Packing up for a move is no joke. You’re busy taking apart furniture, figuring out what to do with the big stuff, and wrapping fragile items like it’s a full-time job. But amid all that chaos, your clothes often get the short end of the stick—they are shoved into bags at the last minute, leaving you with a wrinkled mess when you unpack.
Packing clothes for a move can be a real headache, especially if you have fancy duds or delicate fabrics. But fear not! Whether you’re considering splurging on professional packing help or tackling it yourself, this guide about how to pack clothes when moving has your back.

Prepping for the Pack

Before diving into the strategic folding and creative box-filling techniques, let’s prepare on how to pack clothes for moving! We’ll cover decluttering your wardrobe to ensure you’re only moving what you genuinely need and gathering all the necessary packing supplies to keep your clothes safe and organised during their journey to your new home.

Simplify and Scale Down

Getting your wardrobe in order is key before a move. Start by decluttering to lighten your load and make packing a breeze in your new digs.
When you’re sorting through your clothes, be ruthless. Donate or sell anything, like a garage sale, that you haven’t worn in the last year, or that doesn’t fit anymore. This is also a great chance to tidy up your closet and create a more streamlined wardrobe for your new space.

Pass It On or Sell It

Once you’ve identified the items you’re ready to part with, decide whether to sell or donate them. Selling online through platforms can earn you some extra cash before you move. Or, if you prefer, you can donate to charity organisations like Goodwill or the Salvation Army to help those in need and reduce waste.

Freshen Up

Before you pack, wash everything thoroughly. Follow the care instructions on your clothes, and iron or steam any wrinkles.
This pre-packing laundry session ensures your clothes are clean and dry, which helps prevent any musty odours or mould during transit. Plus, it saves you from having to do laundry when you arrive at your new place.

Group by Category

Organise your clothes into groups based on type to make packing a breeze. Packing similar items together streamlines the process and makes it easier to take inventory and unpack later.

Taking Stock

Keep track of what you’ve got by taking inventory. A detailed list will ensure nothing gets lost in the shuffle during packing or transportation. It’s also handy for checking if anything goes missing or gets damaged in transit, making it easier to file a claim if needed.

Gather Supplies

Stock up on packing essentials like things you need when moving out e.g. boxes, paper, bubble wrap, tape, and garment bags. You can find these at moving companies or local stores. If you’re hiring movers, double-check if they provide packing materials as part of their service.

With these steps, you’ll be ready to tackle your wardrobe confidently and efficiently when moving.

How to Move Hanging Clothes

Now that you’ve determined which items you’ll bring, it’s time to consider the logistics of moving your wardrobe. Fortunately, there are various methods on the best way to pack clothes when moving available depending on the types of clothes you have and how you prefer to transport them:

• Wardrobe boxes: Perfect for when you want to know how to move clothes on hangers, making the unpacking process quick and straightforward.
• Vacuum bags: An efficient way to compress clothing, particularly bulky items like jackets and winter coats.
• Suitcases and duffel bags: A convenient alternative to cardboard boxes for packing folded clothes and shoes.
• Cardboard boxes: Ideal for neatly packing folded clothing items.

How to Pack Clothes when Moving: Packing Non-Hanging Clothes

Unlike how to move hanging clothes, tackling your non-hanging clothes can be a chore when prepping for a move. You’ve got to fold everything up and stash it in suitcases or boxes—not the most exciting part of the process!

Here’s a handy tip: instead of emptying your dresser, try leaving your neatly folded clothes in there and just tape the drawers shut. It’ll save cash on extra boxes and make moving day easier.

How you fold or roll those clothes can make a difference. It’s the difference between the worst and the best way to pack clothes for moving. It’ll save space, reduce the necessary boxes, and make unpacking a breeze in your new place.

