Moving to a new home can be an exciting but stressful time. Packing up your belongings properly is key to ensuring items arrive safely at your new place. When it comes to packing clothes, most people do not give much thought to how to pack hangers. However, taking a few extra steps when packing hangers can save you time, energy, and frustration down the road. Here are 3 effective ways to pack hangers when you’re moving.
Use Moving Wardrobe Boxes
One of the best ways to keep your clothes neatly hung up during a move is to use moving wardrobe boxes. These specialty boxes are designed specifically for transporting hanging garments.
Moving wardrobe boxes have a crossbar inside the box that allows you to load clothes on hangers in an upright position. The rod helps prevent wrinkling and slipping of clothes off hangers during transit. Most wardrobe boxes can fit up to 50 pounds of hanging clothing.
When packing your moving wardrobe boxes:
- Make sure not to overload them as this can cause damage. A general rule is to leave at least 2 inches of space at the top once packed.
- Alternate the direction you face clothes, packing one forward and the next backward. This balances the weight distribution.
- Place delicate items like suit jackets and dresses in the middle for added protection.
- Use cardboard or paper to separate clean clothes from dirty. You can also use clean towels or linens as dividers.
- Tape tops and bottoms securely closed.
Pro Tip: Label wardrobe boxes clearly with the room they should go in at your new place. This makes unpacking quicker and easier.
Bundle Hangers Together
If you don’t want to invest in wardrobe boxes, another option is to bundle hangers together using various materials. This still keeps clothes neatly hung up and grouped together by outfit or type during the move.
Some popular methods for bundling hangers include:
Plastic Wrap
Plastic wrap, or cling film, works great to bundle hangers together securely. Simply take 10-20 hangers and tightly wrap the hook portions with the plastic wrap. Make sure to get several layers and wrap vertically then horizontally for the most hold.
You can wrap by type of clothing, keeping all shirts together, dresses, etc. This allows you to quickly unpack into your closet organization system at your new place. Make sure not to make the bundles too heavy, especially for delicate materials like silks or sequined fabrics.
Trash Bags
For a cheaper option, sturdy trash bags can contain bundled hangers. Slide the hook ends into a large trash bag, grouping similar garments. Twist the bag tightly just above the hooks and tie off with a rubber band or zip tie to keep the hangers contained together.
Black contractor bags work best since they have thicker plastic. Just be cautious of sharp hook ends poking through thinner plastic bags.
Packing Paper
For a more eco-friendly method, wrap bundled hangers together using kraft packing paper. Lay paper flat and place the hanger hooks in the center. Roll the paper vertically around the hooks several times until all are bundled snuggly. Then fold the ends and tie off tightly with twine or twister ties.
You can also reuse old newspapers if you have them. Just wrap diagonally around the hooks and tie the ends well.
Use Specialty Hangers
There are specially designed hangers made to help transport garments easily when moving. These hangers have components that hold all the hangers together firmly so they don’t get tangled up or fall off.
Hanger Hook Covers
Plastic hanger hook covers slide over the ends of standard hangers to protect clothing. The ridges on the covers grip together tightly, allowing you to bunch hangers closely. Simply slide on the number of covers needed for the amount of hangers you have.
These removable hook covers let you maximize your moving truck space versus bulky boxes. They also provide more visibility of clothes compared to wrapped bundles.
Hanger Fasteners
Similar products like hanger fasteners clamp multiple hangers tightly together at the hook. The sturdy plastic fasteners keep garments in place and are quick to clip on and off.
Look for fasteners with padded grips so they don’t crimp delicate hangers. A 10-pack of fasteners can group over 100 hangers together neatly.
Interlocking Hangers
Interlocking hangers have built-in notches or slide locks that secure multiple hangers together. The hangers connect vertically and horizontally for maximum hold. This keeps clothing securely hung up and wrinkle-free during transport.
These specialty hangers may cost more upfront. But the advantage is they require minimal work to assemble and protect your clothes. Look for hangers with thick, reinforced interlocking ridges or slides.
