Packing up your clothes for a move can seem like a daunting task. With some preparation and organization though, you can get it done efficiently. Here are some tips on how to pack clothes for moving house.
Make a Plan
First, make a plan for packing. Figure out how many boxes and what sizes you will need. Standard moving boxes are about 1.5 cubic feet, which is a good size for heavy items like books or denser items like pants and sweaters. You may want some larger 2.5-3 cubic foot boxes for bulky items like coats, comforters and pillows.
Decide how you will categorize your clothes – by person, by room, by type of clothing? Think about what makes the most sense for you. Also consider if you will need any items before moving day – set those aside in a suitcase or garment bag.
Prep Closets and Drawers
Before packing, take everything out of closets, drawers and storage containers. This will give you a chance to declutter – discard or donate anything you haven’t worn in over a year. Organizing items into categories as you empty out storage areas will also help with packing.
While closets are empty, vacuum and wipe down shelves and walls. Use this as an opportunity to declutter hangers as well – recycle any you don’t need.
Gather Supplies
Make sure you have the right supplies on hand before you start packing clothes:
- Boxes in assorted sizes
- Bubble wrap, tissue or packing paper
- Packing tape & permanent marker for labeling boxes
- Garment bags and suitcases for items needed before moving day
- Furniture blankets or bed sheets to wrap furniture in
You may also want to get specialty wardrobe boxes with a hanging bar for delicate items. Having the right supplies will make packing clothes much easier.
Pack By Category
Packing clothes by category helps keep everything organized. Some categories to consider:
- Tops (shirts, blouses, sweaters)
- Bottoms (pants, skirts, shorts)
- Undergarments
- Socks & pantyhose
- Activewear & loungewear
- Jackets & coats
- Sleepwear
- Accessories (belts, scarves, hats)
If you have more than one person’s clothes to pack, keep each person separate. This prevents you from having to unpack everything to find one item.
Pack off-season clothes first, then transition clothes, and finally clothes for the current season on top. You likely won’t need summer clothes or heavy winter coats right away after moving.
Use Space Efficiently
Making the most of available space will reduce the number of boxes you need. Here are some tips:
- Roll clothes vertically – this avoids wrinkles and uses less space than folding. Roll tops together and bottoms/pants together.
- Stuff socks and undergarments into shoes – this helps items hold their shape.
- Pack accessories into corners and edges around larger items.
- Arrange items compactly – avoid empty spaces in boxes.
- Use garment bags for suits, dresses, long coats – keeps them neat and flat.
- Wrap fragile items like hats in tissue paper first so they don’t get crushed.
Taking time to arrange items efficiently makes unpacking simpler down the road.
Pack Specialty Items Carefully
Some garments and fabrics require extra care when packing:
- Sweaters and delicate fabrics – wrap in tissue or packing paper to prevent snags and tears.
- Suits and dress clothes – use garment bags to prevent wrinkles and damage.
- Hanging clothes – use wardrobe boxes or place on hangers in the vehicle carefully covered.
- Shoes – stuff socks or paper inside to retain shape, or use shoe boxes. Wrap fine shoes in tissue paper first.
- Coats and jackets – avoid crushing by placing padded hangers inside sleeves.
Take time with delicate, expensive and sentimental items so they arrive safely.
Label Boxes Clearly
Label every box clearly with permanent marker. Indicate the room it should go in and brief contents – “Master Closet – Sweaters & Coats” for example. This makes it fast for movers to know where to place boxes.
Numbering boxes is also helpful – “Box 5 of 15” – so you can track if all boxes make it to the new home. Make sure to keep a list of what is in each numbered box.
Use a Move File
Keep an expandable file or binder to store important documents related to your move all in one place. This includes:
- Inventory lists of box contents
- Receipts from moving company
- Change of address confirmations
- Map and directions to new home
You will reference this frequently before, during and after moving day. Keep it handy in your move day bag or with the last load on the truck.
