Moving requires quite a bit of logistics particularly when it comes to packing up your home. While you may spend a lot of time thinking about how to prepare larger items or breakable possessions for moving, you may not spend a lot of time thinking about packing your clothes. However, packing clothes efficiently can definitely make your moving process easier and less stressful. Let’s take a look at the ins and outs of packing clothes for moving cross country.
How to Pack Clothes for Moving: Handy Packing Tips & Techniques
The first thing to consider is tips for how to efficient pack clothing. With this in mind, here are some of our top tips from years of professional moving experience.
Plan Your Wardrobe
Before you put a single item in a box, the first thing that you want to do is plan your wardrobe for the next week. Depending on how far you are moving, you may only need to pack for a few days. Check the weather conditions of your current residence and your new location. Be sure to also consider tasks that require special outfits like working on a home or going into the office. Keep these clothes aside to go with you when you move.
Pack Out of Season Clothes First
If you are getting a head start on packing up your home, packing your out of season clothes first is a great way to begin getting things into boxes. If it is April, you can rest assured you won’t be needing winter clothes anytime soon. Boxing these up ahead of time can help you maximize your preparation time. Just be sure to label boxes more specifically. For example, labeling “winter clothes” or “coats” instead of “clothes” will help you prioritize the unpacking process as well.
Consider Wardrobe Boxes
There are many things such as t-shirts and jeans that can easily be packed into standard boxes. However, for nicer clothing and things you don’t want to get overly wrinkled, consider purchasing a few wardrobe boxes. These allow you to hang your clothing upright. This prevents wrinkles and can save you some ironing time for when you unpack.
Socks & Underwear Make Great Filler
You’ve probably noticed that you have lots of space in some of your boxes. This space does not have to go unused. In fact, maximizing the use of space is a great way to reduce the total number of boxes that you have to deal with. Fortunately, you get pack your underwear and socks by using them to fill the gaps in other boxes. This helps you to be more efficient and eases the unpacking process as well. Just be sure to note which boxes you put them in.
Delicates and Shoes Need Special Attention
Many people don’t hesitate to toss their delicate items and shoes in a box; however, this is not the best practice as these types of clothing can be damaged when stuffed into a box. Instead, be sure to pack your delicates and shoes separately. In fact, saving shoe boxes is a great idea and makes it really easy to pack shoes. Return them to their boxes then place those boxes in a larger box.
Maximize Luggage
Want to save on the number of boxes you have to find? Use your luggage to pack up clothes. A suitcase is great for bringing clothes you’ll wear during the move, but if you have lots of extra luggage, put it to use by packing clothes. This will help save space as well. When packing clothes in luggage, you can roll them into small bundles to maximize what will fit.
Consider Vacuum Packed Bags
Vacuum packed clothing bags, also known as “space bags,” are great choices for packing clothing, particularly your off-season clothing. These allow clothing to be vacuum sealed which sucks all the air out of the packages. As a result, you will be able to fit a larger amount of clothing in a smaller space.
What Not to Pack When Moving
While knowing how to pack is important, knowing what not to pack is also something to consider when it is time to move. Here is a quick list of things to consider.
Clothes You Need During the Move
As mentioned above, you definitely want to ensure that you have adequate clothing during the move. Consider the different purposes and weather conditions. You don’t want to pack too much, but definitely don’t want to end up missing a critical item either. Carry these with you in your vehicle.
Things That Don’t Fit (And Probably Won’t Anytime Soon)
While it is perfectly acceptable to want to pack something just a size or two away from fitting again, there are probably items that aren’t going to fit anytime soon or ever. For example, children’s clothes that have been outgrown. Maybe you have a pair of jeans that are six sizes too big. These are great items to discard or sale. In fact, prior to moving is a great time for a garage sale.
Things You Never Wear
Chances are you have some clothing that you haven’t worn in a while. A good rule of thumb is to set a guideline. For example, only pack things you have worn in the past one or two years unless they have a very special or sentimental purpose. This will help you go minimalistic with your wardrobe for better organisation. It can also free up space to get new items after you move.
Final Thoughts
Moving is difficult work. At Rent-a-Son Toronto, we are happy to work with you to help plan a friendly, stress free moving. Feel free to follow us for more moving tips or consult us to assist with your next move. Happy packing!