Expert Moving Hanger Packing Tips
Beyond the main packing methods, there are additional pro tips when packing hangers for moving:
- Inspect all garments for stains and launder or dry clean before packing. This prevents any issues with soiling other items in transit.
- Consider any specialty clothing care instructions and pack accordingly. Delicates may need extra layers of protection.
- For extra padding, slide clean socks over the bottom of the hanger before hanging up clothing.
- Where possible, button shirts and jackets and zip up any clothing with zippers before packing.
- Use ribbon, string or rubber bands to tie together any loose sleeves, sashes or straps so they don’t get caught and stretched out.
- Wrap plastic around any sharp hanger ends, like pants hangers, to prevent rips or tears.
- If using trash bags, wrap the bagged bundles with a layer of plastic wrap or paper for added durability.
- Pack heavy clothing like sweaters at the bottom of boxes or wardrobes and lighter items on top.
- Label all boxes clearly as “Hanging Clothes” or “Fragile” so movers are extra careful.
Taking a little extra time when packing hangers ultimately saves you effort later. No one wants to arrive at their new home and unpack a box of wrinkled, misshapen clothing. Follow these handy methods for moving hangers and your clothes will look freshly pressed when you unpack.
Frequently Asked Questions About Packing Hangers When Moving
Moving can be chaotic. Planning ahead helps ensure your prized possessions, including your wardrobe, all arrive safely. Here are answers to some of the most common questions people have about packing hangers for a move:
Should I remove clothes from hangers when packing for a move?
- It is recommended to leave clothes on hangers whenever possible. This prevents wrinkling and makes unpacking much quicker. Only remove delicate items that could stretch out or formalwear prone to wrinkling.
What are wardrobe moving boxes?
- Wardrobe boxes are specially designed moving boxes with a built-in metal rod for transporting hanging garments. This allows you to load clothes neatly on hangers instead of having to lay folded flat.
How many hangers fit in a wardrobe moving box?
- On average, wardrobe moving boxes hold around 50 pounds of clothes on hangers, depending on the size. Make sure not to overload as excess weight can damage the box.
What can I use if I don’t have wardrobe boxes?
- You have options like bundling hangers together securely using plastic wrap, trash bags or paper. Or invest in specialty hangers with interlocking devices or hook covers to keep clothing in place.
Should I group hangers by type of clothing?
- Grouping like garments, such as shirts, pants or dresses together does make unpacking simpler. Just be cautious of overall bundle weight and avoid overloading any one box or section.
What should I do if clothes are wrinkled after transporting?
- Try hanging garments in a steamy bathroom to help relax wrinkles. For more stubborn wrinkles, use a garment or hand steamer. Be cautious of pressing delicate fabrics.
Can I transport hanging clothes in my car when moving?
- Yes, with care you can lay wardrobe boxes or bundled hangers flat in a truck or van. Just make sure to pad boxes and secure firmly so they don’t shift during transit.
How should I pack formalwear and wedding dresses?
- Use an extra sturdy wardrobe box and wrap formal gowns and dresses in plastic garment bags then tissue or padding for optimal protection. Hanging upside down sometimes helps prevent crushing.
Conclusion
Moving doesn’t have to mean unpacking a mountain of wrinkled clothes. With some strategic planning, the right materials, and these packing methods, you can arrive at your new closet with clothes ready to wear. Taking the extra time to properly pack your wardrobe can ease the stress of relocating. Just be sure to leave room in your moving truck for those handy wardrobe boxes. Follow these tips and you’ll have your move down to a fashionable science.
3 Effective Ways to Pack Hangers for Stress-Free Moving
Moving to a new home brings a mix of emotions – excitement for a fresh start but anxiety over the packing process. Transporting your wardrobe properly is key to keeping clothes looking polished once unpacked.
