Moving homes is a significant undertaking, and packing your closet can often feel like a daunting task. Ensuring your clothes arrive at your new destination in pristine condition, especially those delicate items you prefer to keep hanging, requires careful planning and the right techniques. Done incorrectly, you could be facing a mountain of wrinkled garments, damaged accessories, and unnecessary stress. The key to a successful clothing relocation lies in handling each item with care, from initial preparation to final unpacking. This means considering smart strategies beyond simply throwing everything into boxes. Fortunately, there are several efficient and effective methods to transport clothes on hangers, along with your shoes and accessories, making your move smoother and more organized. Let’s dive into the best practices for moving your hanging clothes safely and wrinkle-free.
Top Methods for Moving Clothes on Hangers
When it comes to transporting your hanging wardrobe, you have several options, each with its own advantages depending on your budget, the type of clothing, and the distance of your move. Here are the most recommended methods:
1. Utilize Wardrobe Boxes for Premium Hanging Clothes
For your high-end garments, delicate dresses, suits, and items you absolutely want to keep wrinkle-free, wardrobe boxes are an invaluable investment. These specialized cardboard containers are essentially portable closets, specifically designed to accommodate and protect your hanging clothes during a move. Typically around two feet wide and three feet tall, wardrobe boxes come equipped with a sturdy metal bar at the top, allowing you to easily transfer clothes directly from your closet rod to the box.
Well-organized closet with hanging clothes, providing inspiration for packing and transporting clothes on hangers during a move.
The rigid corrugated cardboard construction of wardrobe boxes provides excellent protection against crushing and keeps your hanging clothes clean and wrinkle-free throughout the moving process. While they can range in price from $20 to $50 per box, many movers find the convenience and peace of mind they offer, especially for valuable clothing, well worth the cost. Wardrobe boxes streamline the packing and unpacking process, saving you time and effort in ironing or steaming clothes after your move.
2. Employ Large Trash Bags for Cost-Effective Hanging Clothes Transport
If budget is a primary concern, or for less delicate hanging items like everyday shirts, casual pants, and durable fabrics, large trash bags offer a surprisingly effective and economical solution. This readily available and inexpensive DIY approach is a popular way to pack clothes for moving while keeping them on hangers. Opt for heavy-duty drawstring trash bags with a capacity of 30 to 50 gallons for ample space and durability.
There are a couple of techniques for using trash bags to move hanging clothes. One method involves bundling your clothes together on their hangers, then carefully slipping the bundle into the trash bag. Gather the drawstrings around the hanger hooks, tightening and securing them so the hangers are held firmly outside the bag. Alternatively, you can create a small opening at the bottom of the trash bag and insert your clothes with the hangers positioned towards the bottom. Once the hanger hooks protrude through the hole, secure them tightly with a rubber band or string. The top of the bag, with the drawstrings, should enclose the bottom portion of your clothing. Finally, close the drawstrings at the top to seal the bag and keep your clothes neatly contained.
3. Add Garment Bags for Enhanced Protection of Hanging Items
For an added layer of protection, especially for delicate garments or when using wardrobe boxes or trash bags, consider utilizing garment bags. These protective covers can be used independently for individual items or in conjunction with other packing methods. Similar to those used for travel, garment bags are specifically designed for transporting clothing and are excellent for moving hanging clothes while minimizing wrinkles and protecting against dust and minor damage.
Garment bags are available in various materials and price points, ranging from around $10 to $40 depending on the quality and features. For a more budget-friendly approach, you can also inquire at your local dry cleaners for complimentary plastic garment bags. While these thinner plastic bags offer minimal physical protection, they are useful for keeping groups of hanging clothes together and separated within wardrobe boxes, and can offer a basic shield against dust and light moisture.
Moving Folded Clothes Efficiently (Briefly)
While our focus is on hanging clothes, it’s inevitable you’ll also be moving folded items. Here are quick tips for packing them:
- Clean Clothes First: Ensure all folded clothes are washed and completely dried before packing to prevent odors and mildew.
- Protective Liners: Line boxes with packing paper or plastic wrap to shield clothes from moisture and dirt.
- Folding Matters: Fold clothes neatly to maximize space and minimize wrinkles. Avoid overpacking boxes to maintain garment condition and ease unpacking. Label boxes clearly by clothing type (e.g., “Sweaters,” “T-shirts”).
Moving Shoes and Accessories (Briefly)
Similarly, handle shoes and accessories with care:
- Original Boxes or Shoe Bags: Utilize original shoe boxes, shoe bags, or plastic shoe boxes for protection.
- Wrap Shoes: Wrap shoes individually in packing paper to prevent scuffing and maintain shape. Stuff interiors with paper as well.
- Fill Empty Space: Use packing paper or peanuts to fill gaps in shoe boxes to prevent shifting during transit.
Extra Helpful Tips for Moving Your Entire Closet
- Maximize Suitcases: Use your suitcases to transport clothing! They’re designed for clothes and are going with you anyway. Roll clothes to save space and reduce wrinkles. Packing cubes can further organize suitcase contents.
- Vacuum Seal Bags for Space Saving and Protection: Vacuum seal bags are excellent for long-term storage and moving. They protect against moisture, pests, and significantly reduce volume, especially for bulky seasonal clothing.
- Clear Plastic Bins for Shoes and Accessories: Waterproof and transparent plastic bins offer excellent protection and visibility for shoes and accessories. They prevent crushing and are ideal for delicate items like handbags.
- Hat Boxes for Hats: Always pack hats in separate hat boxes to prevent crushing and maintain their shape.
- Jewelry Safety: Secure jewelry in small plastic baggies to prevent tangling and loss. Keep valuable jewelry with you personally during the move.
Moving your clothes on hangers doesn’t have to be a stressful aspect of relocating. By utilizing wardrobe boxes, trash bags, or garment bags, and incorporating smart packing techniques, you can ensure your wardrobe arrives at your new home organized, wrinkle-free, and ready to wear. Proper planning and the right supplies are your best allies for a smooth and successful move.
