Relocating to a new residence may be both thrilling and daunting. Packing, especially for your clothes, is one of the most time-consuming aspects of any move. Whether you’re relocating across town or across the country, knowing the best way to pack clothes for moving can save you time, money, and frustration. At Chamomile Go, we’re here to make your moving journey smoother with a simple, effective guide.
Below, we walk you through how to pack clothes when moving in 10 easy steps. From how to sort clothes before a move to how to pack clothes without wrinkles, we’ve got all the pro tips you need.
Step 1: Start With a Clothing Purge
Before you even touch a box, it’s time to declutter. The fewer clothes you move, the easier the entire process becomes.
How to Sort Clothes Before a Move:
- Separate by season: Keep only what you’ll need in the next few months.
- Donate or discard: Anything you haven’t worn in a year should go.
- Sort by type: Group items like jeans, shirts, dresses, and activewear together.
This step ensures you’re only packing what you truly want and need — reducing weight and saving space.
Step 2: Choose the Right Supplies
Investing in the right materials will protect your clothing and make packing more efficient.
Recommended supplies:
- Clothes boxes for moving (standard and wardrobe boxes)
- Vacuum-seal bags
- Suitcases and duffel bags
- Packing paper or tissue
- Labels and markers
- Garment bags
When in doubt, opt for using wardrobe boxes for moving. They allow you to hang clothes directly from your closet, preventing wrinkles and saving time on unpacking.
Step 3: Organize By Category
Once sorted, organize your clothes by category. This will make both packing and unpacking more streamlined.
Group items like:
- Formal wear
- Casual wear
- Workout gear
- Undergarments
- Accessories
This organization also helps ensure you use the best way to pack clothes to move without mixing unrelated items and making unpacking chaotic.
Step 4: Wash Everything Before Packing
It might sound obvious, but packing dirty or sweaty clothes is a common mistake. Even a small stain or odor can set into fabric during the moving process.
Chamomile Go tip: Dry your clothes completely before packing to avoid mustiness or mold, especially if you’re storing them for a while.
Step 5: Use Wardrobe Boxes for Hanging Clothes
One of the best ways to pack clothes for moving is to use wardrobe boxes — tall boxes with built-in hanging rods.
Why using wardrobe boxes for moving is smart:
- Prevents wrinkles
- Easy transfer from closet to box
- Saves time on ironing later
- Ideal for suits, dresses, and delicate garments
Wardrobe boxes are especially useful if you’re short on time and want your hanging clothes to remain in pristine condition.
Step 6: Fold and Roll for Non-Hanging Clothes
Not everything needs to hang. For most casual items, folding or rolling is ideal—an approach we recommend at Chamomile Go, your trusted choice for packing services in Los Angeles.
How to pack clothes without wrinkles:
- Rolling: Great for t-shirts, jeans, and stretchy fabrics.
- Folding: Better for button-downs and items prone to creasing.
To prevent wrinkling and friction, place packing paper between layers.
This method works perfectly in clothes boxes for moving and allows for maximum space usage—a smart, professional tip from the team at Chamomile Go, experts in packing services in Los Angeles.
Step 7: Use Vacuum-Seal Bags for Out-of-Season Clothes
Vacuum-sealed bags reduce the size of your clothing bundles, making it easier to transport bulky items like winter coats, sweaters, or bedding.
They’re perfect for maximizing space in your clothes boxes for moving, especially when you’re short on room. These bags not only compress items efficiently but also help keep your move organized by segmenting clothing you won’t need immediately.
Bonus:
They’re also moisture-resistant, which is ideal if your move involves storage or potential weather delays. Plus, they offer added protection from dust, insects, and odors — keeping your garments fresh until you’re ready to unpack them in your new home.
Using them is one of the best ways to pack clothes to move, especially when dealing with seasonal items that won’t be worn right away.
Step 8: Pack Suitcases and Duffel Bags Strategically
Why waste space in your suitcases? Use them to pack folded clothes, shoes, or accessories.
Chamomile Go tip: Use socks and small items to fill gaps between layers, making the most of every inch.
This approach also ensures you can find essentials easily when you arrive — especially if you’re not unpacking right away.
Step 9: Label Everything Clearly
Proper labeling can make or break your moving experience. You don’t want to dig through ten boxes just to find your pajamas.
Labeling tips:
- Indicate contents (“Winter sweaters,” “Work clothes”)
- Use color-coded labels by room
- Mark fragile or delicate boxes clearly
Keeping your wardrobe organized during a move helps reduce stress and speeds up the unpacking process.
Step 10: Keep a “First Week” Clothing Bag
Pack a separate bag with a few outfits, undergarments, and toiletries to get you through your first week at the new place.
This is one of the most overlooked yet best ways to pack clothes to move because it ensures you’re not scrambling for essentials while unpacking.
Include:
- 3–5 casual outfits
- Work attire (if applicable)
- Sleepwear and socks
- Undergarments
- A jacket or sweater
This small step saves huge headaches later.
Additional Tips for Packing Clothes When Moving
- Avoid overpacking boxes — heavy boxes can burst or become difficult to carry.
- Use drawer dividers for dresser items to pack them intact (if allowed by your mover).
- Don’t forget about shoes — pack them separately or wrap them to avoid damaging clothes.
- Line boxes with plastic or tissue paper if there’s a risk of moisture.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to pack clothes when moving doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following these 10 steps, you’ll protect your wardrobe, save time, and arrive at your new home feeling organized and ready.
To recap, you now know:
- How to sort clothes before a move
- The best way to pack clothes for moving
- How to pack clothes without wrinkles
- How using wardrobe boxes for moving makes your life easier
The smart way to use clothes boxes for moving efficiently
Ready to Make Your Move Smoother?
At Chamomile Go, we specialize in helping you simplify life’s transitions. Whether you’re downsizing, relocating, or upgrading, our goal is to keep things calm, organized, and wrinkle-free — just like your clothes should be. Need help finding the right clothes boxes or moving supplies? Contact us now to explore our curated collection of moving essentials.
FAQs
Should I Wash All My Clothes Before Packing Them?
Yes, it’s highly recommended to wash and fully dry your clothes before packing. This helps prevent odors, mildew, and set-in stains during transport or storage — especially for long-distance moves.
How Should I Sort Clothes Before A Move?
Start by sorting by season, occasion, and frequency of use. Donate or discard items you no longer wear. This step helps you pack more efficiently and reduce moving clutter.
Are Wardrobe Boxes Worth It?
Absolutely! Using wardrobe boxes for moving is one of the most efficient ways to pack hanging clothes. They keep garments wrinkle-free, save time, and offer easy transfer from closet to box and back again
Can I Leave Clothes In Dresser Drawers During The Move?
Yes, for short moves, you can leave soft, lightweight clothing in drawers if the furniture is sturdy and being moved intact. Secure the drawers with stretch wrap or straps to prevent shifting.
How Do I Pack Shoes With Clothes?
Keep shoes separate from clothing by wrapping them in bags or paper and placing them at the bottom of clothes boxes. Alternatively, use shoe boxes or seal them in plastic bins to protect nearby garments from dirt and damage.
