Blazer jackets on rack overlay

How to Pack Suits for Moving

Posted in How-to,Moving Tips & Tricks on June 26, 2024

When it comes to preparing for a move, the first thing that comes to your mind is packing. It’s one of the most stressful parts of the whole process, especially when dealing with delicate and expensive stuff. So, let’s check out how to pack suits for moving ensuring they arrive wrinkle-free and ready to wear.

How to Pack Suits for Moving?

Packing suits for moving requires meticulous attention to detail and the right materials. Start by cleaning and inspecting your set of clothes for any damage. Use sturdy hangers to maintain their shape and place each suit in a high-quality garment bag. If garment bags are not available, a clean sheet or plastic cover can suffice.

Pack the formal wear in a wardrobe box, securing the hangers to prevent shifting. Avoid overpacking to minimize wrinkles and ensure the suits have room to breathe. Seal and label the boxes clearly. Upon arrival, unpack and hang the formal wear immediately, and use a handheld steamer to remove any wrinkles that may have formed during transit.

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Why Use Proper Packing Matters for Your Clothes When Moving Across the Country?

Although business dressing is in drastic decline not only in the US but in the whole world, still 3% of workers come to work dressed in business-like clothes. But remember, not only business people wear formal clothes so everyone should protect their investment during the relocation.

So, if you’re preparing for a move keep in mind your wardrobe and figure out how to protect the clothes. Formal wear is often a significant investment. High-quality clothing can be costly, and improper packing can lead to damage, wrinkles, and deformation. Whether you book a professional packing service or want to DIY, it has to be done correctly. Make sure they look as good in the new home as they did in the old one.

Proper Wrapping Ensures Convenience After the Move

Did you know that studies have shown that how you dress affects not only how people see you but also how you act?

So, if you’re relocating for a job, you need to have the clothes unpacked right away.  But not only that! They have to be in top-notch condition, too.

Customers are 25% more likely to trust a salesperson who is well-dressed

Having the formal wear packed properly makes it easier to unpack and settle into a new home. You won’t have to worry about finding a dry cleaner immediately after the move or dealing with the hassle of ironing and steaming the suits.

 suits on a rack
Business casual is trend setting with 41% of workers wearing it

Inspect the Wardrobe Before the Wrapping Process

Before you begin wrapping and protecting the suits, thoroughly inspect the entire wardrobe. Check for any damage, stains, or needed repairs. This is the perfect time to sort through clothing and decide which items are worth taking to the new home. Address any issues by taking damaged suits to a tailor for mending or a dry cleaner for stain removal.

Get Rid of the Items You Don’t Wear Any More

On the other hand, if there’s an outfit you don’t wear anymore, give it away. Donate the unwanted things to local charities. Give your set of clothes a new life and lighten the overall load. Just keep in mind that the less stuff you have, the easier the wrapping process will be. By letting go of these unused items, you simplify the packing process and ensure that only the favorite and most frequently worn suits make the journey with you.

woman in piles of clothes
Most outfits have been worn just seven times before they are thrown away

Gather the Essential Materials and Protect the Formal Wear

There are many things to consider, but proper preparation is key to ensuring the set of clothes arrives at the new home in pristine condition. Gathering the right materials, such as garment bags, sturdy hangers, and wardrobe boxes, is the first step in safeguarding formal wear when moving cross country.

Before you start preparing suits, gather the necessary materials. Having the right tools will make the process smoother and more efficient. Here’s what you need:

  • Garment bags – They help keep formal wear clean and wrinkle-free. Opt for high-quality, breathable garment bags to prevent mildew and moisture build-up.
  • Sturdy hangers – Using sturdy hangers ensures that the suits maintain their shape. Avoid wire hangers as they can deform the shoulders of the set of clothes. Wooden or padded hangers are ideal choices.
  • Packing tape and labels – Packing tape is essential for securing garment bags, and labels help you identify the suits easily when unpacking. Use high-quality packing tape to ensure everything stays in place.
  • Suitcases and wardrobe boxes – For additional protection, consider packing formal wear in suitcases or wardrobe boxes. Wardrobe boxes are specifically designed for hanging clothes and can accommodate several suits.
woman packing a suitcase in her bedroom
Prepare everything for a seamless packing

Step-by-Step Guide to Boxing Up Suits

Step 1: Clean and Prepare the Suits

Before packing, make sure the formal wear is clean. Take them to the dry cleaner if necessary. To make the suit look better before a big event without having it dry cleaned, make sure to brush it often to get rid of dust. To get rid of spots, use a damp cloth and a little mild soap. Steaming the suit also brings the cloth back to life, gets rid of smells, and kills moth larvae and dust mites. Clean formal wear prevents stains and odors from setting in during the move.

