Clothes are probably one of the easiest item on the list when you’re planning a move, whether you are DIY-ing or enlisting the services of a professional NYC mover (or wherever else you’re based) to do the work for you.
That’s because theoretically, there is no wrong way to pack clothes. I mean, they are not like dishes that will break if mishandled. Or furniture that is susceptible to breakage and scratches.
For clothing, you could just as well toss everything into a box and get on with it. However, there lies a small problem: the way it all goes in is the way it comes out. If you pack haphazardly, what comes out the other end will be chaos (and vice-versa).
Moving is stressful enough, and the last thing you want is to spend your first week post-move ironing shirts and trying to find matches for the socks.
Here are 5 tips on how best to pack your clothes when moving.
Choose What Clothes to take with You
The first thing you need to do before all else is determine what you will be carrying and what you’ll be leaving behind. Many people make the mistake of hauling everything in the closet, including clothes they no longer find useful.
Old stuff piles up old energies, and at the risk of sounding like a Feng Shui expert, it will do your wellbeing some good to rid yourself of it.
Moving is a perfect time to do just that.
Plus, there is always the added bonus of trimming your moving bill when you weed out clothes that no longer serve you!
Consider Wardrobe Boxes
When it comes to hanging clothing, the best way to move them is just as they sit in the closet: hanging.
Wardrobe boxes are available for purchase and allow you to move clothes without folding or crumpling them.
If you are moving on a budget or want to keep your moving costs even lower, consider DIY wardrobe boxes. You will still need boxes, of course, (and pull strings) but this is way cheaper than purchasing their ready-made counterparts.
Don’t worry, you can find plenty of resources online on how to prepare a wardrobe box. Just make sure to read a few prior to sourcing the boxes.
Another option you can consider is putting your hanging clothes in vacuum bags or garbage bags.
Leave In-dresser Clothes as is
If you have a portable dresser, there is no need to take the clothes out and put them in separate boxes.
In an ideal world, your mover won’t have an issue with you leaving the clothing in the drawers. They will just tape the drawers shut and use plastic wrap to secure the dresser, although this will depend on the type of furniture.
In the event the moving service doesn’t consent to this approach, get yourself some boxes and opt for one of two options.
If the drawers are not too large, you can pull them out and fit them in the moving box(es) with the clothing inside still intact. Alternatively, just go with the conventional method of arranging your folded clothes in boxes designated for the clothes.
Make use of Suitcases
Odds are you have a suitcase or two lying around.
Instead of purchasing extra moving boxes for the clothes, the suitcases might as well double up for moving duty.
The Shoes go Separately
Don’t dump your shoes along with the clothes. Pack your shoes separately, making sure to stuff them with paper, before wrapping each pair with newsprint or packing paper.
Tie each individual bundle, then box the shoes up neatly.
Voila!