How To Pack Clothes for Moving
Packing clothes and shoes is an essential part of residential moving. While this is generally assumed to be a stress-free task, without proper planning and organization, it is one of the biggest pains of moving. So, how do you ensure that moving clothes is simple? Here are tried-and-true tips that will make packing clothes easier for you. But, first things first.Common Challenges Faced When Moving Clothes
To properly pack clothes, you must be aware of the main issues most people face when moving clothes. This way, you learn the hurdles you must overcome and how to streamline the process of packing for a move. The common challenges faced when moving clothing items are:- Arriving at your new location without your clothes getting wrinkles
- Ensuring your clothes stay clean
- Keeping all your clothes organized
- Only keeping the clothing items that you need
Must-Dos Before You Start Packing Clothes for Moving
Conduct a Closet Inventory
Before you start packing your clothes, it is vital that you first assess your closet and drawers. The best way to do this is to empty your closet and drawers so you can have all your clothes, bags, hats, shoes, and accessories in front of you. This will provide a clearer picture of all your clothing items, providing a great starting point for knowing how you will pack everything.Decide What to Keep and What to Sell or Donate
Too commonly, people tend to keep clothes they do not need, and there is never a better time to get rid of everything you do not need than when you are about to move. Take time to sort through all the clothes you got from your closets and drawers, evaluating what is worth keeping. You should have two categories of clothes, namely:- The clothes to keep. Under this category, you will have all those clothes, shoes, bags, hats, and accessories that are still a top favorite and a must-keep as you wear them regularly or for special occasions. This should include out-of-season clothes that you might not need to wear for a while but will be handy once it gets too hot or cold.
- The clothes to donate or sell. This category will have all clothing items you are not actively using but are still in good condition. You can donate them to charities such as Goodwill, The Salvation Army, and One Warm Coat. Alternatively, you can sell your clothes and raise money to help with moving expenses.
Wash Dirty Clothes
As a rule, always strive to move with strictly clean clothes. This will make moving easier as clean clothes can easily be paired and packed in the same box or bag. Be sure to wash your clothes before the last minute, but do this a week or two before your moving date. This way, you will have enough time to wait for them to dry before folding or hanging them for packing.
Get Enough Packing and Moving Supplies
Finally, prepare to transport clothes by getting enough packing and moving supplies. The main items that you will need for a move are:- Duffel bags. A duffel bag is one of the best options for packing folded clothing, shoes, and other accessories.
- Cardboard boxes. Given how easily you can find cardboard boxes in various sizes, these packing supplies are an excellent way to pack folded clothes.
- Suitcases. A good suitcase is a must-have if you are moving, as these can easily be used to carry valuable clothing items and accessories.
- Wardrobe boxes. If you have clothes that easily wrinkle or will pack your clothes on hangers, wardrobe boxes are an excellent choice. A low-budget alternative for packing hanging clothes involves using drawstring trash bags.
- Garment bags. It is best to use garment bags for packing delicate items as they offer excellent protection against dirt and other elements. If you need more garment bags, you can use garbage bags to pack non-fragile clothes and items.
- Packing paper or plastic wrap. Keep your clothes protected from dust and other elements by getting packing paper or plastic wrap to help with all the wrapping you will be doing.
- Vacuum bags. These bags offer a simple way to condense clothing items and come in handy for bulky clothes such as jackets and winter coats. You can also use them to hold more clothes, especially clothes you plan to store for a while.
- Shoe bags or shoe boxes. The best way to pack shoes is by using shoe boxes or getting a good shoe bag.
Tips for Packing Clothes for Moving
Sort Your Clothes for the Move
Now that you have a pile of all the clothes you are ready to keep, it is time to sort them out. The best way to do this is by assorting them according to the following:- Material. Clothing materials play a primary role in dictating the best way to pack clothes. For example, polyester and synthetic clothes do not crease easily and can be stuffed into moving boxes. On the other hand, natural and cotton fabrics are best packed as hanging clothes.
- Need/Usage. It is best to pack clothes according to need/usage. For example, your work clothes and those comfortable clothes you like wearing are best packed where you can easily find and use them. On the other hand, you can pack clothes for special occasions and those you rarely wear in boxes and bags that might take a while before they are opened.
- Size. Pack small-sized items together in smaller boxes or a duffel bag. You can use vacuum-sealed bags or compression bags to pack delicate clothing. Finally, you can pack large-sized clothes in large boxes, suitcases, or duffel bags.
- Season. Try and pack your seasonal clothing in one large box for ease of accessing them after a move. Alternatively, you can first pack clothes in season and pack the out-of-season clothes in bags or boxes that might take a while to open.
Set Aside a Moving Bag
Remember the golden rule of moving, always have a moving bag. In this bag, you will pack essentials and clothes you will most likely wear within the next few days or weeks. If you are a family, ensure everyone has their moving bag to make settling easier. Remember to also carry with you all items that are of sentimental or monetary value.Learn the 3 Ways to Fold Non Hanging Clothes
Make it a habit to pack hanging clothes before you start to pack non-hanging clothes. Hanging clothing is best enclosed in garment bags and drawstring trash bags as you can easily slip clothes inside them, while for non-hanging clothes, there are three folding methods to consider:- The flat fold method. This is the most traditional way of folding clothes and consists of lying a shirt face down and flat on a surface before folding both sleeves in towards the middle of the shirt. After both sides are folded in, fold the bottom half of the shirt up before smoothing out wrinkles. For pants, you must fold one leg over the other and then fold in thirds before smoothing out wrinkles.
- The military rolling method. This method involves lying a shirt flat and folding the bottom a few inches up before flipping it inside out. Then, you fold the sleeves inwards and in half before rolling them from top to bottom. You will notice a pouch at the bottom that you use to fold over the rolled-up shirt. Military rolling is widely loved for its space-saving benefits.
- The Konmari method. This method has recently become famous, and it involves folding the sides of a shirt toward the center, starting with one side before moving to the other. You then fold the shirt in half, leaving a little gap at the edge. Finally, you fold the shirt in half or thirds. This is a great way to save space for those who prefer to fold clothes instead of rolling them.
