Are you looking for the best way to pack clothes when you move? In 2022, WRAP found the average UK resident owned 118 items of clothing. Sorting, packing and unpacking all these clothes is a major task, and one that makes the already difficult process of moving home more complicated.
Here are some of our top tips for making packing your clothes quicker and neater, so you can save time while you move and avoid a pile of ironing in your new home.
Pack clothes in a wardrobe box
One of the simplest ways to pack clothes when you move is to use specialised wardrobe boxes. These sturdy boxes, available from most packing suppliers, contain a hanging rail inside to keep clothes stored as if in a wardrobe.
This is perfect for items like suits and dresses that you don’t want to fold, and makes unpacking much quicker as you can simply pull the hangers off the rail and move them to your new wardrobe.
Pros of using a wardrobe box
- Specifically designed for clothes, with a sturdy construction
- Keeps clothes neat and wrinkle-free
- Quick to pack and unpack
Cons of using a wardrobe box
- Not ideal for items like t-shirts, socks and underwear
- It can be expensive, especially if many are needed
- Boxes are large and awkward to manoeuvre if you’re not hiring professional movers
The hangar hack
A popular hack for packing clothes that has appeared across viral TikToks and home move blogs involves using hangers and a bin bag to move clothes.
The tip is to group a few hangers together and secure them with an elastic band. Then, pull a black bin bag over the hanging items from the bottom up. Knot the top of the bin bag around the hooks of the hangars. When you get to your new home, hang the hooks on the wardrobe rail, pull off the bag and remove the elastic band.
Pros of using the hangar hack
- Cheap, or even free if you reuse the bin bags
- Saves time on packing and unpacking items individually
- Allows you to group similar items together
Cons of using the hangar hack
- Doesn’t protect clothes from being creased or damaged
- Bags may tear in transit, leaving clothing loose
- Multiple bags may be awkward to transport
Combine wardrobe boxes and the hangar hack to bag items on the rail, then move them to a wardrobe box for extra protection and to keep items separated.
Pack clothes in your dresser
If you’re moving a dresser or chest of drawers with you, pack clothes inside it to save time and space. Store your clothes in your dresser as normal, then on moving day, use strong packing tape to seal the drawers closed.
When you arrive, remove the tape and your clothes will already be stored and ready to wear!
Pros of packing clothes in your drawers
- One of the quickest ways to pack, with no loading or unloading
- Very cheap, only using part of a roll of tape
- Ideal for smaller items like underwear and t-shirts
Cons of packing clothes in your drawers
- Only an option if you’re bringing furniture with you
- Filling your furniture with clothes will make it heavier and harder to move
- Tape residue can damage some surfaces
Whatever packing method you use, remember to include a change of clothes or two in your day-one move bag.
Use clothes as packing material
You can kill two birds with one stone by using your clothing as padding in your other moving boxes. Pack soft items like jumpers, tracksuit pants and t-shirts around delicate items, and use socks and underwear to fill small gaps.
Not only will your clothing be packed in your boxes, but you’ll save on materials like bubble wrap!
Pros of packing your clothes in your moving boxes
- Simple, with no extra planning necessary
- Save on bubble wrap and other materials
- Keep delicate items safe with extra cushioning
Cons of packing your clothes in your moving boxes
- Your clothes will likely become crumpled during the move
- Your clothes will be spread out between boxes, making unpacking more complicated
- Clothes with buttons or metal embellishments might damage your other items
Clear out before your move
WRAP’s clothing study also found that more than ¼ of the average person’s wardrobe was unworn for more than a year. Getting rid of items you no longer wear before the move will save you time, money and energy on the day itself.
Donate items to a local charity shop, or list items on a clothing reselling app like Vinted to earn a little extra cash to help with the cost of the move!