Pack a Moving Day Bag
Pack a small bag or briefcase with essentials you will need on move day:
- Change of clothes
- Medications
- Toiletries
- Phone charger
- Snacks & water
- Paper plates & cups
- Tissues & paper towels
- Utility knife or scissors
- Pens & tape
- Cash and payment cards
- Pet food/supplies
Having your must-have items together prevents stress if other boxes get loaded first. Keep this bag with you or ensure movers know to load it last for easy access.
Schedule Pickup or Drop-Off
If using a moving company, schedule date for them to pick up packed boxes and furniture a few days prior to move-in day. For DIY moves, reserve rental truck or trailer.
Remember to keep clothing and essentials you’ll need separate in suitcases to travel with you – not packed away or loaded on truck!
Confirm dates/times for pickup and delivery. Communicate any changes promptly to avoid delays.
Pack Final Essentials Morning Of
On move out morning, pack final essential items like:
- Toiletries
- Electronics
- Chargers
- Vital documents
- Prescriptions
- Keys
- Valuables like jewelry
Carry these and your moving day bag with you – don’t let them get loaded on the truck!
Unpacking Clothes at New Home
When unpacking clothes at your new place:
- Check inventory lists against boxes received
- Put boxes in correct rooms based on labels
- Open boxes and unpack one room at a time
- Check clothing for damage and hang up items that are wrinkled
- Arrange closet and drawers based on how you like to organize
- Break down empty boxes promptly to clear space
Take unpacking slowly – don’t try to do too much in one day! Having a organized system for packing clothes makes arriving and settling in less stressful.
FAQs About Packing Clothes for Moving
How early should I start packing for a move?
It’s best to start packing non-essential items about 2 months before your move date. Begin with items you rarely use like off-season clothing, books and items in storage. Start packing your everyday essentials about 2 weeks before moving.
What size boxes are best for packing clothes?
Standard 1.5 cubic feet moving boxes are ideal for containing most clothing items. Stick with these medium boxes rather than overloading larger or heavier duty boxes. Use wardrobe boxes for hanging delicate items.
Should clothes be packed tightly or loosely in boxes?
Clothing can be packed snugly but shouldn’t be squeezed too tight. Make sure items are compacted but can still spring back – overstuffing can damage clothing. Leave a little room at the top for padding.
How should I pack wrinkle-prone clothes?
For items like suits, dresses and dress shirts, use garment bags to lay flat. These prevent shifting and wrinkles. You can loosely roll other wrinkle-prone items and place tissue/packing paper between rolls to minimize creases.
What should I use to pad and wrap delicate clothes?
Use acid-free, ink-free tissue paper or packing paper. These help protect fabrics from snags, pulls and tears during packing and moving. Wrap sweaters, silks and cashmere items before packing into boxes.
How do I transport hanging clothes?
Specialty wardrobe moving boxes have a built-in hanging rod for transporting hanging items. You can also use temporary garment racks that assemble/collapse for easy moving. For just a few items, fold a large garbage bag over the hanger hooks to protect fabric.
Can clothes stay on hangers in the moving truck?
Yes, as long as items are fully covered with padding or blankets taped up securely to prevent shifting. Use special hangers with cardboard or padding attached if possible. Avoid wire hangers – the metal can tear and damage fabric.
Key Takeaways for Packing Clothes When Moving
- Start organizing and packing early – at least 2 months before moving day.
- Declutter clothing you haven’t worn in over a year to streamline packing.
- Roll clothes vertically and arrange items compactly to maximize box space.
- Pack delicate fabrics separately with tissue or paper wrap.
- Label boxes clearly by room and brief contents for easy unpacking.
- Keep an organized move binder with key documents and inventory lists.
- Pack a moving day bag with essentials to keep with you during move.
- Schedule moving company pickup or truck rental well in advance.
- Unpack clothing methodically once at new home.
With some organization and forethought, you can pack up your wardrobe efficiently and stress-free! Taking the time to properly prepare clothing for the move will make arrival at your new home much smoother.