Move it Smooth — Proper Folding and Packing Techniques for Bedding

Learn the best practices for folding sheets, duvets, blankets and pillows when packing for relocation. Follow these methods to neatly fit bulky bedding.

Bedding is bulky and challenging of packing materials near me well for moving. Improperly folded sheets, duvets, blankets and pillows take up abundant space and emerge incredibly wrinkled.

Use these techniques to neatly and compactly pack bed linens to minimize creases:

Set Aside Linens Needed During Move

Before packing, separate out bedding you’ll need while in transition between homes. This allows access to linens while packed belongings are in transit or storage.

• Sheets and pillows for temporary lodging
• Travel blankets for the moving truck
• Compact pillow and blanket for plane rides

You don’t want necessities packed away when required during an extended move. Keep needed bedding handy in suitcases.

Photograph Bed Layouts

Take photos of your current bedroom layouts and bedding placements before dismantling. This allows easy replication of your preferred linen arrangements when unpacking in new bedrooms.

Wash and Dry Bedding Beforehand

Washing sheets, duvet covers, shams and blankets eliminates dust and odors that accumulate over time. Clean linen will feel fresh in your new home.

• Wash and dry on highest heat settings to sanitize and remove stains.
• Remove from dryer immediately to avoid wrinkling.

Wash pillows or dry clean non-washable comforters. Freshening bedding makes for a healthy, hygienic move.

Iron if Needed

If washed linens are wrinkled, take time to properly iron and fold while still accessible at current home. This prevents packing in creases.

Fold Sheets Using “Department Store” Method

The same technique retail stores use to neatly fold bed sheets keeps them wrinkle-free when moving.

1. Shake sheets out completely and smooth flat.
2. Fold sheet in half lengthwise with edges aligned.
3. Fold in half widthwise.
4. Fold into thirds lengthwise to create tall rectangular bundle.
5. Fold rectangle in thirds horizontally.

This compact cube distributes sheet fabric evenly to prevent creases. Pack cubes upright in a row to maximize box space.

Use Packing Paper Between Folds

Place sheets of packing paper between each sheet when stacking multiple folded sheet cubes. This cushions and prevents compression wrinkles when packed under weight.

Neatly Roll Out-of-Season Comforters

Off-season comforters and duvets prone to wrinkling should roll rather than fold:

1. Lay comforter flat with batting inside.
2. Tightly roll lengthwise from bottom up.
3. Secure rolled comforter with ribbon or string.
4. Stand rolls upright in box to avoid weight flattening them.

The tight tubular roll minimizes creases in bulky comforters. Store flat for other seasons.

Use Space Saving Storage Bags

Insert tightly-rolled comforters and duvets into large space saver bags. Vacuum seal bags to compress for compact packing.

Keep Pillows Clean and Contained

Use clean pillowcases or bags to protect pillows in transit:

• Encase pillows in new pillowcases and tie ends to secure.
• For extra protection, also place stuffed pillowcases inside plastic bags. Remove air.
• Pack pillows tightly together upright in a sturdy box that won’t crush.

Containers keep pillows compressed and contained to minimize space used. It also prevents filth or rips to pillow exteriors.

Limit Box Weight

Heavy items stacked atop pillow boxes flattens them. Keep pillow box weight reasonable so movers can position them appropriately.

Pad and Support Bulky Items

Add padding protection between folded linens and position bulky bedding wisely:

• Pad bottom of boxes with sheets or wrapping paper.
• Arrange rolled comforters and pillow boxes along bottom for support.
• Fill gaps around bulky items with packing paper to stabilize.
• Keep heavier boxes underneath when stacking.

Proper positioning and padding prevents shifting and flatten that wrinkles bedding fabrics.