Best Way to Pack Clothes for Moving: Folding Techniques

The best way to pack clothes includes packing up your non-hanging clothes. Folding just right can make a big difference in how much you can fit into your boxes or suitcases. You’ve got options when it comes to folding techniques:

• KonMari method: You might have heard of this one from Marie Kondo. It involves folding one side of the shirt towards the centre and doing the same with the other side. Fold the shirt in half lengthwise, leaving a little space at the edge. Finally, fold it in half or thirds and stand it upright when you put it in your box or suitcase to save space.
• The flat fold: This is your classic folding method. Lay your shirt flat with the front down, fold the sleeves towards the middle, then fold in the sides and bring the bottom half up. Smooth out any wrinkles as you go. For pants, fold one leg over the other, then fold in thirds and smooth out any creases.
• Military rolling method: If you’re feeling a bit tactical, try military rolling. Lay your shirt flat, fold the bottom, and flip it inside out. Fold the sleeves, fold the shirt in half, and roll from top to bottom. Fold the bottom part over the rolled-up shirt. Or, if that sounds too complicated, just roll your clothes up as tightly as you can and pop them in a box or bag.

With these folding tricks, you’ll be a packing pro quickly!

Best Way to Pack Clothes When Moving: Space-Saving Techniques:

When it comes to how to pack clothes when moving, maximising space is key. Here are some techniques to help you pack more in less room:

• Rolling Clothes: Rolling is a fantastic way to save space and minimise wrinkles for softer items like t-shirts, pyjamas, and knitwear. Simply lay the garment flat, fold it in half lengthwise, and then start rolling tightly from the bottom towards the shoulders. Tuck the rolled end under the shirt to secure it.
• Packing Cubes: Packing cubes are lifesavers for organisation and space-saving. These fabric cubes come in various sizes and help compartmentalise your belongings within your suitcase or box. Pack rolled clothes, delicates, or similar items in each cube to keep things neat and prevent wrinkles. Packing cubes also allow you to utilise all the nooks and crannies in your suitcase for maximum efficiency.
• Filling Boxes Strategically: Remember the game Jenga? Packing boxes are similar! To prevent crushed clothes and ensure a stable stack, follow this weight distribution rule:
  • Bottom Layer: Pack your heaviest items first. Shoes, boots, and denim jeans create a sturdy base for the rest of your clothes.
  • Middle Layer: Fill the middle section with medium-weight items like folded sweaters, pants, and rolled dress shirts. Utilise space-saving techniques like rolling whenever possible.
  • Top Layer: Place your lightest items on top. This could include delicates packed with tissue paper, pyjamas, or rolled socks. This prevents heavier items from crushing your delicate pieces.

Combining these space-saving techniques can efficiently pack your clothes for your move without sacrificing organisation or protection.

Best Way to Pack Clothes When Moving: Footwear and Shoes

You might be tempted just to toss all your shoes into a duffel bag and call it a day for the move. But trust me, that’s a recipe for squished, scuffed-up kicks by the time you unpack.

Instead, take a few minutes to pack them up right—it’ll save you many headaches later on. Stuff each shoe with some packing paper or even socks to help them keep their shape. Then, wrap them up individually with more packing paper to protect them from scuffs and bumps.

Depending on your number of pairs, a small or medium-sized box should do the trick. If you’ve got hardshell suitcases lying around, toss your shoes in there. Not only does it save you from buying extra moving supplies, but the sturdy case also gives your shoes extra protection during the journey.

More Tips on How to Pack Clothes when Moving

When it comes to getting your clothes ready for the big move, keeping things organised is vital to keeping your sanity intact. Here are some essential but super important tips to keep in mind when packing clothes for moving:

• Remember the golden rule: heavy stuff goes at the bottom, and lighter things are on top. Nobody wants crushed clothes!
• Give your clothes a quick wash before packing them up. It’ll keep things smelling fresh and make unpacking less hassle.
• Don’t overfill those boxes. It might be tempting, but overstuffed boxes are just asking for trouble—think tears and damage galore.
• Do you have some super valuable or sentimental pieces? Keep those babies close and tote them along with you in your car.
• Hang onto those hangers! If you can, leave your clothes on them to minimise wrinkles and make unpacking a breeze.
• Use your dresser drawers. They’re perfect for storing folded clothes—just stack them up and save space in those boxes.
• Line your suitcases and boxes with some packing paper. It’s to give your clothes a little extra TLC and keep them safe from dust and dirt.
• Consider using plastic storage bins for clothes you won’t need right away. They’re sturdy and stackable—what more could you ask for?
• Don’t forget to pack a moving bag with all your essentials for those first few days in your new digs. Trust us, you’ll thank yourself later!

