Wardrobe Boxes: Your Complete Guide

Are you searching for the best way to transport your clothes securely during a move? Wardrobe boxes are the right solution for you! These practical moving boxes are specifically designed to keep your clothes organized and wrinkle-free while in transit.

This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about wardrobe boxes, including what they are, when to use them, the different sizes available, and where to purchase them. Additionally, we’ll provide tips on how to pack a wardrobe box, as well as highlight the unique benefits of U-Haul wardrobe boxes.

What Is a Wardrobe Box?

Wardrobe boxes are specially designed moving boxes that offer a convenient and efficient way to transport and store your clothing during a move. These boxes are built to accommodate hanging garments, eliminating the need to remove clothes from hangers then fold them into traditional boxes in order to pack.

The primary purpose of wardrobe boxes is to keep your clothes wrinkle-free and organized during the moving process. Equipped with a metal hanging bar that spans the width of the box, these boxes allow you to hang clothes just like you would in a closet. This not only saves time and effort but also ensures that your clothes stay in excellent condition.

When to Use Wardrobe Boxes

If you have a large collection of delicate garments such as dresses, suits, or formal wear, wardrobe boxes provide the perfect moving and storage solution. The sturdy construction and built-in hanging rod ensure that your clothes remain wrinkle-free and protected during the move. There’s no need to worry about folding and unfolding your delicate items, as they can be transferred from your closet directly to the wardrobe box without ever leaving the hanger.

Wardrobe boxes are also a great choice for packing and storing seasonal clothing, like winter coats, jackets, or costumes. Instead of stuffing these items into standard moving boxes, simply hang them inside the wardrobe box then move this box into storage.

In addition to clothing, wardrobe boxes are ideal for packing other items as well, such as curtains, bedding, and even shoes since the spacious design of these boxes allows you to store items at the bottom of the box while clothing hangs from the bar.

Wardrobe Box Sizes

U-Haul offers a range of wardrobe box sizes to accommodate different needs. Let's take a closer look at the different options available:

Small Wardrobe Box 24” x 24” x 34” (W x L x H) Holds approximately 24 inches of closet space Ideal for shorter items like shirts, blouses, and skirts Shorty Wardrobe Box (in-store pick up only) 24” x 20” x 34” (W x L x H) Same benefits, but with a narrow design to fit into your car.
Medium Wardrobe Box 18” x 21” x 46” (W x L x H) Narrow design allows for easier storage (fits inside most closets) Ideal for winter coats, pants, dresses, footwear, and longer garments
Large Wardrobe Box 24” x 24” x 48” (W x L x H) 14 cubic feet of clothing storage space Ideal for dresses, suits, and jackets Can also be used to pack large furniture and other bulky items Grand Wardrobe Box (in-store pick up only) 24” x 20” x 34” (W x L x H) Same benefits, but with a narrow design to fit into your car.
Laydown Wardrobe Box 36-1/4” x 21” x 10-1/2” (W x L x H) 6 cubic feet of storage space Ideal for folded garments, linens, shoes, and seasonal items Fits under most beds; wide enough for most hangers

When determining how many wardrobe boxes you will need, consider the number of clothes you have, the type of garments, and their length. It's always a good idea to measure your closet space beforehand to ensure you choose an appropriate number of wardrobe boxes.

Here are a few tips to maximize your space and efficiency when using wardrobe boxes:

• Utilize the bottom of the box for heavier or non-hanging items like shoes or folded pants.
• Place lighter or more delicate items on top of these bottom items to avoid crushing them when transporting the box.
• Hang clothes on the built-in metal hanging bar to prevent them from wrinkling or losing their shape.

By following these tips and selecting the appropriate wardrobe box size, you can ensure that your clothes stay well-organized and protected during your move or storage period.

Where Can I Buy Wardrobe Boxes for Moving?

There are several options for purchasing wardrobe boxes. The most convenient option is to buy online through uhaul.com or the U-Haul app. After selecting your boxes, you can ship your order directly to your home, pick it up from your local U-Haul center, or even have it delivered to your doorstep using U-Haul’s same-day (or next-day) delivery. Of course, you can also visit any U-Haul center to shop for wardrobe boxes in-person too.

How to Pack a Wardrobe Box

Packing clothes in wardrobe boxes will keep your garments organized and protected during a move. Follow this step-by-step guide on how to pack a wardrobe box to ensure a smooth and effective packing process:

1. Sort and declutter: Before packing, go through your wardrobe to decide which clothes you want to keep, donate, or even discard. This will inherently reduce the number of items that you need to pack and also make unpacking at your new home easier.
2. Prepare the boxes: Assemble the wardrobe boxes and make sure they are clean and sturdy. Check for any damages or weak spots that could compromise the safety of your clothes during the move.
3. Use the right hangers: Transfer your hanging clothes onto sturdy hangers that still easily fit into the wardrobe boxes. Avoid using wire hangers since they may cause damage to your garments by bending or snagging the fabric.
4. Group and categorize: Sort your clothes by category (dresses, shirts, pants, etc.) or season (spring, summer, fall, winter) to ease your unpacking and organizing process.
5. Fill the bottom: Start by placing heavier items, like shoes or folded sweaters, at the bottom of the wardrobe box. This will provide a stable base for the wardrobe box before filling up the hanging bar.
6. Hang the clothes: Hang your clothes in the wardrobe box, making sure that they are not too tightly packed. Leave enough space between items to prevent wrinkles and potential damage from abrasions when moving.
7. Fill gaps and secure: Fill any gaps or empty spaces in the box with socks, scarves, or other small clothing items. This will help keep your clothes in place and minimize shifting inside the box during transportation.
8. Seal the box: Once the wardrobe box is full, securely close and seal the top with paper packing tape. Label the box with its contents and the room where the contents belong in order streamline your unpacking process.

When packing clothes in wardrobe boxes, it's important to follow these tips to ensure that your garments stay organized and protected:

• Use garment bags or plastic covers to further shield your clothes from dust, debris, and moisture (rain, an accidental spill, etc.).
• Avoid overpacking your boxes, as this can cause your clothes to become wrinkled or even damaged if a box is stuffed to the brim.
• Keep delicate or valuable items separate from other closet items, and consider packing these in a different box to preserve them.

By following these guidelines on how to pack a wardrobe box, you can pack your clothes with confidence and ease, making your move a breeze.

Benefits of U-Haul Wardrobe Boxes

Durable Construction

One of the key features of U-Haul wardrobe boxes is their sturdy construction. Made from thick, double-walled, corrugated cardboard, these boxes are built to withstand the rigors of moving. The reinforced edges and bottom ensure that these boxes are resistant to being crushed or punctured, providing peace of mind throughout your moving process.

Metal Hanging Bar Included

U-Haul wardrobe boxes come with a convenient metal hanging bar that sits flush against the outside of the box (unlike others' wardrobe boxes). This bar allows you to hang your clothes directly onto the bar inside of the box, just like you would in a closet. This not only keeps your garments wrinkle-free but also makes unpacking so easy. You simply transfer your packed clothes from the box to your new closet, saving tons of time and effort.

Built-In Handles

U-Haul wardrobe boxes are also designed with built-in perforated handles. These perforated holes allow for easier carrying and lifting, as well as better air flow and circulation inside the box. Some U-Haul wardrobe boxes feature a second set of slanted handles to easily maneuver the box around corners and through doorways.

With their exceptional features and reliability, U-Haul wardrobe boxes are the go-to choice for safely packing and storing your clothes. Trust U-Haul to make your moving experience easier.