How to Pack Clothes For Moving: A Step-by-Step Guide
The bedroom closet is often one of the last areas to be packed. All too often the process is rushed, resulting in boxes randomly stuffed with miscellaneous pieces of clothing. Not only is this a hassle to unpack, but it can also lead to unsightly creases, damaged fabrics, and other issues.
That is why we recommend taking your time and using the right packing materials and techniques when packing your wardrobe. This way, your vintage t-shirt, wedding dress, best suit jacket, and other prized pieces of attire remain in pristine condition throughout the move.
Ready to get started? Use this step-by-step guide to pack your clothing for moving like a pro.
Before You Pack
We recommend doing some prep work with your wardrobe about several weeks before you plan to move. These tasks may seem like a chore, but they will make the packing and unpacking process more efficient and stress-free.
Clean and Purge Your Closet
Start with getting rid of clothing that you simply don’t need. It could be a t-shirt you haven’t worn in years, clothing that children have outgrown, or shoes that have seen better days. Whatever the case, it’ll save you time and effort to purge your closet of these items prior to packing. Plus, when you unpack at your new space, you’ll have less to do and have more space to work with.
You have options, too. Many simply donate gently worn clothing and footwear to local shelters or donation centers. This choice is the fastest and it helps someone in need. If you have the time, you can sell your old clothing to a thrift store or via an online marketplace. This takes more effort, but it might be worth it if you have valuable pieces of clothing that you wish to recoup the cost on.
Of course, if you’re downsizing and have other items you need to get rid of as well, like electronics, furniture, and appliances, it might be worth it to have a yard sale before you begin packing. You could potentially find a loving home for your stuff and pocket some extra cash in the process.
Group Clothes By Category
The next step is to sort your clothes by category. Start this process closer to moving day – about a week or so should be fine. You can group by type (pants, shirts, etc.) or season. This will make it easier to pack your clothes efficiently and ensure that nothing is left behind. Categorizing also helps the unpacking process, as you’ll know exactly where your favorite jeans are when you need them, saving you from rifling through a stack of boxes.
Use Smart Labeling System available exclusively on the U-Haul App to keep track of your clothing and other household items while moving and storing.
Best Ways to Move Clothes
With your wardrobe pared down, you can begin the packing process. One of the first steps is deciding how you'll be packing your clothing. Learn more about some of the popular methods below.
Using Wardrobe Boxes
Wardrobe boxes are the best way to move clothes on hangers. Not only are they exceptional at protecting clothes during the move – even long distance moves and moves that require storage – but they also help with organization and make packing faster. Transfer your hanging clothes directly from the closet to the box. Your clothes stay wrinkle-free and you’ll do less work in the process.
U-Haul offers a variety of wardrobe boxes to accommodate the different shapes and sizes of clothing:
- Grand Wardrobe Box – For dresses, suit paints, coats, and other oversized garments.
- Space Saver Wardrobe Box – For jackets, pants, dresses, and other longer garments.
- Shorty Wardrobe Box – For shirts, blouses, sport coats, folded pants, and other smaller clothing.
- Laydown Wardrobe Box – For folded clothing, shoes, linens, and hats.
Using Standard Moving Boxes
If you already picked up plenty of standard moving boxes from your local U-Haul store, those will work fine. Just be sure to follow these tips for packing clothing in a box:
- Don’t Overstuff – Although clothing is often light, it can be heavy in bulk, so don’t overstuff. That could crush your clothing or make your boxes too heavy to manage.
- Use Smaller Boxes – The best standard moving boxes for clothing are medium and small boxes. Save your large and extra-large moving boxes for large, light items.
- Pack Heavy to Light – Pack the heavier clothing like denim, hoodies, and jackets on the bottom of the box and pack lighter clothes like t-shirts, undergarments, and pajamas on top.
Going the DIY Route
Remember when you moved to college, or moved out of your parents’ house for the first time? You didn’t have money for boxes, so you made do with what you had. You can still go that route, just be aware that these methods aren’t best for protecting clothing long term.
- Suitcases and Duffel Bags – A solid choice for short-term packing of folded clothing. However, your space will be limited and you can’t pack hanging clothing.
- Drawstring Trash Bags – Not recommended, but in a pinch, you can pack hanging clothing in a plastic garbage bag. Wrap the bag over the clothes and leave the hooks exposed for carrying.
- Laundry Baskets – Probably the least effective method when it comes to protection and organization, but it will save you time. Just don't mix up the dirties with the cleans!
How to Pack Hanging Clothing
Now it's time to start hanging your clothes in your U-Haul wardrobe boxes. Start by opening the box and inserting the metal hanging rod into the pre-cut slots at the top of the box. Make sure the rod is securely in place before you start hanging your clothes. Transfer your clothes from the closet to the box. After your clothes are packed, secure the box with Box/Paper Packing Tape. It’s that easy!
How to Pack Non-Hanging Clothes
Fold any clothes that do not need to be hung. Use ink-free packing paper to protect delicate fabrics, such as silk or cashmere. Place these folded clothes in a U-Haul box, taking care not to overstuff the box. Leave enough space for the box to close properly without putting too much pressure on the contents.
Non-hanging clothes can be packed in cardboard boxes, suitcases, duffel bags, and plastic totes. Be sure not to mix delicates with anything that could damage the materials, such as shoes or denim.
You can also pack folded clothes at the bottom of your wardrobe boxes!
Folding Methods
- Military Fold – This fold is like rolling up a sleeping bag. Use it for t-shirts, blouses, and underwear. It’s great for maximizing space in a duffel bag or suitcase.
- Flat Fold – Your standard fold for putting clothing in a dresser. It’s best suited for jeans, sweaters, and other large, soft items being packed in moving boxes.
Tips For Vacuum Sealing
Vacuum sealing your garments is a terrific way to maximum space in your moving boxes. Use vacuum seal bags with hanging clothes, non-hanging clothes, linens, and other bulky fabric items. Once sealed, your clothing can be neatly stacked in moving boxes, suitcases, and duffel bags more efficiently. You can also vacuum seal hanging clothes to save space in your wardrobe boxes!
Packing Made Easier (sm)
When you’re ready to get your wardrobe packed and moved to your new space, find all the best packing supplies, boxes, and other materials you need to get the job done. Shop for your supplies online and receive Same Day delivery or FREE in-store pickup to get your move started quicker!