When it’s time to move and put all your belongings into boxes, you will probably find yourself surprised by just how big your wardrobe has gotten over the years. That’s why figuring out how to pack clothes for moving in the most efficient way is one of the most important things you should learn, especially when moving overseas.
The best way to pack clothes for a move is to actually use a wide array of different supplies, from suitcases to moving bags for clothes, in order to provide maximum security for your items. You’ll be dealing with different kinds of garments, so it’s important to learn different packing strategies in order to avoid wrinkling or moisture. It’s also important to be space-efficient and handle your most delicate stuff with extra care.
The First Step to Take Is to Get Rid of Clothing You No Longer Need
As we’ve mentioned, it’s a common occurrence that a person doesn’t know just how much stuff they have until it’s time to move. And chances are, you’re probably not gonna wear some of them ever again, especially if you’re relocating across the world to a completely different climate. That’s why you should put decluttering as one of the first things on your relocation to-do list. Take a long hard look at your wardrobe and ask yourself these questions: Have I worn this item in the last year? Does it fit me properly? Is it damaged?
Answering these questions will surely help you decide whether to keep or get rid of something. And when you’re left with a pile of things you no longer need, you can sell them online or make a donation to charities such as Goodwill. Don’t let this be one of the things you forget to do when you move, because you’ll not only have a hard time getting it to your new place, but it will also be more expensive. Check out this video for additional tips on how to declutter your home:
Figuring Out How to Pack Clothes for Moving Is Impossible Without the Right Supplies
One of the most common relocation mistakes is not getting the right kind of supplies. When you’re figuring out the best way to pack clothes when moving, it’s important to find the right material that will ensure your garments are protected from not only dusting and moisture but also from wrinkling and unwanted odors. Whether you’re booking a packing service or going for a DIY move, consider learning about the different materials as one of the essential relocation tips.
If you opt for hiring reputable movers, keep in mind that they will come fully equipped with everything. But if you want to take care of your most fragile items yourself, you should look into getting these materials. You can buy them or even find some for free – maybe a family member has some lying around, or you can visit your local department store and ask.
How Do I Pack My Clothes to Move? Estimate the Amount of Packing Materials You Need
After decluttering, you will be left with the stuff you want to keep, and you will be able to estimate how many boxes you need to fit your whole wardrobe. Get them in different sizes – we recommend small to medium because this will prevent overstuffing them and consequently damaging the clothing. Besides the standard cardboard box, there are specially designed wardrobe containers that have a metal hanger inside.
You can also use things you already have, such as suitcases, as you will need to move them anyway, especially if you’re moving abroad alone. Aside from these bigger-sized containers, you should also get paper, bubble wrap, as well as regular plastic baggies, and special vacuum bags. We’ll talk about using each of these items in greater detail later, but now let’s go over ways you can organize all your things in the most efficient way.
Packing Clothes for Moving Is Easy When You Have the Right Strategy
Relocation is not only about figuring out how to pack clothes for a move or avoid relocation scams. It’s also about what happens after the move. You don’t want to think about balancing finances abroad while rummaging through your new home, trying to find your favorite shirt. That’s why it’s important to plan everything ahead while keeping the unpacking process in mind. It will save you a lot of time and effort and definitely make your relocation easier.
Make sure you wash all clothing as part of your move-day preparations to avoid mixing dirty pieces with clean garments. Once that’s taken care of, you’re probably gonna ask yourself – In what order should I start packing for a move? Here are a few strategies for how to pack clothes when moving in order to have an efficient unpacking process:
- Sort by season – we recommend taking care of the off-season outfits first because it’s the most efficient method to ensure an easy unpacking process – you will know exactly which containers you don’t have to open right after the trip,
- Sort by material – if you prefer to sort your clothing by material or you are relocating to a place that doesn’t have a big temperature change during the year, it’s best to divide them into different material categories such as cotton, silk, linen, denim, wool, cashmere, and other fabrics,
- Sort by pieces – if you want to know exactly which pieces are where, you should sort your closet by pants, shirts, shorts, and so on,
- Sort by each family member – if you’re looking at the best places to live abroad with family, you might want to keep everyone’s closet items separate because it will make it easier for everyone to find their stuff.
Moving Internationally Requires a Bit More Effort in Planning
When it comes to boxing up for a move abroad, it takes a bit more skill and planning to ensure an efficient trip. Preparing a small suitcase filled with your essentials is unavoidable because you might end up waiting a few weeks for your belongings to arrive. So, just imagine that you’re going on a weekend trip, and keep the climate in mind. Comfy outfits are the most important because you will have to be active for the first few days while sorting everything out.