Haphazardly throwing garments into boxes leads to wrinkling and damage. Taking some basic steps when packing hangers helps simplify moving day. Here are three efficient techniques for transporting hangers during a move:
Invest in Wardrobe Moving Boxes
Specially designed moving boxes with a built-in hanging rod are ideal for transporting garments. Wardrobe boxes allow you to load clothes on hangers vertically, preventing slipping and wrinkling in transit.
- Look for sturdy boxes with smooth metal or plastic rods to hang items properly.
- Alternate direction of clothes to distribute weight evenly across the rod.
- Only fill 3/4 full and tape bottom and top securely closed.
- Label each box by room for faster unpacking.
Bundle Hangers Together
If you don’t have moving wardrobes, bundling hangers together keeps items organized. Simple materials like trash bags, plastic wrap and twine easily contain bundled hooks.
- Group garments by type – dresses, shirts, etc to stay organized.
- Wrap hook ends tightly in plastic wrap, tying off ends with rubber bands.
- For a budget option, contain hooks together in tied off trash bags.
- Avoid overloading any bundle so clothing moves safely.
Use Specialty Moving Hangers
Specially designed hangers keep garments fixed together when transporting:
- Hanger hook covers grip tightly to prevent slipping.
- Interlocking hangers connect together securely.
- Hanger fasteners clamp multiple hooks together.
These handy devices group hangers together with no wrapping or bags required. They also provide more visibility of clothes during transit.
Moving Hanger Tips
Keep these additional moving tips in mind for transporting clothes on hangers:
- Inspect garments closely for stains before packing.
- Button shirts and jackets before packing to avoid stretching.
- Pad hanger ends with socks or paper to prevent damage.
- Only dry clean formalwear and delicates before packing.
- Use ribbon to tie loose straps and sashes in place.
- Handle gowns and formalwear with extra care.
- Unpack and steam or hang clothes quickly after arriving.
With some strategic prep, you can arrive at your new closet with a polished, wrinkle-free wardrobe ready to wear. Follow these tips for stress-free transport of your favorite garments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving Hangers
Moving can be chaotic for your wardrobe. Proper planning and packing prevents headaches when unpacking clothes in your new home. Here are answers to common questions about moving hangers:
Should clothes be removed from hangers before packing for a move?
It’s best to leave garments on hangers when possible to minimize wrinkling. Only remove delicate and formalwear pieces prone to creasing when packed.
How many hangers fit in a wardrobe moving box?
Wardrobe boxes generally hold around 50 pounds of hanging clothes, depending on size. Avoid overloading as excess weight damages boxes.
What are alternatives if you don’t have wardrobe boxes?
You can bundle hangers tightly together with plastic wrap, trash bags or packing paper. Or use specialty hangers with hook fasteners or covers to secure.
How do you prevent wrinkling when transporting clothes?
Use sturdy wardrobe boxes or bundle hooks securely. Alternate direction of hangers and leave space at tops of boxes. Also unpack and steam clothes promptly.
Is it ok to transport hanging clothes in a car when moving?
Yes, with padding and securing wardrobe boxes carefully to avoid shifting. Lay boxes flat, avoiding piling other boxes on top.
What’s the best way to pack delicate and formalwear?
Use wardrobe boxes and cover in plastic garment bags, tissue or padding for protection. Handle gently and unpack these items first.
Final Tips for Stress-Free Moving of Hangers
Moving can be chaotic for your wardrobe. Proper planning and packing prevents headaches when unpacking clothes in your new home. Here are answers to common questions about moving hangers:
- Assess clothing care needs and clean, mend or repair items before packing. This prevents stains or damage in transit.
- Use the opportunity to purge unworn clothing from your closet so you pack lighter.
- Take inventory of boxes so no specialty garments get lost or overlooked.
- Keep clothing organized by bundling or boxing by type for easy unpacking.
- Unpack clothing promptly and hang, steam or dry clean to remove any wrinkles.
By taking time to properly prepare your wardrobe, you can settle into your new home with a closet ready to wear. Follow these expert tips for stress-free transport of your favorite garments.