Moving day is drawing near. You open the closet, and chaos is all you can see. Shirts crumpled into jumpers, a sock hanging on for dear life, and what might be your old stored winter coat lurking in the back. The thought of sorting it all out? Not exactly thrilling.
Tossing it all into a sack is the easy option, but it never ends well. There’s a better route – one that saves time, spares your back, and keeps your outfits looking decent on the other side.
Here’s how to pack your clothes for moving without giving in to the mess, whether you’re heading across town or halfway around the world.
Table of Contents
When should you start packing clothes for moving?
Ideally, give yourself a head start—roughly two or three weeks before go-time. Sounds early, but future you will be grateful.
Begin with what you’re not wearing right now. That jumper buried in the back? The flip-flops mocking you in the middle of winter? You can tuck those away without thinking about it twice.
Then, take it slow. Pack a drawer one day and a shelf the next. There’s no need to frantically scramble the night before you’re leaving.
By stretching out your entire process, packing clothes for moving becomes less of a chore and more of an exciting countdown to your new place.
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Start by sorting out your wardrobe
If you’re wondering how to pack up clothes for moving, start with proper wardrobe decluttering. It really streamlines the process.
Set up three areas for sorting: items you’re keeping, things for the charity shop, and anything that’s beyond saving.
Clothes that have been stored long-term and you haven’t worn in the past year, those that no longer fit, or any that are worn out probably shouldn’t make the move with you.
Begin with what you reach for most. Give priority to the light layers, and the heavier items come later. This will speed things up and the mess will disappear bit by bit. You’ll definitely notice the difference.
With a clearer system in place, packing clothes for moving won’t feel like such a mountain to climb.
Make sure your clothes are clean before packing
Should you wash clothes before packing to move? Absolutely. This can seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people throw dirty laundry into boxes when they’re rushing about.
Clean clothes aren’t just nicer to deal with. Nothing ruins a fresh start like opening your things to find that telltale musty smell. Even worse, moisture left behind can lead to mildew, especially if your move involves long transit or storage delays.
If you’re packing clothes for moving cross country, do yourself a favour by starting with everything clean and completely dry. Deal with any marks or spills early, and avoid sealing anything damp inside containers.
The payoff is huge when you arrive at your new place. Instead of facing mountains of washing on top of everything else, you can wear your clothes straight away. It’s much better than spending your first week in a new country doing laundry when you should be exploring.
Folding clothes for a move
What works best comes down to your space limits, the kind of wardrobe you’re relocating, and whether the journey is local or long-haul.
If you’re figuring out how to easily pack clothes for moving, there are a few clever tricks that can simplify the entire thing. These methods keep your outfits in good nick, speed things up, and help you avoid a crumpled mess at the other end.
Flat folding
This one is a staple for a reason. Lay each piece flat and smooth it out by hand. Tuck in sleeves or pant legs, and then fold once more into a tidy block. It works especially well for anything structured that you’d rather not see crumpled on arrival.
When stacking, start with all your heavy items at the base and layer the lighter ones above. This maintains balance and keeps the softer clothes from getting crushed at the bottom.
The army roll
When you’re short on space, try this method. Fold the hem up a bit to make a pocket, tuck in the sleeves or legs, and then roll the whole thing up tight. Once it’s rolled, pull that hem pocket over the end to hold it all in place.
This is perfect for T‑shirts, leggings, and sports wear, as it’s quite compact, and your garments will come out ready to wear.
Bundle wrapping
Place a larger item, such as a jumper or coat, and stack smaller garments in the centre, and then fold the larger piece around them to form a compact bundle. This keeps full outfits together and reduces creasing.
It works especially well in larger boxes, where the wrapped bundle can sit snugly without shifting around.
Choose the best packing method for your wardrobe
The best way to pack clothes for moving isn’t one‑size‑fits‑all. What works for jeans won’t always work for a silk dress, and bulky coats have their own rules.
A short hop across town? You can get away with a few shortcuts. Moving overseas? You’ll want something sturdier. The trick is figuring out how to pack clothes based on distance, space, and the types of garments you’re dealing with.
Packing clothes in boxes
Cardboard boxes seem boring, but they get the job done. Folded or rolled clothes sit neatly inside, and boxes stack well without caving in. Plus, they’re quite easy to label.