Considerations for Packing Special Garments

How to pack clothes when moving involves more than just throwing your clothes into boxes. When it comes to packing special garments—delicate fabrics, formal wear, or cherished vintage pieces—there are some extra considerations to remember. Let’s dive into the key factors you must consider when packing these particular items to ensure they arrive at your new home safely and sound.

Packing Delicates and Bulky Items

Not all clothes are created equal! Here’s how to handle those exceptional cases that require a bit more TLC:

• Delicate Delights: Delicate items like lingerie, sweaters, and scarves need extra care to avoid snags or tears.
  • Tissue Paper Magic: Tissue paper is your best friend to have the best way to pack clothes for moving. Wrap each delicate item individually with several sheets of acid-free tissue paper. This provides a soft cushion and prevents snags from zippers or buttons on other clothes.
  • Box with Care: Pack delicates in a separate box to avoid getting crushed by heavier items. Fill empty spaces with additional tissue paper to ensure they don’t move around during transport.
• Bulky Business: Bulky items like winter coats, pillows, and comforters can be space hogs. Here’s how to handle them:
  • Separate Boxes: Don’t try to cram bulky items into already packed boxes. Dedicate separate boxes for these space-eaters.
  • Fill Strategically: Even with bulky items, space efficiency is key. Stuff pillows and comforters into empty spaces in other boxes (like around shoes) before packing them in their dedicated containers.

Following these tips will ensure your delicate and bulky items arrive at your new home safe and sound without sacrificing precious packing space when packing clothes for moving.

Packing Fancy Garments and Designer Pieces

Luxury garments deserve special attention during your move. Here are some extra steps to take to ensure their safe arrival to have the best way to pack clothes:

• Garment Bags are Your Best Friend: Invest in quality garment bags made from breathable fabric. These protect your clothes from dust, wrinkles, and snags during transport. Hang your fancy garments in the bags before packing them in the box.
• Button Up and Buckle Down: Before placing your garments in the bag, fasten all buttons, zippers, and hooks. This will prevent them from snagging on other clothes or the inside of the bag.
• Tissue Paper Padding: The best way to pack clothes when moving for extra protection against wrinkles, gently stuff the sleeves and shoulders of delicate pieces with acid-free tissue paper. This provides added structure and prevents creases.
• Box Selection Matters: Choose sturdy cardboard boxes specifically designed for hanging clothes. These boxes will provide the necessary support to prevent your garments from getting crushed or misshapen during transport.
• Separate is the Game’s Name: Pack fancy garments and designer pieces in separate boxes to avoid damage from heavier items. This also allows for easier unpacking upon arrival.

Bonus Tip: Consider including a sachet of lavender or cedar chips in the box with your fancy garments. These natural repellents can help deter moths and other insects that might be attracted to your luxurious fabrics and help you with packing clothes for moving.

A Smooth Move with The Smooth Movers

Achieving the best way to pack clothes can be a chaotic whirlwind. Packing boxes, lifting furniture, navigating logistics – it’s enough to make anyone’s head spin. But what if your move could be…well, smooth?

At The Smooth Movers, we take the stress out of relocation. We’re a team of experienced professionals dedicated to making your move efficient, seamless, and worry-free.

Contact us today for a free quote! We’ll discuss your needs, answer your questions, and provide a personalised plan for a stress-free relocation.

Let The Smooth Movers make your next move the smoothest one yet!