Step 2: Use Proper Hangers

Place each suit on a sturdy hanger. Make sure the pants are properly hung to prevent creasing. Clip the pants to the hanger or use a hanger designed for suits that include a bar for trousers. Avoid using wire hangers, plastic hangers, and thin wooden hangers to hang the formal wear, especially the jacket. These types of hangers won’t keep the suit safe. The best hooks also have a sway bar that is covered in felt.

Step 3: Place Suits in Garment Bags

Carefully place each suit in a garment bag. Ensure the bag is zipped up completely to protect the suit from dust and dirt. If you don’t have garment bags, you can use a clean sheet or plastic cover as an alternative and try to save some money on relocation costs.

Step 4: Pack Suits in a Wardrobe Box

If you are using a wardrobe box, hang the formal wear inside the box. These boxes are designed to keep clothes hanging and wrinkle-free. Secure the hangers to the metal bar in the box to prevent them from shifting during transit.

Step 5: Seal and Label

Once the suits are packed in the wardrobe box or suitcase, seal the box with packing tape. Label the box clearly with “Suits” and any other important information, such as name and new address. This will make it easier to find the needed set of clothes when you start unpacking.

Additional Tips for Safely and Effortlessly Wrapping Your Suits

No matter if you’re preparing the outfits for transportation or planning to keep them in a storage unit, they must be properly packed. So, when organizing the whole process, keep in mind that these precious clothes have to be packed in the best possible way.

To achieve that, when loading the suits into the moving truck, keep the wardrobe boxes upright.

This will help prevent the suits from getting wrinkled or damaged.

When it comes to protective materials, if you are not using garment bags, place tissue paper between the folds of the formal wear.

Cross Country Movers offer secure storage units completely free for 30 days

This helps to reduce friction and prevent wrinkles. And last but certainly not least – be gentle when handling the packed suits. Avoid stacking heavy items on top of wardrobe boxes or suitcases containing sets of clothes.

Avoid Overpacking and Possible Damage During Transportation

If you hire professional cross-country movers, some of the most common mistakes will automatically be avoided. For example, overpacking. People tend to do it, especially when relocating at the last minute. So, when preparing boxes, keep in mind that overpacking wardrobe boxes or suitcases can only damage your belongings. Overpacking can cause wrinkles and make it difficult to close the boxes properly. Allow some space for the suits to breathe.

girl surrounded by boxes
Don't overpack the boxes although it could be tempting

Unpack the Boxes As Soon As You Arrive

One of the things to do after long-distance moving is unpacking the formal wear immediately. Hanging them up as soon as possible helps to minimize wrinkles and maintain their shape. If you use garment bags, simply unzip and hang the suits in a new closet.

Should any wrinkles have developed during the move, use a handheld steamer to smooth them out, or take the set of clothes to a professional cleaner. Avoid ironing directly on the fabric to prevent damage to the delicate materials. Finally, inspect each suit for any signs of damage. Address any issues promptly to prevent further deterioration and ensure the formal wear remains in pristine condition.

Boxes piled up before cross-country moving
Most people need about 180 days to fully unpack their things after moving

Book the Right Long-Distance Moving Company for the Job

Choosing a reliable moving company will make a significant difference in the entire relocation experience. Professional movers have the expertise and equipment to handle belongings with care, ensuring suits and other valuables arrive safely at the future new home.

With professionals, you’ll get to choose top-notch cross-country moving services and make sure all of the aspects of the relocation are covered. This being said, look no further than Cross Country Movers. We have an experienced team that will help you move like a pro. In fact, we’ve been in the moving industry for many years and have assisted countless clients in transporting their belongings across the country.

What Are the Benefits of Having Professional Long-Distance Movers By Your Side

Hiring a professional long-distance relocation company can transform a stressful relocation into a seamless experience. With their expertise and resources, a professional team of movers and packers handle the heavy lifting, intricate packing, and transportation logistics. That way all belongings, including delicate items like suits, are insured and protected throughout the journey. This being said, here are some of the most important benefits of a trustworthy relocation team:

  • Expert handling – Professional movers are trained to handle delicate items like formal wear, ensuring they are packed and transported properly.
  • Time-saving – Hiring movers saves you time and effort, allowing you to focus on other aspects of the move.
  • Peace of mind – With a professional moving company, you can rest assured that your belongings are in good hands.
a mover packing up the box Cross Country Movers brand
With professionals, you'll have a stress-free relocation

Experience a Smooth and Stress-Free Move With Cross Country Movers

Packing suits for a move requires careful planning and attention to detail. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure the formal wear arrives in perfect condition. Remember, the key to a successful move is preparation and choosing the right moving company. For a seamless moving experience, reach out to Cross Country Movers. We are here to help you every step of the way, ensuring the move is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Ready to relocate? Contact Cross Country Movers today for a hassle-free moving experience. Let us take care of the heavy lifting while you focus on settling into the new home. Call us now for a free quote and discover how we can help you move with ease.

Kate Holland

A true grunge and rock music fan born in Seattle, Kate has moved across the country and started writing about her experience.

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