How to Pack Clothes to Move: A Comprehensive Guide
When you know how to pack clothes to move, you save yourself a world of stress. I’ve seen people drown in piles of clothes they don’t need or end up with boxes that weigh a ton. Let me show you how to do it right—quick, clean and simple.
Follow these steps, and you’ll pack like a pro—no stress, no wasted time. Let’s get started.
Step 1: Sort and Declutter Your Clothes
Packing starts with a clean slate
Before loading up those cardboard boxes or dragging out the suitcases and duffel bags, go through every piece of clothing. Empty your closet, dresser drawers, the storage bins and lay it all out.
Then ask yourself:
- Do I wear this?
- Is it worth taking to my new place?
If it’s a no, donate it or give it to a friend who would wear it. Moving to a new place is your chance to cut clutter and start fresh.
Pro Tip: Sort your clothes by season. Keep winter jackets together, summer shorts in a separate pile, and heavier items like boots in another pile. This saves you time when packing and unpacking.
Need a hand? At Gilbert’s Mountain Movers, we offer packing services that make packing your clothes easy. Let us do the heavy lifting, so you can focus on settling into your new place.
Clean Clothes, Better Move
Don’t pack your dirty clothes. Dusty sweaters or worn gym socks will stink up your moving boxes and slow you down. Give everything a quick wash now, it’ll save you time and hassle later.
By sorting and decluttering first, you’ll have fewer things to move, less weight to carry, and a much easier time on moving day.
Step 2: Choose the Right Packing Materials
The right packing materials make all the difference
When packing clothes, having the right packing materials saves you time and keeps everything organized. Here’s what I recommend:
- Wardrobe Boxes: Perfect for packing hanging clothing. Your clothes stay on the hangers, wrinkle-free and ready to hang up in your new place.
- Suitcases and Duffel Bags: Use these for heavier items like jeans, sweaters, and boots. They’re sturdy, easy to carry, and perfect for long journeys.
- Vacuum-Sealed Bags: Perfect for bulky, seasonal items like winter jackets and blankets. These storage bags save space and make packing tight spaces a breeze.
- Dresser Drawers: Remove the drawer from your dresser, wrap them in plastic wrap and move them as-is. Ensure each drawer isn’t too heavy for lifting.
- Drawstring Trash Bags: A quick hack for packing hanging clothing. Poke the hangers through the bag’s opening, tie it shut, and you’ve got a cheap wardrobe bag alternative. This hack will protect it from all weather conditions, whether it’s snowing or raining.
Save You Time, Save You Space
Choosing the right tools means fewer trips, less stress and fewer crumpled clothes. Trust me, just throwing your clothes into trash bags may sound “fast”, but it creates a mess. Invest in proper packing materials that get the job done right.
Step 3: Master the Best Folding Techniques
Folding clothes right saves you space and headaches.
Not all folding methods are created equal when it comes to packing clothes. Here are the techniques I swear by to keep your clothes neat and compact:
- Flat Fold: Perfect for dress shirts, pants, and delicate fabrics. Lay the item flat, smooth out wrinkles, and fold it squarely. This method stacks clothes neatly in cardboard boxes.
- Roll Clothes: For t-shirts, pajamas, and other casual wear. It saves space, and prevents wrinkles. this method is best for suitcases and duffel bags.
- Bundle Wrap: Place smaller clothing items like socks and underwear inside larger ones like jackets. It keeps things compact and avoids wasted space.
Pro Tip: Use the rolling method in suitcases and duffel bags. It maximizes space and makes unpacking easier when you reach your new home.
Step 4: Pack Clothes Based on Use
Pack smart, unpack easier.
Don’t just toss everything together. The key to an organized move is packing clothes based on when you’ll need them. Here’s how:
- Essentials for Moving Day: Pack a separate bag with clothes you’ll need the day of, comfortable wear, pajamas, socks, and a spare outfit. Keep it close so you’re not digging through boxes after a long day.
- Clothes by Season: Pack items you won’t need immediately, like winter coats or summer shorts, in vacuum-sealed bags. This saves space and keeps out dust during the move.
- Heavier Items: Jeans, sweaters, and jackets should go into suitcases and duffel bags. The wheels on suitcases make heavy loads easy to move.
- Hanging Clothing: Use wardrobe boxes or my favorite hack, drawstring trash bags. Group hangers, pull the bag over the clothes and tie it off. It’s fast, cheap and keeps your clothes clean.
