moving suits, dresses, and other items that you do not want to fold.

If you are driving to your new home, consider hanging clothes in your car. This can help prevent wrinkles and save space in your boxes. Be sure to use a garment bag to protect your clothes from dust and moisture during the trip.

Delicate items like formalwear and silk garments should be protected during the move to ensure they do not get damaged. Use garment bags to cover these items and keep them safe during transport.

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