Are you gearing up for the big move and dreading the thought of packing your entire wardrobe? You're not alone. Packing clothes can be one of the trickiest parts of moving. But with a few easy tips and tricks, you can save yourself some time (and headaches) when it's time to unpack. We're giving you the tips you need to pack your clothes without the fuss — so you can focus on the excitement of your new home.
Packing Options for Clothes
Packing your clothes efficiently can make moving much easier. Whether you like folding, rolling, or using wardrobe boxes, each method has its own benefits. Here are some great tips to keep your clothes organized and wrinkle-free during the move.
Wardrobe Boxes
Wardrobe boxes are a mover’s best friend. These tall boxes come with a built-in bar for hangers, making it easy to transfer clothes directly from your closet to the box without needing to fold or wrinkle them. They are perfect for moving your clothes in the same condition as they were hanging in your wardrobe. Plus, unpacking is a snap—just move the hangers directly into the closet in your new home.
Plastic Totes or Boxes
Plastic totes or sturdy cardboard boxes are incredibly versatile for packing clothes. They offer protection from moisture and pests and are perfect for stacking. When packing, consider layering heavier items at the bottom and lighter ones on top. Group similar items together, like winter clothes in one box and summer clothes in another, to make unpacking more efficient.
Leaving Clothes on Hangers
For short moves, leaving clothes on hangers covered by trash bags is a simple and cost-effective method. Simply poke a hole in the bottom of a trash bag, slip it over a group of hanging clothes, and tie the open end. This method keeps clothes together and protected, making it easy to hang them up in your new closet.
Suitcases and Duffle Bags
Don’t forget to use your suitcases and duffle bags! They are great for packing folded clothes, shoes, and accessories. Rolling clothes instead of folding can save space and reduce wrinkles. Plus, using your luggage means you’ll have fewer boxes to move.
DIY Packing Solutions
Packing your clothes doesn't have to involve special equipment. Get creative with household items for budget-friendly, effective solutions. Here are a few DIY tips.
Vacuum Seal Bags
Vacuum seal bags are fantastic for saving space. They compress clothes by removing air, making them compact and easier to stack. They are particularly useful for bulky items like winter coats and blankets.
Wrapping Clothes in Sheets or Towels
For added protection, consider wrapping delicate clothes in sheets or towels. This not only cushions your clothes but also means fewer packing materials to buy. Remember, if you’re planning to put items in storage for any length of time, this is likely not an ideal solution to protect your items.
Tips for Storing Clothes Long-Term
When it comes to storing clothes for a while, keeping them in good shape needs some planning and care. Whether you're packing away seasonal items or storing clothes while traveling, these tips will help keep your wardrobe fresh and ready to wear.
Air Them Out: Make sure all clothes are clean and totally dry before packing to avoid mold and mildew. A bit of time in the sun can help get rid of any leftover moisture.
Moisture Absorbers: To keep your clothes fresh during long-term storage, use silica gel packets or other moisture absorbers, like DampRid. These help prevent mildew and musty odors from getting to your clothes.
Proper Containers: Choosing the wrong containers for long-term storage can be a deal-breaker. Opt for plastic bins with tight-fitting lids to keep out pests and moisture. Avoid cardboard boxes for long-term storage— they can attract insects and degrade over time.
Portable Storage Solutions: Go Mini's flexible and convenient portable storage containers make it easy to keep your clothes safe and in good condition. These containers provide a secure environment, protecting your wardrobe from moisture, pests, and other potential damage during long-term storage or moving.
Organizing Clothes for Packing
Packing your clothes efficiently isn't just about choosing the right containers—good organization makes a huge difference. By sorting and categorizing your clothes before packing, you can make the whole process easier and ensure you can find everything once you're at your new place. Here are some handy tips to help you organize your wardrobe for packing.
By Season: Sort your clothes by season—winter, summer, spring, and fall. This makes it super easy to unpack in stages and find what you need based on the weather.
By Purpose: Break down your wardrobe by what you use it for, like work clothes, casual outfits, gym gear, and dressy attire. Keeping similar outfits together will save you time when setting up your new closet.
By Frequency of Use: Pack your go-to clothes separately from the ones you rarely wear. This way, your everyday essentials are right there when you move in, ready to go.
By Family Member: If you’re packing for the whole family, organize and label each family member’s clothes individually to avoid mix-ups and streamline the unpacking process.
Pre-Move Purge
Before you start packing, take some time to declutter your wardrobe. A pre-move purge allows you to sort through your clothing, decide what to keep, donate, or discard, and lighten your load. Streamlining your wardrobe not only makes packing easier but also helps you start fresh in your new home with only the items you truly need and love. Here are some tips to get you started:
Sort and Separate: Go through your wardrobe and separate clothes into piles for keeping, donating, and selling. Be honest about what you really wear and need.
Check Condition: Only consider donating or selling items that are clean and in good condition. Clothes with extensive wear, stains, or damage should be tossed or recycled.
Research Charities: Find some local charities or non-profit organizations that accept clothing donations. Some might even offer pick-up services.
Use Resale Apps: Use online resale sites like Poshmark, eBay, or ThredUp to sell gently used clothes. Be sure to take clear, well-lit photos and give accurate descriptions.
Donate to Shelters: Consider donating to homeless shelters or community centers near you in need of clothing.
Get Receipts: When donating, ask for a receipt for tax deduction purposes. Keep a list for your records.
Unpacking and Setup in the New Home
You’ve made it to your new home, and now comes the task of setting up your closet. Unpacking can be just as simple as packing with a few tips in mind.
Set Up Your Closet First: First things first, get your closet set up. Having a spot to unpack your clothes right away will make everything else easier.
Use Closet Organizers: Grab some closet organizers like hanging shelves, shoe racks, and drawer dividers. They’ll keep everything neat and easy to find.
Group Similar Items Together: Keep similar items together—tops with tops, jeans in one spot, and formal wear in another. It makes finding what you need a lot simpler.
Label Storage Bins Clearly: For items you don’t use every day, like seasonal clothes, clearly label your storage bins. That way, you can easily grab what you need when the time comes.
Hang Bulky Items: Save drawer space by hanging bulky items like coats and suits. Hangers are great for keeping these pieces accessible and wrinkle-free.
Roll Instead of Fold: Rolling your clothes saves space and reduces wrinkles. It's a game-changer for packing drawers or storage bins.
Use Drawers for Daily Essentials: Make life easier by using drawer space for daily essentials and the clothes you wear most often. This keeps everything you need within easy reach.
Regularly Declutter: Stay on top of things by setting reminders to declutter regularly. It prevents excess and keeps your wardrobe streamlined.
Get Started on Your Next Move with Go Mini's
Getting your clothes packed and ready for the move doesn't have to be a chore. Use these tips and tricks to keep everything neat and wrinkle-free.
Ready to make your move even smoother? Get a free quote from Go Mini's today and find out how we can make your move a breeze.
