How to Pack Clothes for Moving

Knowing how to pack clothes for moving will save you time during and after your move.

Use the information and tips in this guide to ensure your clothes arrive at your new place organized,

clean and virtually wrinkle-free. Read on for the best ways to pack clothes to save space, tips on how to move a lot

of hanging clothes and what moving supplies you’ll need.

Tools you need :

Packing Tape

Scissors

1 Sort & Clean Clothing

Before you start packing, take a thorough look at your clothes. Decide which items you’re taking with you,

choose clothing to give away and determine what should be stored. Use a critical eye and evaluate each piece.

By decluttering , donating and organizing your clothes properly, you’ll save time packing as well as unpacking.

After sorting your clothes, wash and iron or dry clean everything. It would also be a good idea to make any

small repairs or finally get those alterations done.

Tip: After you wash clothes, make sure they are completely dry before packing. Even slightly damp clothes

can mildew when packed tightly in a box or suitcase.

2. Pack a Moving Bag

Pack essentials you’ll need right before and a few days after your move. Include items such as pajamas, athletic wear, underwear, comfortable clothes, sturdy shoes and a work outfit. Pack extra shirts you don’t mind getting dirty or sweaty.

Place travel-size toiletries, medicines, phone chargers and other must-haves in a plastic bag and put it on top of your clothes.

Always assume that the moving and unpacking will take longer than you expect. This is especially true when thinking

about how to pack clothes for moving across the country.

Tip: Pack a small kitchen trash bag in your suitcase to put dirty clothes in.

3. Fold or Roll Clothes

All the best advice on how to pack clothes for moving starts with folding or rolling your clothing. Done properly, this will save space and cut down on the number of boxes or other containers you'll need to pack and move. You’ll also have a much easier time unpacking at your new home. Folding is an efficient way to pack non-hanging garments. When folding, make sure you have a flat surface such as a bed, table or floor to work on. For example, here’s how to fold a pair of pants.

Starting at the waist, smooth out a pair of pants with your hands. Fold the pants in half with the legs touching. Smooth the pants again. Fold the top of the pants one-third down from the top. Smooth the fabric before, during and

after each fold to mitigate wrinkles. Repeat smoothing the pants and folding them until you have a flat square.

Rolling is probably the best way to pack clothes to save space. Rolling a garment compresses

it into its smallest size and is a good option if you're not concerned about wrinkles. Here’s how to roll a t-shirt.

Smooth the garment first. Fold the garment in half, neck to the bottom. Fold each sleeve inward. Next, gently roll the shirt to the bottom, leaving just enough space to fold the open end of the shirt over the roll.

4 - Moving Clothes Boxes & Other Packing Options

The next step in knowing how to pack clothes for moving is deciding on what containers to pack them in.The best way to move clothes on hangers is a wardrobe box. Designed with a built-in hanging rod, a wardrobe box lets you easily move your hanging clothes directly from the closet right into the box. Unpacking is just as easy. Plus, you can place bulky clothing such as sweaters in the bottom of the box. Small or medium moving boxes work best for folded clothing. Layer your folded clothes neatly into each box and don’t overpack. Line the inside of the box with packing paper or plastic wrap to protect contents

from moisture or dirt. Pack all your suitcases with folded clothes, especially if you’re moving across the country. Suitcases will keep clothes clean, organized and easy to unpack at your new place.

Remove your dresser drawers and place neatly folded clothes into each one. Use packing stretch wrap around

the drawer to keep the clothes from falling out or getting dirty. When you arrive at your new place, remove the

wrap and slide the drawers back in. Garment bags provide an extra level of protection for delicate or finer clothing on hangers. Use them to pack leathers, furs, vintage pieces or clothing made from lace, chiffon or other fragile elements. You can place garment bags in a wardrobe box or transport them in your car. Trash bags may be the least expensive and best way to move clothes on hangers. Simply slip large, drawstring trash bags under and over your hanging clothes while they are still in the closet. Cinch the drawstring around the hangers and tie it securely.

5 - Packing & Storing Clothing

There are two excellent ways to pack clothing for storage when you are moving. You can use clear plastic or solid plastic bins or vacuum bags. Vacuum storage bags allow you to pack and store bulky clothing such as thick sweaters and winter jackets

using much less space. You can also use vacuum-sealed bags to pack and protect specialty clothes such as silks, linen or expensive cashmere pieces. As a bonus, the sealed bag will block moisture, bugs and other things that can damage your clothing. Use plastic storage containers to pack anything you won’t be using soon, such as seasonal items, clothing you don’t wear often or keepsakes.