Figuring out how to pack clothes for moving will make the entire packing process much better, more efficient, and take less time than it should.
For those that are moving across the country or even just around town, you’ll have to pack everything you own in boxes and load them onto either your own vehicle or a moving truck. It might seem daunting to figure out how to pack clothes so that they’re protected during transport, but it’s not as hard as you think.
Learning the most effective way to pack your clothes for moving will take some stress off and cause the entire process to go by much easier. Something as simple as figuring out how to pack folded clothes for moving can eliminate stress throughout the process.
Follow these couple of tips on how to pack clothes so that all of your products and belongings arrive at your new home in perfect condition and ready to hang in your closet!
Making The Decision To Move
Most people have a love-hate relationship with their house. They love the memories they’ve made there and hate the thought of leaving them behind. But, when the time comes to move, you have to make a decision: take your clothes with you or leave them behind?
You may think it’s easier to just store all your clothes in the closet or under the bed, but after reading this blog post, you’ll know that packing clothes for moving is much easier than it seems!
When you’re getting ready to move, you’ll want to do an initial thorough inspection of each room in your home. Pack up anything that belongs elsewhere (kitchen items go in kitchen boxes). Take any sentimental items (photo albums) and put them in either one box or plastic bag per family member. Place these boxes at the front door so they’re easy to grab on your way out.
As you begin packing clothes, think about your lifestyle.
- Are you a business professional that likes to dress up every day?
- Do you have kids who require multiple changes of clothing per day?
If so, consider storing some clothes in storage or renting space at a self-storage facility. This way, you’ll be able to quickly grab what you need each morning and night without having half your wardrobe in boxes.
You can also choose not only which types of items (boots vs t-shirts) but also which exact items (black dress shoes vs brown dress shoes). The more specific information you have on hand, the more efficient and accurate your movers will be with their packing services.
What You Should Pack First
There are a few things you should always pack first when you’re getting ready to move. Your essentials, like toiletries and changes of clothes, should go into a small bag that you can keep with you during the move.
You’ll also want to make sure you have a first-aid kit and any medications you need packed and ready to go.
Beyond that, here are a few other items you should put at the top of your packing list:
- Your most valuable possessions. This includes things like jewelry, important documents, and family heirlooms.
- Anything you’ll need right away at your new place. These might be things like sheets and towels, or kitchen items if you’re planning on cooking your first night there.
- Your clothing. As you’re packing, make sure that you have at least one outfit for each day of your first week in your new home. This will come in handy if your movers are delayed or if there’s an issue with moving into your new place.
How To Pack Clothes For Moving
Packing your clothes can sometimes seem like a frustrating task to go through, but with a little planning and the proper supplies, it can be a breeze.
Here are some useful tips on how to effectively pack your clothes for moving:
- Sort your clothes by type and season. This will make it much easier to pack and later unpack.
- Pack out-of-season clothes first. These can be stored in plastic bins or suitcases that can be placed in the back of a closet or attic.
- Pack heavier items, such as jeans and sweaters, next. These can be packed in medium-sized boxes.
- Pack lighter items, such as shirts and skirts, last. These can be packed in small boxes or even garment bags.
- Throw any delicate items into individual bags and place them in a larger box with plenty of packing paper or bubble wrap around them. When you get to your new home, these bags can be unpacked last and placed back into your closet.
- Collect your linens, and use either wardrobe boxes or dresser drawers. Because they can’t be hung up, you’ll need to fold and roll clothing and place them into bags before packing them away. As always, throw in some protective wrapping around more delicate items.
- Sort through any items that are only seasonal and should not be packed. This could include your swimsuit, sweaters, boots, or coats. If they need cleaning before you wear them again, place them in a storage facility or closet in your new home where they can be cleaned and stored until next season.
If these items are too large to store away, give them away or sell them at a garage sale and donate what you don’t use immediately.
What Not To Pack
Moving is a great time to purge your closet of clothes you no longer wear. But before you start packing up your belongings, there are a few things you should know about what not to pack.
- Don’t rush to pack anything you haven’t worn in the last year. If you haven’t worn it, chances are you won’t miss it. Consider storing it in a separate bag from your regular clothing.
- If you’re been holding onto sentimental items that are taking up a tremendous amount of space, then consider not packing anything that’s too sentimental. You can always take pictures of items that hold sentimental value, but be prepared to say goodbye to them if they don’t fit in your new home or lifestyle.
- Don’t pack anything that’s too valuable. If an item is irreplaceable or expensive, consider taking it with you during transport instead of packing it up and risking losing it.
- Don’t pack anything you’re not sure you’ll use in your new home. If it doesn’t fit or makes more sense in your old home, leave it behind or find a creative way to use it elsewhere.
For example, if you have an indoor bike that won’t be used outdoors where you’re moving, leave it behind and take out your bicycle trainer. Then once you arrive at your new home, set up your bike indoors and ride whenever you want without any extra work!
Packing Jewelry And Accessories
Before you start packing your jewelry and accessories, it’s important to take an inventory. This will help you determine what you need to pack and how best to protect your items. Once you have a list of what needs to be packed, sort your jewelry by type.
For example, put all your necklaces in one pile, all your rings in another, and so on. This will make packing easier and faster. Next, organize the piles into categories: formal wear, casual wear, evening wear (for ladies), sportswear (for men), shoes, belts, ties, and pocket squares.
Pack these piles into appropriate containers – dresser drawers work well. Place fragile pieces like chains or pearl earrings inside ziplock bags to avoid tangling them with other pieces. Sort smaller items such as cufflinks, tie pins, etc., into small sandwich-sized Ziploc bags.
Use markers to label each bag with the name of its contents (e.g., Earrings, Socks, Gloves). You can also place smaller bags within larger ones that are labeled as appropriate
Toiletries And Beauty Products
Packing your toiletries and beauty products is important to keep in mind, especially if you’re planning on staying in the new place on the first night after packing. These are items you use every day and will need right away at your new home. Pack them in a small box or bag that will be easy to carry.
Don’t forget items like shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, and deodorant. You’ll also want to include makeup, hair products, and any other items you use daily. If you have time, make a list of all the toiletries and beauty products you’ll need so you don’t forget anything.
Additional Tips For How To Pack Clothes For Moving
Whether you’re moving your family across the country or simply relocating to another part of town, you’ll need to figure out how much stuff to bring. And packing clothes can be a challenge.
If you’re moving yourself, you’ll want to pack efficiently and make efficient use of space. But if you’re working with a moving company, you’ll want to make sure that your items are packed in a way that will protect them during transit.
Here are some tips on packing clothes before moving:
- Don’t overpack. You don’t need all of your things at your new home right away — especially if they aren’t going into storage. Pack only what you’ll need immediately after moving, and save the rest for later or return it to storage once it’s not needed anymore.
- Label everything clearly with masking tape or stickers so that movers can easily identify what goes where in the truck.
- Use sturdy boxes and mark them clearly with “This Side Up” arrows so that movers know how to stack them on top of one another safely.
- Start packing your clothes in the order that you wear them. This way, you will not have to go back and unpack everything at the last minute.
- Roll your clothes instead of folding them so they will take up less space in boxes and bags.
- Again, take pictures of each item before packing it away so that you don’t forget what you have packed away (or lost).
Final Thoughts
Learning how to pack clothes for moving, along with other products, can make a frustrating and stressful process go by much smoother than it normally would. If you’re packing your clothes for your next move, consider keeping these tips in mind.