Step 5: Use Hacks for Moving Hanging Clothes
Don’t let hanging clothes slow you down.
When it comes to packing hanging clothing, you’ve got two solid options that’ll save time and keep your clothes clean:
- Wardrobe Boxes: These are the gold standard for moving hanging clothes. Just transfer your hangers directly into the box’s built-in rod. Clothes stay wrinkle-free and ready to hang in your new closet.
- Drawstring Trash Bags: If you’re looking for a budget-friendly hack, this is it. Gather 10-15 hangers, pull a drawstring trash bag up over the clothes and tie it at the bottom. Poke the hanger hooks through the top.
Pro Tip: Label your wardrobe boxes or bags by room or person. That way, unpacking is simple and everyone gets their clothes where needed.
Make Moving Easier
Packing hanging clothes doesn’t have to be a hassle. Whether you choose wardrobe boxes or trash bags, the goal is the same—get your clothes packed fast and keep them clean.
Need a hand? At Gilbert’s Mountain Movers, we offer packing services that include everything—even hanging clothes. Let us take care of it so you can focus on settling in.
Step 6: Label and Organize for Easy Unpacking
The move isn’t over until you unpack. Make it simple.
Once your clothes are packed into cardboard boxes, suitcases, or storage bins, take an extra minute to label everything. It’ll save you time and frustration later.
- Label by Room: Write “Master Bedroom”, “Kids’ Room”, or “Storage” on each box. You’ll know exactly where everything goes when it comes off the moving truck.
- Mark Contents: Add a quick note like “Winter Clothes” or “Daily Essentials” so you’re not tearing through boxes looking for what you need.
- Prioritize Important Items: Put your “Moving Day Essentials” in a separate, clearly labeled box or suitcase. This includes pajamas, socks and clean clothes for the first day.
Pro Tip: Make a list of how many boxes or bags you packed for each room. It’s easy to lose track when the house is full of stuff.
Step 7: Unpack Smart and Settle In
The finish line is in sight - let’s wrap this up.
Once you’ve arrived at your new place, resist the urge to rip open every box. Start with your moving day essentials—clean clothes, pajamas, and anything you need for the first night.
Next, tackle your clothes by priority:
- Hanging Clothing: Grab your wardrobe boxes or drawstring trash bags and hang everything in your new closet. It’s quick and keeps wrinkles at bay.
- Seasonal Clothes: Leave winter jackets or summer clothes packed up for now. There’s no need to clutter your new space.
- Suitcases and Duffel Bags: Unpack heavier items like jeans and sweaters last. These are usually less urgent.
Pro Tip: Take your time. Unpacking is the last step of the move, and it’s always smoother when you go room by room.
Let Us Make It Easy
How to pack clothes to move can feel like a mountain to climb, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Gilbert’s Mountain Movers, we’re here to help every step of the way! From sorting and packing to moving and unpacking.
With over 15 years of experience helping folks in Calgary move, we know how to make your move smooth, organized, and stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does rolling clothes prevent wrinkles?
Rolling clothes is a great way to save space and prevent wrinkles during travel or packing. To roll properly, start by folding the clothing along the seams and smoothing out any wrinkles. Then, roll tightly but gently to avoid creating hard creases. This method keeps your clothes compact, organized, and ready to wear when unpacked.
Is it better to roll or fold clothes for packing?
Rolling clothes is often the best option for saving space and minimizing wrinkles, especially when packing items into suitcases or duffel bags. It allows you to fit more and keeps everything compact. That said, rolling can be time-consuming. For cardboard boxes or other rigid containers, folding might be a better choice—it’s faster and works well for items like dress shirts or bulkier clothing.
Do you leave clothes in drawers for movers?
If the dresser is heavy, remove the drawers to reduce weight and make it safer to move. Use the drawers as makeshift moving boxes, wrapping them in plastic or blankets to protect your clothes. For lighter dressers, leaving clothes inside might still work, but safety comes first.
Is it better to roll or fold clothes in vacuum bags?
When using a vacuum storage bag, it’s best to roll your clothes. Rolling reduces creases and wrinkles, keeping your clothes in better shape when you unpack. However, for bulkier items like sweaters or jackets, folding can work just as well. Choose the method that fits your clothing type and keeps everything compact and organized.