Moving house is a whirlwind of tasks, and when it comes to your wardrobe, you want to ensure your clothes arrive at your new place ready to wear, not a crumpled mess! Figuring out the best way to pack your clothes for moving can feel like a puzzle. Are bin bags a no-go zone? What are wardrobe boxes really for? And how do you avoid unpacking a mountain of ironing?
Relax, we’re here to guide you through the best clothes packing strategies, from everyday wear to delicate garments. Let’s explore the most effective methods, focusing on how to keep your clothes looking their best throughout the move, and get you settled in style.
Why Clothes Packing Matters (It’s More Than Just Stuffing!)
You might think clothes are the easy part of packing – just shove ’em in a box, right? Wrong! Proper packing is crucial for a few key reasons that go beyond just tidiness:
- Keep ’em Clean and Dry (Especially in UK Weather!): Protecting your clothes from dust, dirt, and damp is essential. No one wants to unpack and find their favourite items smelling musty or covered in grime. Good packing is your first line of defence.
- Maximise Space and Efficiency: Clothes, particularly bulky items, can take up a surprising amount of space. Efficient packing means fewer boxes to move, saving space in the removal van and making your unpacking life easier.
- Minimise Creases (Goodbye Ironing Mountain!): Smart packing is all about reducing creases. Less ironing at the other end means more time for settling in and enjoying your new home – a definite win!
- Streamlined Unpacking: Packing logically and labelling clearly transforms unpacking from a chaotic hunt into an organised process. Knowing exactly where your workwear, casual clothes, and bedding are located saves time and stress.
Your Clothes Packing Arsenal: Choosing the Right Tools
Let’s go over the best methods for packing your clothes, focusing on professional techniques and acknowledging DIY options for those tackling the packing themselves:
1. Wardrobe Boxes: For Hanging Items
Pros:
- Clothes Stay Hanging – Minimises Creases: Wardrobe boxes are tall, purpose-built cardboard boxes with a hanging rail inside. This allows you to move your clothes directly from your wardrobe on their hangers. This is the gold standard for keeping clothes crease-free, especially suits, dresses, shirts, and coats.
- Super Easy Unpacking: Unpacking is a breeze – simply lift your hanging clothes straight out and into your new wardrobe.
- Professional and Efficient: Happy2Move and other professional removal companies rely on wardrobe boxes because they are incredibly efficient and protect clothes brilliantly.
Cons:
- Bulky to Transport (Empty): Empty wardrobe boxes can be a bit cumbersome to handle.
- Can Be More Expensive: Wardrobe boxes are typically more expensive than standard cardboard boxes.
- Specifically for Hanging Clothes: Designed for hanging items – less useful for folded clothes like jumpers and jeans.
Verdict: Absolutely essential for hanging clothes! If you’re using Happy2Move, we’ll likely use wardrobe boxes for your hanging garments as standard. If you’re DIY packing and value crease-free clothes, consider investing in a few – they’re worth it for key wardrobe items.
2. Lay Flat Boxes: For Delicate Items and Crease-Sensitive Folds
Pros:
- Gentle on Folded Clothes: Lay flat boxes are shallower than standard boxes, meaning clothes are stacked less high, reducing pressure and creases on folded items like knitwear, delicate blouses, and linens.
- Good for Delicate Fabrics: The shallower depth is also ideal for fragile fabrics that you don’t want to overly compress.
- Stackable and Uniform: Like standard boxes, they are stackable and easy to label.
- Professional Packing Option: Happy2Move often uses lay-flat boxes for carefully folded, crease-sensitive items.
Cons:
- Less Space-Efficient for Volume: Because they are shallower, they might not hold as much volume as a deep box for very bulky items.
- Might Be Less Readily Available: Lay-flat boxes might be less common in standard DIY moving supply shops than traditional cubed boxes.
Verdict: Excellent for folded clothes where crease-prevention is key. If you’re packing yourself, look for “dish boxes” or “china boxes” – these are often similar in depth. Happy2Move packers are experts in using these effectively.
3. Traditional Cubed Cardboard Boxes: A Versatile All-Rounder
Pros:
- Versatile and Widely Available: Standard cubed cardboard boxes are readily available in various sizes from moving supply shops and even supermarkets.
- Stackable and Uniform: They stack well, are easy to label, and are a staple for moving.
- Good for Most Folded Clothes: Suitable for packing most types of folded clothing, like jeans, t-shirts, jumpers (though for very delicate knitwear, lay-flat boxes are preferable).
- Cost-Effective: Generally more affordable than wardrobe boxes.
Cons:
- Clothes Can Get Creased if Overpacked: If boxes are too full, clothes at the bottom can get quite compressed and creased.
- Deeper Boxes Can Make Finding Items Harder: Digging to the bottom of a deep box to find a specific item can be a bit of a rummage.
Verdict: Great all-rounders for most folded clothing. If you’re packing yourself, use a variety of sizes – smaller boxes for heavier items (like jeans) and larger for lighter, bulkier items (like jumpers). Happy2Move uses high-quality cubed boxes for robust and reliable packing.
4. Other DIY Options (Use with Caution, Especially for Crease-Sensitive Clothes):
- Plastic Storage Bins: Reusable, sturdy, and offer good protection from damp. Can be a good option if you already own them, but can be bulky to store when empty.
- Vacuum Storage Bags: Excellent for space-saving bulky items like out-of-season clothes and bedding. However, clothes packed in vacuum bags will be very creased. Only use for items where creases aren’t a major concern or for long-term storage rather than immediate wear.
- Suitcases (Not Ideal for Crease-Sensitive Clothes): While commonly suggested, suitcases often result in creased clothing, especially if packed tightly. They can be used for durable items like towels and very casual clothing, but are not recommended for anything you want to keep looking sharp.
Avoid: Bin bags/Rubbish sacks – flimsy, unprofessional, and offer no protection.
Happy2Move’s Expert Clothes Packing Tips:
- Declutter is Key! Before you pack a single sock, have a clear-out. Donate or sell clothes you no longer wear. Less to pack, less to unpack – win-win!
- Sort and Organise: Group clothes by type (tops, bottoms, etc.) and by season. This makes unpacking and putting things away in your new home SO much easier.
- Folding Finesse: Fold clothes neatly to maximise space and minimise creases. For delicate items, use tissue paper between folds.
- Strategic Packing within Boxes: Put heavier items at the bottom of boxes and lighter items on top. This prevents crushing.
- Label Everything Clearly! Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in at your new house. Be specific! “Master Bedroom – Work Shirts,” “Kids Room – Summer Clothes,” “Linen Cupboard – Bedding.”
- Essentials Box is a Must: Pack a separate box or bag with clothes you’ll need immediately in your new home – pyjamas, a day’s outfit, toiletries, etc.
Let Happy2Move Take the Wardrobe Worry Away!
Packing clothes properly doesn’t have to be a headache. By using the right methods, especially wardrobe boxes and lay-flat boxes for crease-sensitive items, and staying organised, you can ensure your clothes arrive at your new home in great condition.
And if the thought of packing any of it makes you want to hide under a duvet (which, incidentally, we can also pack!), remember Happy2Move’s professional packing services. Our expert packers are trained in the best clothes packing techniques and use high-quality packing materials, including wardrobe boxes, lay-flat boxes, and robust cubed boxes. Let us handle the wardrobe logistics, so you can focus on the more exciting parts of moving!
Ready for a move that’s as smooth as silk? Get in touch with Happy2Move today for a free, no-obligation quote for your house move or packing services. Let us handle the packing and moving, so you can arrive at your new home with your wardrobe ready and waiting! Enquire now for your next move!
