How To Pack Clothes for Moving: 12 Hacks You Have To Try
Moving to a new home can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience. Amidst the chaos of relocation, one task that often causes stress and frustration is packing clothes for moving. Whether you're a minimalist with a capsule wardrobe or a fashionista with an extensive collection, ensuring your clothes arrive at your new home wrinkle-free and well-organized is a challenge.
In this guide, we'll explore tried and tested strategies for how to pack clothes for moving, protecting them during transit, and minimizing the hassle of unpacking and settling into your new space
Things to Do Before Packing
Knowing hacks for packing clothes for moving can make the process smooth and efficient. So what are the things to do before packing? Let's start decoding the best way to pack clothes for moving here -
1. Purge Your Closet
The first step in how to pack clothes for moving is purging your closet. It makes packing clothes a lot easier and helps you go through the process of moving to a new home. When you come across your belongings in your closet, start decluttering the unnecessary items ruthlessly. If you haven't worn anything in the past year, consider selling or donating it. It's time to create a capsule wardrobe for your new home and store only the clothes you need for the current season. The rest of it can be stored in a storage facility. Learn more about helpful tips on how to store winter clothes if you're preparing for a change in season and want to safely put your winter clothing in storage.
2. Sell or Donate Unwanted Items
Once you've made a list of the items you want to get rid of, decide whether to sell or donate them. One of the best ways to move clothes is to sell them online. This way, you can also earn some extra money before the move. Alternatively, donating clothes to charity organizations or a local shelter is a great way to help someone in need while adopting a sustainable approach to moving. This method also reduces the amount of waste going to landfills.
3. Launder Everything
Before starting with the packing of clothes, launder every clothing item. This means washing and drying clothes as per care instructions to remove wrinkles. Ironing clothes before packing clothes for a move ensures that you don't have to worry about mold or mildew during transit. Did I mention that laundering beforehand makes unpacking at your new home so much easier? It allows you to avoid having to wash your clothes again before putting them away.
How to Pack Hanging Clothes?
Packing hanging clothes can seem like a daunting task, but with the right approach, it's surprisingly simple and hassle-free. When preparing to move, preserving the condition of your hanging clothes is essential, and there are practical methods to make the process seamless. Here are the instructions for the best way to pack clothes for moving.
4. Declutter Your Closet
The first and foremost advice for any kind of moving is to declutter your items. Go through each clothing item in your closet and make three separate piles: "Keep", "Donate", and "Discard." Donate the items that are still in good condition but not worn often. Discard those that are damaged, or send them for recycling. Decluttering helps streamline the process, and you can optimize your wardrobe for your new home. Explore the best way to move clothes by optimizing your closet.
5. Choose Your Boxes
When considering how to pack clothes for moving, choosing the right kind of boxes is crucial. The boxes should be tall enough to accommodate your items and sturdy enough to withstand the weight of your clothes-especially if you're packing heavier items like jackets or jeans. Wardrobe boxes are an excellent choice for hanging clothes as they keep them wrinkle-free and organized.
If you prefer an alternative, renting plastic moving bins is another practical option. These bins are durable, reusable, and perfect for stacking, making them ideal for keeping folded clothes protected from moisture or damage. You can read more on how to pack clothes for moving in bins for additional tips.
6. Pack the Boxes
Packing the wardrobe boxes is a simple task. Simply hang your clothes on the metal bar, making sure they are evenly distributed. For like-items (such as full-sleeved t-shirts), keep them together in the same box. Be sure not to overfill the boxes, as doing so could make them too heavy to move efficiently.
How to Pack Non-Hanging Clothes
Here are a few options to consider when it comes to how to pack clothes for moving -
7. Fold or Roll Clothes
One of the best ways to pack clothes for a move is to fold or roll your clothes. To do this, fold the garment in half of its length, then fold it again or in thirds according to its size. This method is great for sweaters, dresses, t-shirts, and other delicate items. Packing clothes for moving in this manner keeps them neat and prevents wrinkles.
8. Pack in Boxes
This is the next hack for packing clothes that are non-hanging. After neatly folding the clothes, line the bottom of the box for added protection. Place the heavier clothing items at the bottom and lighter ones at the top. Fill any gaps with packing paper to prevent shifting during transit. Seal the box with tape and label it with the contents and the room it belongs to. If you're storing these items for an extended period, consider using climate-controlled storage to protect your clothes from extreme temperatures and humidity. This method is a best way to pack clothes for moving, ensuring everything stays in place.
9. Consider Vacuum-Sealed Bags
A great way to save space is by using vacuum-sealed bags. How to pack clothing for moving in vacuum-sealed bags involves folding the clothes, stacking them, and following the instructions to remove the air from the bag. This compression technique allows you to pack more clothing items in less space, optimizing your moving process.
How to Pack Shoes for Moving?
Let's talk about the safest ways to pack shoes while moving -
10. Clean the Shoes
Before you pack your shoes, give them a good cleaning. This is one of the first steps in shoe storage hacks. Cleaning removes any dirt, loose materials, or debris that might transfer to your other belongings during the move. This step will also ensure your shoes are fresh and well-protected when you wear them in your new home.
11. Use Original Shoe Boxes
If you have the original shoe boxes, now is the time to use them. Place each pair in its respective box, then stack them in a larger moving box. This method is perfect for offering the best protection for your shoes during the move. Packing shoes for moving in their original boxes keeps them safe and organized.
12. Pack Without Boxes
Don't have the original shoe boxes? No problem! Use other packing supplies to protect your shoes. Start by wrapping each pair in packing paper, and place heavier shoes at the bottom of the box. Put lighter shoes on top. Fill any gaps with small towels or additional packing paper to keep everything secure during the move.
Opt For Hassle Free Packing and Moving with urBin Storage
The process of how to pack clothes for moving can be a daunting task, but with the right strategies and techniques, you can ensure your wardrobe arrives at your new home in pristine condition.
That being said, urBin is here to provide you with a smart moving experience. Our professional team is committed to giving you efficient and transparent customer service if you are thinking about how to pack clothes for moving and ensure a seamless move to your new home. And if packing clothes for moving is something that dreads you, we can also help you with that. Let us simplify your move and take off the moving stress from your head. Contact us for more information.