As someone who has moved to a different country twice, I know that finding the best way to pack clothes for moving is crucial.
Before Packing
Simply folding and stuffing items into suitcases and boxes can lead to chaos on the moving day. In addition to finding affordable moving companies, there are some quick tips to make the packing process smoother:
Decide What to Keep
Take everything out of the closet and sort it into three piles: keep, donate, and sell. Only keep items that are in good condition, fit well, and hold sentimental value or were worn within the last year.Donate gently-used clothes that don't fit into the "keep" category, and sell well-maintained trendy items or those in high demand that you no longer need. You can sell them at online marketplaces or host a yard sale.
Arrange Clothes
Not all clothes have the same function or significance, and you can categorize them by material, season, type, and person. Sorting by season is the most efficient way to avoid clutter after the move because these clothes are usually stored away at the end of the closet. Categorizing by type, such as pants, shirts, and dresses, helps you better organize your closet after the move. However, it's important to separate items for each individual.Organize each closet separately and label boxes and bags for an easier unpacking experience.
Selecting the Appropriate Clothing Packing Method
Once you have sorted and purged your clothes, you need to decide on the best way to transport them. There are several options, depending on the type of clothing and your carrying method:
Cardboard boxes: Great for packing folded clothes.
- Wardrobe boxes: Perfect for hanging clothes to make the unpacking process quicker and easier.
- Suitcases and duffel bags: A good alternative to cardboard boxes for folded clothes and shoes.
- Vacuum bags: Useful for condensing bulky items like jackets and winter coats.
- Packing Non-Hanging Clothes
- Packing non-hanging clothes is the most challenging part of moving. These items need to be folded and packed in a suitcase or moving box.
The way you fold or roll your clothes for packing can make the process easier or more challenging. By using the right folding method, you can save space and reduce the number of containers needed for the move, making unpacking easier in your new home.
There are various folding methods to choose from, but some of the most helpful ones are:
The flat fold method is ideal for bulky items like jeans and sweaters, which can be packed in cardboard boxes or vacuum bags.
The military roll method is best for small or delicate items like shirts and dresses, which can be packed in suitcases or duffle bags.
The best way to move hanging clothes is by keeping them on hangers as much as possible. This is the easiest and most wrinkle-free way to transport clothes. Most closets have at least one rack of hanging clothing, including dresses, blouses, collared shirts, and dress pants.
Fortunately, there are several easy and quick ways to pack hanging clothes:
- Use a wardrobe box, which is specifically designed to transport hanging clothes and comes with a hanger bar.
- Use drawstring trash bags to slip your clothes inside while holding onto the hangers, and then tighten the drawstrings around the hanger hooks. Alternatively, you can cut a small hole at the bottom of the bag and pass the hanger hooks through it before securing the hooks with a rubber band or string.
- Use garment bags to protect delicate items from getting dirty or damaged during the move. Garment bags are readily available online or at a local dry cleaner.
Flat Fold Method:
This is the most traditional way to fold clothes. To do this, lay the shirt face down and flat on the floor. Then, fold both sleeves in towards the middle of the shirt. Once both sides have been folded in, fold the bottom half of the shirt up. Smooth out any wrinkles. For pants, fold one leg over the other, then fold in thirds and smooth out wrinkles.Military Rolling Method:
Another commonly used folding method for packing clothes is military rolling. To use this method, lay the shirt flat, fold the bottom a few inches up, and turn it inside out. Fold the sleeves inwards, fold the shirt in half, and start rolling it from the top of the shirt to the bottom. After rolling the shirt, fold the bottom pouch over the rolled-up shirt. Alternatively, you can roll the clothes item as tightly as possible and put it in a box or bag.The KonMari Method:
These folding techniques can help you utilize the space in your suitcase or box efficiently while keeping your clothes tidy and wrinkle-free throughout your relocation. Among these methods is the KonMari folding technique, which was developed by Marie Kondo. This technique involves folding one side of the shirt towards the center, doing the same for the other side, then folding the shirt lengthwise while leaving a little gap at the edge.Lastly, fold the shirt in half or thirds and make sure to stand it upright when packing it in a moving box or suitcase to maximize the space.