How to Pack Clothes for Moving

Packing for a move is always stressful. Between making sure you have enough moving boxes to fit all your stuff and trying not to drop your TV, there’s more than enough on your plate. One aspect that might slip your mind is how you’re going to move all of your clothes to your new house. Moving can be a messy process, and the last thing you want is to rip your favorite graphic tee or end up with a massive pile of wrinkled clothes to iron when you just want to settle into your new home. To avoid this, here are some tips on how to pack clothes for moving. Whether you’re moving a couple of blocks away to a house in Seattle or you’re going across the country to rent a home in Atlanta, these moving tips will keep your wardrobe intact.

1. Utilize wardrobe boxes

No one wants to see their clothes get all wrinkled during a move. That’s why wardrobe boxes are such a great tool to get your clothes from point A to point B.

Greg from Pure Moving explains what makes wardrobe boxes ideal for packing clothes while moving. 

“They’re designed to hang clothes on a metal bar inside, keeping them neat and wrinkle-free during transport. If wardrobe boxes aren’t an option, it’s best to use medium or small boxes to avoid overpacking and ensure easier lifting.”

AM Moving Company expands on why they are such a great tool.

“Our professional team packs clothes using wardrobe boxes that allow garments to hang neatly, preventing wrinkles and damage,” says Joe Walton of AM Moving Company. “For folded items, we use clean, sturdy boxes lined with packing paper to keep everything organized and protected. Delicate or valuable clothing may be wrapped in tissue paper or plastic garment bags for added care.”

“One of the most efficient ways to pack clothes is by using wardrobe boxes,” says Oded Carmi, president of DN Van Lines. “These allow you to transfer hanging clothes directly from your closet to the box without folding, which keeps garments wrinkle-free and makes unpacking as simple as lifting them back onto a rack. Wardrobe boxes also save time and labor because you can quickly load and unload them without having to rehandle individual items.”

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2. Make sure you get the most out of your wardrobe boxes

Wardrobe boxes are extremely handy when it comes to packing clothes for moving, but they are more expensive than regular moving boxes. To maximize your value, don’t underestimate the area underneath your hanging clothes.

“Wardrobe boxes can be great for nicer clothes, but be sure to use all of the space below the clothes,” says Atlanta Furniture Taxi. “Shoes, pillows, linens, and other lighter items are great space fillers.”

3. Transport folded clothes in sturdy, stackable containers

While bags can be useful in some situations, it’s generally best to use sturdy, stackable containers when packing clothes for moving. Stacking containers in a moving truck allows you to maximize the amount of stuff you can move, eliminating the need for a larger truck in a long-distance move or multiple trips. 

“Folded clothes can go into suitcases or plastic bins for sturdier protection and easier transport, adds Stan Lytvyniuk from SQ Moving Company. “Label each container by clothing type or season to simplify unpacking.”

4. Empty your dresser before calling the movers

It’s important to make sure you’re fully prepared to move before calling the movers to load up your stuff. Not only is it respectful and convenient for the movers, but it also will save time during the move. Keep in mind that many movers charge per hour, so saving time is good for your bank account as well as your sanity.

“Remove clothes from drawers, as your moving company will require them to be emptied,” advises Julia L. from Flash Moving Company. “This will help you avoid last-minute delays when the movers arrive.” 

5.  OR leave clothes in your dresser for convenient DIY moving

The moving process can be physically and emotionally draining, so any potential shortcuts are welcome. Rather than emptying your dresser and packing your clothes in boxes, DIY movers can save time by simply leaving them in there, removing an item from your moving checklist.

“When packing clothes for a move, leave everyday items in your dresser drawers and wrap the entire drawer with plastic wrap or stretch film,” says Shawn Wood, president and founder of Student Movers. “This keeps clothes secure, saves you from having to box them separately, and makes unpacking a breeze—just unwrap.”