As you’re packing clothes in boxes for moving, start heavy with items like jeans and sweaters, and then go lighter as you fill the box. It stops delicate fabrics from getting squashed and makes the load more balanced.
Opting for moving boxes for clothes makes unpacking far easier, especially when each box is sorted by season, type, or family member.
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Packing hanging clothes for moving
Some pieces just don’t fold well. That’s where moving boxes for hanging clothes come in handy. These wardrobe boxes for moving come with a rail inside, so you can lift garments straight from your wardrobe and slot them in.
Want to skip buying them? Try the bin‑bag trick. Gather five to ten hanging items, slide a large bag over them from the bottom, poke the hooks through a hole in the base, and tie the bottom shut.
It’s not glamorous, but it keeps them together and clean for short moves, which is great for anyone learning how to pack clothes for moving with hangers on a budget.
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Packing clothes in suitcases and duffel bags
Suitcases aren’t just for holidays. They’re solid, have handles, and are great for heavier items.
Roll bulkier clothes at the bottom, fill the gaps with smaller bits, and zip it shut. It’s a smart option if you’re looking for the best way to pack clothes in a suitcase and want those clothes ready to wear as soon as you land in the new place.
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Using vacuum bags
Compression bags are brilliant for big, puffy things, such as winter coats, bedding, and jumpers. They’re one of the most effective options for packing clothes to save space while still keeping everything safe and sound.
They reduce the volume by around 75–80%, protecting clothes from dust and moisture while freeing up valuable moving space. Vacuum bags are delicate though, so put the packed clothes inside boxes to avoid pressure points.
Can you keep clothes in drawers when moving?
Sometimes you can. If the dresser is sturdy and the clothes are light, leaving them inside saves packing time. Just tape or wrap the drawers so they stay shut.
If you’re heading far or hauling delicate furnishings, it’s wise not to leave anything inside. Stuffed drawers add weight, shift around in transit, and can put extra stress on the furniture itself.
Remove everything first. When packing clothes for moving long-distance, keep them separate for a much smoother trip and to reduce the risk of damage halfway. Your back and your dresser will thank you.
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Is it better to pack clothes in boxes or bags when moving?
This highly depends on what you’re bringing and how neat you want to find things when you’re unpacking.
Moving boxes for clothes are amazing. You can easily stack them and they will not slide around inside your moving truck. Besides, they will keep your precious belongings from turning into a wild mess.
On the other hand, bags are much faster to fill up, especially with bulky items like winter coats or sweaters. A large duffel bag or a heavy-duty moving bag is great for any odd-shaped items that just won’t fit in a square box.
Bags are not the best for stacking though. They’ll slide around, collapse, and maybe squish your nicer clothes, which is not ideal for delicate fabrics or anything that needs to stay crisp.
Most people end up doing a mix. Boxes for the everyday items that need to stay neat, and bags for the bulky casual clothes that can handle getting a bit wrinkled.
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Packing the clothes hangers for moving
Hangers seem harmless enough until you’re trying to pack them. Leave them loose, and they’ll tangle into one giant mess that somehow manages to scratch everything else in the box.
The easiest approach is bundling them together with rubber bands or zip ties. Group 10-15 hangers at a time. Put any more and the bundle will be hard to manage.
Once they’re secured, toss them in a bag or box so those metal hooks can’t grab onto your clothes or nick your furniture.
Tips for an organised unpacking
A few smart moves while packing can save you from chaos when you arrive at your new place. Here’s how to make unpacking way less painful:
- Pack an essentials box or bag – Throw in a few days’ worth of clothes, underwear, and at least one decent outfit so you’re not digging through random boxes looking for clean socks.
- Sort by category – Separate daily clothes and work outfits, for instance, from seasonal items.
- Label boxes clearly – Winter coats or work shirts instead of just clothes is the way to go. You’ll easily know which boxes to tackle first and where they belong.
With a little planning and smart packing, you’ll make settling into your new home smoother, quicker, and far less stressful.
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For questions about the services we offer visit our main site or you can always call us at 020 3746 0584
Takeaways
- Pack off-season clothes first, essentials last;
- Get rid of clothes you don’t wear before packing them;
- Match your packing method to what you’re packing;
- Label everything properly and keep the necessities within reach.
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