Five Top Tips for Packing Clothing for a Move

August 27, 2018

Breakables, heavy appliances and odd-shaped items that don't fit nicely into any box or bag may seem the most problematic when preparing for a move. By comparison, few give much thought to packing clothing. After all, clothing won't break if you drop it, will easily fit through even the narrowest of doorways and can easily be cleaned or mended in the case of a mishap. But a few tips will help to make packing up your closet easier and better protect your clothing. Here are five top tips for a smooth, stylish move:

1. Clean out: Before even beginning to pack up your closet and dresser drawers, do a thorough clean-out. Box up and take to your nearest donation center anything that you've outgrown, has become outdated or inappropriate for your new locale (That heavy, fur-lined parka is no longer needed if you're jettisoning Alaska for Florida). Throw away anything that's stained, worn out or beyond mending.
2. Group: Separating your clothing into groups will help to keep them organized and easily accessible. Three top groupings are seasonal, material and purpose. If you're moving during the heat of summer, you won't need your winter clothes anytime soon. Clothing made of natural fabrics are prone to creasing and will need more delicate handling, while synthetics and polyesters can take a bit more of a beating.
3. Layer by weight: For clothing that you'll pack in a moving box, heaviest garments should go first, with lighter-weight garments on top. Consider spreading large garments on the bottom, then wrapping smaller items inside them. This offers a bit of additional protection.
4. Leave 'em hanging: Hanging clothes are most easily packed with plastic garment bags or even trash bags hung over a fastened bundle of hanger hooks. For more delicate or specialty clothing, a wardrobe box with a hanging bar offers more protection.
5. First-week holdouts: When packing your clothing, be sure to hold out a few ultra-comfortable outfits for your moving days, and a few additional pieces to cover your first week of work or other activities planned for your earliest days in your new hometown. After all, moving can be a tiresome and it may take a bit longer than you expect to unpack everything.

Of course, the easiest way to pack your clothing and other items for a move is to not pack them at all. Instead, leave it to a professional. If you're planning a move to or from the Washington, DC metro area, call 800-530-2626 and schedule an appointment with McKendree Moving & Storage.