“Packing clothes are just about the only item that can be packed in numerous different ways,” says Brendan H from Asheville Area Movers. “High-quality dress attire? We recommend wardrobe boxes. Every day t-shirts? Save yourself the hassle and leave them in your dresser, let the movers handle the rest.”

“Packing clothes for a move doesn’t have to be time-consuming or daunting,” adds Black Tie Moving president Ellis Ishee. “Pack an overnight bag for 3 days of the clothes you will need and use medium-sized boxes for the shoes and folded clothes that aren’t already in dressers. For the dressers, ensure the drawers close all the way and simply ask your movers to pad wrap and secure those dressers with the clothes still in them.”

6. Take advantage of luggage when moving clothes

Your luggage doesn’t have to be used exclusively for vacations. To save on boxes, you can simply use existing luggage to transport your clothes to your new home.

“Put your luggage to work,” Andrew from Dynamic Movers says. “Suitcases with wheels are perfect for packing heavy clothing like jeans, jackets, and shoes. It makes transport easier on moving day and saves you from wasting box space. Think of it as smart packing with built-in mobility.”

“Packing clothes for a move can be simple and stress-free with a little planning,” says Maria Pavletic from MiniMoves. “Use wardrobe boxes for hanging items to keep them wrinkle-free, and roll or fold casual clothes into suitcases or small boxes for easy transport. Don’t forget to set aside a few outfits for your first days in your new home.”

7. Know when to roll clothes instead of folding

Growing up, we were all taught to fold our laundry before storing it away. While folding clothes in general is great for keeping everything nice and organized, it’s not always the most efficient way to pack clothes when moving. Every inch counts when it comes to moving your belongings, so finding ways to steal a couple here and there can save you space and money. According to Roni Klajner from Serenity Movers, rolling soft clothing like t-shirts and leggings saves space when packing for a move, while folding stiffer clothing like blazers and dress shirts can prevent wrinkles. 

8. Use hangers and garbage bags to keep your clothes together

For those who don’t want to spend the extra cash on wardrobe boxes, there’s another easy way to keep your hung clothes together and wrinkle-free. All you need are some large garbage bags

“If you don’t use wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes, keep them on hangers and use trash bags for easy transport,” advises Stephanie Rosenlund from Moves for Seniors. “Poke the top of the hangers through the closed end of the bag and pull the bag down around the clothes.”

9. Use old clothes to cushion fragile items

In addition to boxes, moving often requires other materials like bubble wrap to keep items safe and intact. If you choose to take a more minimalist approach to moving, you could save on materials by using old clothes to protect fragile belongings.

“Packing for a move can be done more wisely than just filling boxes,” says Mark Ehrhardt from Movers, Not Shakers. “Save on materials such as bubble wrap and unprinted newspaper by using your less precious clothing to wrap kitchenware and other breakables. Sheets and linens work great for electronics too, just remember to dust them first. Moving doesn’t have to be wasteful if you’re concerned about that sort of thing.”

10. Keep some clothes available during your move

One of the most annoying things about moving is not having easy access to items you might need. This especially applies when it comes to packing clothes for moving. However, you can sidestep this issue if you plan ahead.

“It’s a good idea to pack some clothes separately that you can use immediately preceding your move,” says Rob from EverSafe Moving. “This way you’re not stressed to get everything unpacked to keep everything flowing in your life.”

11. Use medium-sized boxes for easy moving

It might be tempting to stuff all your clothes into the largest moving boxes you can find. After all, the bigger the boxes, the fewer you’ll need to fill and move. However, those of us who aren’t professional bodybuilders might have a little trouble lugging those big boxes around. Although you might need a few more boxes, your back will certainly thank you.

“When packing clothes for a move be sure to use the right box,” says Brian Goulstone from Golden State Storage. “While you might want to stuff everything into one huge box, medium-size boxes work best for easy unpacking after the move.  With medium boxes you can organize by type of clothing or organize clothes by season.”