When you are getting ready for a great trip, packing can be a fun thing to do. We often think of ourselves as packing experts – well, at least when we have suitcases that are large enough. The thing is, we don’t pay attention to our packing skills until we need to relocate ALL our clothes to a different home. That’s when it gets tricky.
People might think, how difficult can it really be to pack my clothes? We always think it’s a no-brainer until we have a very tight moving schedule and the moving day is approaching, but we didn’t make much progress. On top of that, the chances are high that we will wrinkle the clothes that shouldn’t be wrinkled, or even do some more damage. So, some useful pieces of advice will be more than helpful. What is the most important about packing clothes?
Do Not Procrastinate!
When you have to pack and relocate your entire household, there’s no time to waste. However, procrastination can sneak up on anyone, leaving you behind on your moving timeline. If you fall into this trap, you’ll likely have to work extra hard to catch up, which can lead to unnecessary stress and even packing mistakes.
Instead, stick to a plan. Set clear deadlines for each stage of packing. For instance, dedicate one day to sorting through clothes and another to packing them. By staying on schedule, you’ll save yourself a lot of last-minute headaches and ensure everything is ready well before moving day.
Move = Purge
Moving presents the perfect opportunity to do a much-needed purge of your wardrobe. We often avoid sorting through clothes during our daily routines, but when faced with the task of packing for a move, it becomes clear how much we’ve accumulated.
Take this chance to separate your wardrobe into three categories:
- Keep: Clothes you wear regularly and still fit your style and lifestyle.
- Donate: Items that are in good condition but no longer needed.
- Discard: Worn-out or damaged clothing that isn’t suitable for donation.
Letting go of unnecessary items lightens your load and can reduce moving costs, especially if your movers charge by weight. Plus, donating clothes to local charities or shelters is a great way to give back to the community while simplifying your move.
Clothes are Light and Non-Breakable
The good news is that clothes are one of the easier items to pack. Unlike fragile items like dishes or electronics, you don’t have to worry about breaking them during transport. This makes clothes ideal for stuffing into boxes, bags, or even unused spaces like suitcases or drawers.
However, be mindful of how you fold or roll certain pieces to avoid wrinkles. For delicate fabrics or formal wear, consider using wardrobe boxes or garment bags to keep them in pristine condition. And while clothes may be light individually, large piles can become surprisingly heavy, so distribute them evenly across boxes to avoid overloading.
You’ll Always Need More Packing Supplies
Packing clothes can be deceptively space-consuming. While they’re lightweight and easy to handle, bulkier items like winter coats, jackets, and sweaters can take up a significant amount of room. To prepare, gather more packing supplies than you think you’ll need. This includes boxes, suitcases, vacuum-seal bags, and even heavy-duty garbage bags for less delicate items.
Vacuum-seal bags are especially helpful for compressing bulky items, freeing up space and making transportation easier. It’s also a good idea to have an “essentials” bag or suitcase with clothing for the first few days in your new home. This should include pajamas, toiletries, and a few changes of clothes so you’re not scrambling to unpack immediately.
Additional Tips for Packing Clothes
Here are a few extra strategies to ensure your packing process is as smooth as possible:
- Use Wardrobe Boxes: These are ideal for hanging clothes like dresses, suits, and coats. They keep garments wrinkle-free and ready to wear upon arrival.
- Roll Your Clothes: Rolling clothes instead of folding can save space and reduce wrinkles. This works best for casual items like t-shirts, jeans, and activewear.
- Use Clothes as Padding: Wrap fragile items like picture frames or glassware in soft clothing to save on packing materials and maximize space.
- Label Everything: Clearly label each box or bag with its contents and destination room. This will make unpacking far easier and more efficient.
- Protect Shoes: Pack shoes in separate boxes or use shoe bags to keep them clean and avoid crushing. Stuffing them with socks can also help maintain their shape.
Conclusion
Packing clothes may seem straightforward, but it can quickly become overwhelming without proper preparation. By starting early, using the move as an opportunity to declutter, and gathering plenty of supplies, you can simplify the process and stay ahead of schedule.
Remember, clothes are one of the easiest items to pack, but their bulkiness can be deceiving. Utilize wardrobe boxes, vacuum-seal bags, and a little creativity to maximize space while keeping everything organized. And most importantly, keep an essentials bag handy so you’re ready for the first few days in your new home.
With these tips, packing your wardrobe doesn’t have to be stressful. Follow the guidelines, and you’ll have everything ready to go in no time. A smooth, wrinkle-free moving experience is just a plan away!
