When it comes to moving clothes, it helps to be organised. Most families like to start their packing weeks in advance so that everything gets boxed up bit by bit. For most households, this is usually the only practical way to prepare for a move as many people are working or busy taking care of the kids. But before you start, make sure you do the necessary planning and source the right packing materials.
Cardboard boxes are a popular choice for most personal items, including clothing and accessories. But what are the best boxes for packing clothes? Here we look at all the things you need, as well as some advice on how to pack like a pro.
Best boxes for packing clothes
The ideal boxes for packing clothes when you move house are strong, sturdy cardboard boxes that can be easily assembled and reused again. We highly recommend flattening your cardboard boxes and storing them away until you need them again to save money. Reusing is also fantastic for the environment and is much better than recycling due to the energy required for recycling and re-manufacturing.
The boxes you choose should also be made of quality cardboard so that it is durable enough for transit and to be used again. A standard-size cardboard box is 1.5 cubic feet, which is ideal for heavy items such as books or crockery. But for clothing, you can go up to 3 cubic feet for lightweight materials.
With our packing and moving service, we also sell strong and sturdy packing materials. We can also advise you on what you need to buy for the items you own and can create tailored solutions for your home.
Alternatives to boxes
As well as cardboard boxes, there are other ways you can transport your clothes during a house move. Here are some ideas:
- Suitcases
Most people own suitcases at home and these are ideal for packing clothes. Not only will this save space in the moving van, but their wheels make them easy to handle too.
- Wardrobe boxes
This type of box is designed specifically for clothing on their hangers. If you have items that you don’t want to get creased (such as ball gowns and silk dresses, suits or formal jackets, or delicate items), wardrobe boxes are ideal. They feature a metal hanging rail to keep everything upright during transportation.
- Vacuum bags
Compression bags are extremely handy for space-saving. Many people use these already to store away seasonal items in a compact way. If you have them at home or don’t mind investing in some, they are a great alternative to boxes.
- Duffel bags
Large duffel bags, weekend bags and gym bags should be utilised if you own them. If your bags are awkward in shape, rolling your clothes may be better than folding them.
How to pack your clothes
Packing your clothes can be done in several ways. Here are the different methods:
- The flat folding method
This is the simplest way to pack your clothes. For shirts and t-shirts, fold one side and the sleeve towards the middle, repeat on the other side, and then fold the bottom half up. Trousers should be folded with one leg on top of the other leg, then folded into thirds. All pieces of clothing should be folded to the same size and shape, making them easier to pack into boxes or suitcases.
- The military rolling method
Maximise space in your boxes by rolling your clothes. For shirts and t-shirts, place it flat in front of you take the bottom few inches and turn this section inside out. Fold both sides and sleeves inward, then roll from the top down. Once you reach the bottom, tuck the shirt in with the inside-out flap you created earlier.
- The KonMari method
Professional organiser Marie Kondo invented the famous KonMari folding method, which takes inspiration from the military rolling method, but instead of rolling, it’s followed by folding into thirds. In a way, it’s a cross between the flat fold and the military roll.
A pre-packing checklist
Before you start packing, here are some things you need to do:
- Source quality packing materials and boxes
- Assess your wardrobe, have a spring clean and donate unwanted items to charity
- Plan what you are going to wear in the days running up to moving day, so you have enough everyday clothing
- Sort through your clothes by season, material or garment type to make packing easier
- Set aside your valuable or special items that need to be handled with care
- Create a packing schedule to ensure you have enough time to do everything before the big day
Ready to get moving? Or maybe you want help with your packing instead? Our professional packers have years of experience helping our clients pack, transport and unload. Get a quote for your house move today.
