How to Pack a Closet for Moving

Whether you’re somewhat of hoarder or a full-on minimalist, packing a closet for moving can be tougher than you might think; it’s not quite as simple as tossing your garments in a box and calling it a day. If you have dress shirts, blouses, expensive suits, or other delicate items in your closet, you’ll be better off discovering how to pack clothes for moving the right way. Not only will this keep your clothing wrinkle-free, but it will also help you get organized and save time.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of how to pack a closet for moving, step by step.

1. Use Proper Packing Materials and Techniques

Using the right materials and techniques is essential to ensure the protection of your belongings. Here are some tips to help you pack your closet efficiently:

Choose Sturdy Moving Boxes or Wardrobe Boxes

Select boxes strong enough to hold your clothing and other items. U-Haul offers high-quality moving boxes designed to withstand the rigors of a move. Consider using wardrobe boxes with a built-in hanging rod to keep your clothes wrinkle-free and organized.

Here is our list of recommend moving boxes and packing supplies:

Wrap Delicate or Fragile Items in Tissue Paper

If you have delicate or fragile items in your closet, such as glassware or figurines, wrap them carefully to prevent breakage and place them in their own box. Use packing paper or bubble cushion to provide padding and protection during transit.

Securely Tape and Label Boxes

After packing your boxes, secure them properly to avoid mishaps during the move. Use strong packing tape to seal the boxes tightly, ensuring nothing falls out. Don’t forget to label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. This will make unpacking much easier and more efficient.

2. Purge Your Closet Before Packing

Before you start packing, it's crucial to declutter and organize your closet. Over time, closets tend to accumulate a variety of items, many of which you may no longer need. By purging your closet, you can streamline the moving process and bring only the essentials to your new home. Here’s how to do it:

Donate or Sell Unwanted Clothes: As you sort through your closet, set aside clothes you no longer wear or need. These items can be donated to local charities or sold online, giving you extra cash and freeing up closet space. Plus, you'll be helping those in need.

Create a Keep, Toss, Donate Pile: To make the sorting process easier, create three separate piles: one for items you want to keep, one for items to toss, and one for items to donate. Assess each item individually and be honest about whether you truly need it. The goal is to minimize the number of items you're packing.

Consider Seasonal Storage for Unused Items: If you come across seasonal items, such as winter coats or holiday decorations, that you won't need right away, consider storing them separately. This will reduce clutter in your closet, making it easier to pack and unpack. Learn more about storing winter clothes.

3. Clean Clothes Before Packing

Ensuring your clothes are clean before packing is essential. Follow these steps to clean your clothes properly:

Wash and Dry Clean Clothes: Separate your clothes into those that can be machine washed and those that require dry cleaning. For machine-washable items, follow the garment's care instructions, using mild detergent and the right water temperature. Allow the clothes to dry completely before packing.

Remove Stains and Odors: Inspect your clothes for any stains or odors. Treat stains with a suitable stain remover based on the fabric type. For odors, use fabric fresheners or place a dryer sheet between layers of folded clothes to keep them smelling fresh during the move.

Properly Fold or Hang Clean Clothes: Neatly folding your clothes maximizes space in your moving boxes. Fold items like t-shirts, jeans, and sweaters, and stack them. For delicate or wrinkle-prone items, use garment bags or hang them in wardrobe boxes to prevent creasing.

4. Sort Clothes by Category

Staying organized is crucial when packing your closet for a move. Sorting your clothes by category will make unpacking much smoother. Here are a few tips to get started:

Separate Clothes By Type: Begin by categorizing your clothes into groups such as tops, bottoms, dresses, etc. This makes it easier to find specific items when you unpack. Use garment bags or clear plastic bins to keep each category separate.

Organize Clothes By Season: Consider organizing your clothes by season. Pack out-of-season clothing first, as you won't need immediate access to them. Label the boxes or bags accordingly, so you know which ones have clothes for each season.

Label Boxes or Bags for Easy Unpacking: Simplify the unpacking process by labeling each box or bag with the category of clothes it has. Use color-coded labels or write the categories directly on the boxes. Even better, you can use the U-Haul My Belongings Organizer to keep track of your packed wardrobe on your phone. This way, you can easily find which boxes to unpack first when you arrive at your new home.

5. Maximize Space with Smart Packing Techniques

Maximizing space is key when packing a closet for a move. By using smart packing techniques, you can ensure all your belongings fit securely in your moving boxes. Here are several tips to help you pack efficiently:

Roll Clothes to Save Space

Instead of folding your clothes, try rolling them. Rolling saves space and helps prevent wrinkles. Lay your clothes flat and tightly roll them up. This technique allows you to fit more clothes in each box and makes unpacking easier too. If you've wondered how to roll clothes for packing, this is a simple and effective method.

Pack Smaller Items Inside Shoes or Accessories

Shoes and accessories like handbags or hats provide extra storage space. Use this space by packing smaller items inside them. For example, place socks inside shoes or jewelry inside a handbag. This way, you make use of every available inch and keep smaller items organized.

An added space-saving hack: repurpose your family’s suitcases and duffle bags and pack your vacuumed-sealed, folded clothing there! You can also pack shoes, blankets, sweaters, and many other non-hanging items in the bottom of your wardrobe boxes.

Vacuum seal and use garment bags

Garment bags are used to protect delicate clothes from humidity and dust, making them an ideal solution for items like wedding dresses and other sentimental items. Bulky items like comforters, pillows, and winter coats can take up a lot of space. Use vacuum-sealed bags to remove excess air, making your items more compact and freeing up valuable space in your boxes.

Keep Things Separated

It may be tempting to maximize space as best you can by combining shoes, clothing and accessories in the same boxes. But the truth is you’re better off keeping your items separated, especially if they’re delicate or fragile. It’s all too easy for softer items like hats to be crushed and lose their shape under the weight of heavy clothing or shoes. Use a Small or Medium Box for each category of garment instead.

Is packing a garage next on your list?
 

If so, check out our article on How to Pack a Garage for Moving.

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Looking for packing supplies or more packing tips? U-Haul has a solution for you. Discover these helpful packing tips then shop for moving and packing supplies to get your move going.

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