If you’re wondering – How do you pack clothes for moving fast? We’ve got some bad news for you. When it comes to relocating internationally, it’s just not possible to rush this process. But there are ways to make it easy. Contacting an international moving company will surely help with your relocation stress, especially if you are about to move out for the first time. By booking an international moving service, your belongings can have a safe trip to your new place.
Tips on How to Pack Clothing Using Regular Packaging Supplies
So, you’re probably wondering – What is the easiest way to pack clothes? As we’ve already mentioned, you can use cardboard boxes to secure your clothing. It’s the number one relocation essential for a reason – it’s perfect for basically everything, from your fragile kitchen dishes to your wardrobe. So, the best way to move clothes, from bulky winter jackets to shoes, is to put them in containers according to their size. You can use different folding methods, from regular folding to the military rolling method.
Sure, you won’t have to think about how to prevent breaking during transport, but there are things that can damage your garments. So, line the inside of the box with paper or plastic wrap, and you will protect your items from moisture damage, dusting, and general wear and tear. Put a protective layer on the top as well, and secure the whole box with tape. Remember, if you label everything, you will have a much easier time unpacking.
Your Clothing Can Be Used to Fill Out the Empty Spaces in Boxes
You should know that securing your belongings doesn’t mean just putting a “fragile” label on a box. All the breakables and valuables should be provided with maximum protection, and there’s a widely known relocation hack that takes care of it. It’s very simple – just take pieces like sweatshirts and soft sweaters and fill out the empty spaces in the container. It will save space, and you will rest easy knowing that your belongings are secure.
Use Smaller Containers and Leftover Shoeboxes for Your Shoes
Trust us, you definitely have more shoes than you think you do, but preparing them for the move is super easy. They should be separated from your other apparel in order to prevent soiling and put inside smaller containers you might have lying around, such as shoe boxes. Don’t forget to fill their insides with paper or socks because they might get deformed. Also, fill out any empty spaces, as you should do with all of your containers, no matter if their contents are fragile or not.
Tips on How to Move Clothes Using Stuff You Already Have Lying Around
If you don’t want to buy containers specially designed for securing garments, there are a few materials you can use that you probably have somewhere around your house. Here’s how you can take the stuff you’re already bringing with you and make them perfect for protecting your wardrobe:
You Have to Take Suitcases Anyway, so Why Not Take Advantage of Them?
Luggage is an essential part of any trip, so using it instead of containers can save you a couple of bucks. Hardshell luggage is very good for securing your belongings, but if you have suitcases made of softer materials, it’s best to add an extra layer of protection. So, line up the suitcase with either paper, plastic wrap, or extra raincoats to prevent moisture damage.
Duffel Bags May Be Small, but You Will Be Able to Fill Out Every Last Bit of Space
While they do come in different sizes, they are smaller than your average suitcase. But you will be able to take advantage of something you’re already bringing with you, and you might be surprised by just how many things can fit in there. It’s recommended that you use the rolling method when folding garments to fill out every last bit of space.
Trash Bags Might Not Look the Most Appealing, but They Do the Job
This is a well-known and also cost-effective method of boxing up outfits that are hanging on a garment rack. Just simply poke a small hole in the bottom, bundle a couple of hangers with garments and put those hangers through the hole. You will be able to easily slip the bag over the garments – just don’t forget to tighten the drawstring to secure the whole thing.
There Are a Couple of Specially Designed Supplies for Protecting Your Wardrobe
You’ve probably heard of a so-called compression or vacuum bag. This is probably the most popular method of handling your garments, as it is both space-efficient and it will protect your belongings from dirt and moisture. And when the time to move comes again, they are completely reusable. They’re especially great for storing bulky things, but because you’re using a vacuum to compress them, it’s not advisable for delicate items that wrinkle easily.
There are also wardrobe boxes, which differ from their regular predecessors because they have a metal hanger that can be easily moved from the closet to this kind of box. Think of them as small, portable closets, but they’re not even that small – they can hold about half of a standard-sized closet and have a compartment for storing shoes.
Don’t Put Your Most Precious Belongings Into Plain Plastic Bags – Consider Using Storage Instead
While you were decluttering, there were probably things you don’t wear on a regular basis but are too important to donate or sell. So, it’s best to find a safe and climate-controlled storage unit for your most important and expensive garments, such as tuxedos, wedding dresses, or vintage pieces. Your chosen relocation company should have these storage services available, and it’s a good option for not only your most beloved things but also for items that you don’t want to move into your home immediately.
Stick to the Plan, and Everything Will Work Out
Now that you know everything there is to know about relocating your wardrobe from one place to another, all that’s left is to actually do it. If you stick to your plan, the unpacking will be a piece of cake, and you will be settling into your new home in no time. Good luck!
