Best Tips on How to Pack Clothes for Moving

The First Step Is Finding Right Boxes

Without the right packing supplies, it’s impossible to have a stress-free moving experience. To avoid that, dedicate some time to finding the right boxes that will fit all of your clothing, no matter how bulky they are. Items like winter coats and puffy jackets might not be heavy, but they take up a lot of space. In other words, you will need bigger containers for them, while packing shoes and shirts will require smaller ones.

Use Free Supplies

When relocating long-distance, you will probably create a moving budget and try to stick to it. If you want to save a few bucks, try obtaining some free supplies. You can find things like boxes, plastic bags, and bubble wrap online or ask friends if they have some they can spare. Also, check out local shops and see if they have some boxes they don’t mind giving you.

Sort Through Your Clothing

Staying organized is the key to a successful relocation. Before you start packing things for transport, sort through them. Make a pile of summer and winter or everyday and fancy clothes. This way, you will know how many boxes you need and if you have clothing you no longer need. Over the years, people tend to accumulate stuff they don’t really use. Make a pile of things you will throw away. If some are in good condition, you can even sell or donate them.

Donate Things Before Packing

An essential part of decluttering is throwing away clothing or donating them. When you’ve sorted everything and figured out what you are getting rid of, check if the items are in good condition. If they are, you can always donate them to Red Cross, or maybe Goodwill, or any other place that accepts wardrobe donations. This way, you’ll shorten the household inventory list and save a few bucks on cross-country moving services.

Keep Similar Things Together

Relocation doesn’t end with learning how to pack a moving truck. There are also things to do after moving, such as unpacking in the new home. Save yourself the trouble of rummaging around boxes looking for socks or shirts that go with fancy pants by keeping a similar wardrobe together. This way, you will be able to find just the right things without overstressing, and it will make setting up your new closet that much easier.

Use Vacuum or Compression Bags for Packing

Using a vacuum or compression bag is a great packing tip for those who like to maximize their space and fit as many boxes and bags in the moving truck as possible. They are multifunctional – they save space and protect your belongings from moisture and dirt. They are also reusable. When putting your wardrobe into bags, consider rolling them first. That way, you will have more space. Some of the pro tips would be: put big pieces of clothing first and then put smaller ones. If you are not worried about the space, you can work with garbage bags – they will protect your clothes as well.

How to Pack Clothes for Moving Using a Garbage Bag

Plastic trash bags are one of the more popular materials people use for packing, and many even consider them moving essentials. Firstly, they are cheap and you might already have them in your home. Secondly, they are big and can fit a lot of stuff. Lastly, they protect your belongings from outside effects, such as dirt and moisture. Roll your items and put them in bags. Don’t overfill them, because if you do, too many clothes might tear them apart.

Pick the Right Folding Method

When you want to box up things that are not on hangers or that are not going to stay in dressers and closets, you need to pick the right folding method. Depending on whether you’re only transporting your stuff or planning to use a storage unit, there are few ways to approach folding.

1. The Flat Fold

If you want to keep things simple, use the flat fold approach. This is by far the most common way to fold your belongings when moving. Additionally, this method is something you use in everyday life when sorting through your closet and handling clean laundry. When you want to fold a blouse, you just lay it flat, fold one side and sleeves towards the middle of the blouse, smooth out wrinkles and repeat the process on the other side. When both sides have been folded in, all you have to do is fold the bottom half up.

2. The Military Rolling Method

The military rolling method has so many benefits that make it the most popular way to fold things when moving or traveling. This approach not only maximizes your space but also prevents wrinkling during transport, making it one of the best moving hacks. To roll items the right way, put them on a hard surface and flip the bottom inside out. Start rolling up until you get to the middle of the shirt. Try to do it as tightly as possible. Next, start rolling from the top. When two sides meet in the middle, unfold the pouch on the bottom that you created by flipping the shirt inside out and put it over the item. This way, your clothes won’t unroll while moving.

3. The KonMari Method

Famous organizing consultant Marie Kondo has her own method of folding that can be especially when trying to utilize space. Her technique is based on more folds, stacked neatly in a bag, drawer, or box, that will prevent wrinkling. Kondo has a different way of folding socks, underwire, shirts, and jeans.

How to Pack Clothes for Moving When They Are in a Dresser

Are you in a hurry, trying to move efficiently, and have a big dresser that is not too heavy to lift? Don’t worry, you can leave your belongings inside. If you plan to get professional moving services, let the movers know that there are still items in there. You should take the heavier items out, and leave the lighter ones in.

On the other hand, if your dresser is too heavy, you can always move the drawers with clothing separately, just don’t forget to cover them with plastic wrap. This will prevent your things from flying around the moving truck.

Pack Things Without Taking Them off the Hangers

There is a good chance that you have many clothes on hangers that you wish to pack. Things like dresses, pants, suits, and collared shirts are what people usually put on hangers. There are a few ways you can protect your belongings and safely move them to the new home without taking them off off hangers:

• Use a clothing rack – it is easy to find and even easier to assemble, and it usually comes with wheels, making transportation to the truck effortless.
• Use wardrobe boxes to put your items in – they are designed for transportation and protection of wardrobe items.
• Use simple garment bags – they are cheap, and if you are thrifty enough, you can find them for free.