Packing Clothes for Moving: 10 Tips to Maximize Every Box & Bin
Learn how to efficiently organize clothing items in moving boxes and bins to save space and prevent wrinkling during a move.
Transporting a wardrobe during a move takes strategy. Packing clothes improperly results in boxes bursting with wrinkled fabric.
But with some clever folding methods and space-saving tricks, you can fit more garments neatly and tightly.
This article will explore tips to optimize packing clothing in moving cartons so your trusted moving companies like neighborhood movers can load garments efficiently.
Fold Items Categorically
Group and pack clothes into type categories — shirts together, pants together, etc. Then use optimized folding methods suited for each item. Folding similar garments uniformly maximizes available space.
Custom Folding for Each Type
Fold shirts using a different technique than slacks or dresses. Tailor folds to each style. Consistent techniques for categories give the most even, compact stacks.
Roll T-Shirts Tightly
Lay t-shirts face down and fold them into thirds lengthwise. Then take the sleeves and fold them inwards to meet at the collar in the center. Roll up tightly from bottom to top. Rolled shirts minimize space.
Don’t Just Ball Up Tees
Scrunching t-shirts randomly into balls creates lumps and gaps. Rolling them neatly prevents wasted space and wrinkling. Roll firmly for a snug cylindrical bundle.
Fold Pants Using Retail Store Method
Lay pants flat and fold them into thirds lengthwise. Then flip the sides in to meet at zipper and fold vertically into thirds again. This compact retail fold condenses slacks efficiently.
Avoid Just Rolling Pants
Rolling pants loosely doesn’t maximize real estate like the structured rectangular retail fold. The store method stacks uniformly, preventing gaps.
Put Socks and Underwear in Organizers
Pack socks and delicate unmentionables in plastic compartment boxes or mesh bags. This prevents stretching and retains shape. Multiple small bundles fill space better than loose piles.
Contained Small Items Save Room
Letting socks and undergarments loose increases disarray. Containing them streamlines the space and makes unpacking simpler too. Look for compartment boxes and lingerie bags.
Pack Heavy Items Below Lightweight
Place dense, heavy clothing like sweaters and jeans along the bottom of boxes. Pack lighter items like t-shirts and blouses on top. Bottom-heavy boxes are stacked uniformly.
Prevent Toppling Stacks
Box stacks that are top-heavy risk collapsing and crushing clothes. Density belongs on the bottom for solid, stable stacks that maximize vertical real estate.
Use Space Bags or Vacuum Storage Bags for Bulky Items
Extra bulky sweaters, coats, and comforters can be condensed with space-saver bags. Vacuum out the air and compress the contents down. This frees up space for more items in boxes.
Condense Puffy Garments
Don’t let the inherent puffiness of bulky items eat up box space. Squeeze the air out of massive coats, down vests, etc., and reduce their storage footprint.
Fill Small Gaps with Socks and Underwear
Use rolled socks and underwear bundles to plug small spacing gaps around larger folded clothes. Small items fit nicely into nooks and crannies, optimizing available rooms.
Make Use of Every Inch
Those little leftover spaces still have a purpose. Filling them with tiny clothing bundles eliminates wasted space and prevents shifting.
Put Shoes in Durable Plastic Totes
Protect footwear by packing in hard-sided plastic storage bins. Stackable totes prevent crushing, and see-through plastic lets you identify contents. Bins eliminate collapsing shoeboxes.
Shoeboxes Squish and Collapse
Though convenient, cardboard shoe boxes mash flat under pressure. Rigid clear totes keep shoes visible and protected from crushing.
Separate Delicates in Soft Totes or Laundry Bags
Pack lingerie, silk items, etc in softer mesh wash bags. Clear see-through bags let you discern contents while protecting delicates during transport. Soft bags prevent snags.
Shield Sheer and Silky Items
The abrasion from shifting in boxes damages slinky or lacy fabrics. Containing delicates in mesh bags adds a gentle barrier against rips or pulls.
Pad Empty Spaces with Packing Paper
Wad up packing paper and insert it into gaps within boxes to cushion clothes. Paper prevents jostling which causes wrinkles. Don’t overstuff, but fill voids intelligently.
Avoid Loose Movement
Clothing should fit snugly, not slosh around. Use paper padding to immobilize contents and prevent wrinkling from friction. But don’t overdo it.
With some smart space-saving tips, you can maximize the storage capacity of moving boxes and totes, protecting your wardrobe during relocation. Trust these packing pointers from professional movers to condense clothing wisely.