So you’re moving. Congrats! But also… ugh, right? Because now you’ve got to pack everything, and your closet is basically exploding with clothes you forgot you even had.
Here’s the thing—figuring out how do you pack clothes when moving doesn’t have to make you want to pull your hair out. Whether you’re headed to the next neighborhood over or across the country, having a solid plan saves you time, money, and a whole lot of “why didn’t I do this differently?” moments.
At Chamomile Go, we’ve helped tons of people through moves, and we’ve seen every mistake in the book. That’s why we’re sharing this super straightforward guide. No fluff, no complicated jargon—just real advice that works.
Step 1: Start With a Clothing Purge
Before anything goes in a box, you need to be ruthless. Seriously. That shirt you’ve been “meaning to wear”? Yeah, it’s not happening.
How to sort clothes before a move:
Pull everything out and be honest. Haven’t worn it in a year? Gone. Separate by season—if you’re moving in summer, those heavy coats can wait. Make three piles: stuff you’re keeping, stuff to donate, and trash. Keep similar items together so you’re not scrambling later.
Look, the less stuff you move, the easier your life gets. Period.
Step 2: Choose the Right Supplies
You could wing it with random boxes, but that’s how your favorite sweater ends up smelling like cardboard and regret.
Here’s what you actually need:
Standard boxes and clothes boxes for moving, wardrobe boxes with the hanging rod inside, vacuum-seal bags for the bulky winter stuff, your existing suitcases and duffel bags, tissue paper, labels and a good marker, garment bags for nice things.
Now, using wardrobe boxes for moving sounds fancy, but they’re not. They’re just tall boxes with a bar across the top. Your hanging clothes go straight from closet to box to new closet. No ironing required. That alone is worth it.
Step 3: Organize By Category
Group your stuff by type. Work clothes together. Gym stuff together. Fancy outfits together. You get it.
Break it down like:
Work attire, everyday basics, dressy stuff, workout gear, underwear and socks, accessories.
This is seriously part of the best way to pack clothes for moving because when you’re unpacking at midnight and need pajamas, you’ll know exactly which box to open. Trust me on this.
Step 4: Wash Everything Before Packing
Yeah, this seems obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people skip it. Don’t pack dirty clothes. Just don’t.
Chamomile Go tip: Make sure everything is completely dry. Like, really dry. Even slightly damp clothes can get gross and smelly, especially if your boxes sit around for a few days.
Nobody wants to unpack moldy t-shirts. It’s nasty.
You may read How To Roll Clothes for Packing?
Step 5: Use Wardrobe Boxes for Hanging Clothes
This is where using wardrobe boxes for moving becomes clutch. These boxes keep your hanging clothes… well, hanging.
Why bother?
Your suits and dresses don’t get crushed. No wrinkles means no ironing later. Delicate stuff stays protected. Moving them takes like five minutes.
If you’ve got nice work clothes or anything you care about, these boxes are a no-brainer. They’re perfect for packing clothes when moving without destroying everything.
Step 6: Fold and Roll for Non-Hanging Clothes
Most of your everyday stuff doesn’t need to hang. Just fold it or roll it—we do this all the time at Chamomile Go when helping folks with packing services in Los Angeles.
The best way to pack clothes for moving without wrinkles:
Roll stretchy things—t-shirts, jeans, leggings. They won’t crease. Fold button-ups and anything structured. Throw some tissue paper between layers.
This works great in regular clothes boxes for moving and you can fit way more per box. It’s what we do every single day at Chamomile Go for packing services in Sherman Oaks.
Step 7: Use Vacuum-Seal Bags for Out-of-Season Clothes
Big puffy coats? Chunky sweaters? Vacuum bags shrink them down like magic.
They’re perfect for maximizing space in your clothes boxes for moving, especially when you’re tight on room. Plus you can separate stuff you won’t need right away.
Extra bonuses:
Keeps moisture out. Blocks dust and bugs. You can see what’s inside.
Honestly one of the smartest moves for seasonal stuff.
Step 8: Pack Suitcases and Duffel Bags Strategically
Your suitcases are coming anyway, so fill them up. Clothes, shoes, whatever fits.
Chamomile Go tip: Stuff socks and small items in the gaps. Use every bit of space.
Less boxes to buy, easier to move around, and you can keep essentials with you instead of buried in the truck.
Step 9: Label Everything Clearly
If you don’t label your boxes, you’re going to hate yourself later. Simple as that.
Do this:
Write what’s actually in each box. Use colored tape for different rooms. Mark fragile stuff. Number boxes if you’re type-A about it.
Good labels = faster unpacking = less stress. That’s the math.
Step 10: Keep a “First Week” Clothing Bag
Pack one bag with a week’s worth of outfits and basics. This is honestly one of the smartest parts of the best way to pack clothes for moving.
Pack:
3-5 outfits, work clothes if needed, pajamas, underwear and socks for a week, a jacket.
Keep it WITH YOU. Not in the truck. You’ll need this stuff while everything else is still in boxes, and you’ll be glad you did it.
Additional Tips for Packing Clothes When Moving
Don’t overstuff boxes—keep them light enough to carry. You might be able to leave clothes in dresser drawers for short moves if the furniture’s sturdy—just wrap it. Pack shoes separately so they don’t dirty your clothes. Line boxes with plastic if weather’s sketchy.
Small stuff that makes a difference.
Final Thoughts
Look, how do you pack clothes when moving isn’t rocket science. Follow these 10 steps and you’ll be fine. Your clothes will survive, you’ll save time, and you won’t be a stressed mess when you get to your new place.
Quick recap:
Sort and declutter first, best way to pack clothes for moving efficiently, packing clothes when moving without wrecking them, why using wardrobe boxes for moving saves your sanity, how to use clothes boxes for moving smartly.
Ready to Make Your Move Smoother?
At Chamomile Go, we help people get through moves without losing their minds. Whether you’re downsizing or upgrading, we’re here to keep things simple.
Need clothes boxes for moving or other supplies? Hit us up—we’ve got everything you need to make this move actually work.
Get in touch with Chamomile Go today and let’s make your move calm, easy, and done right.
FAQs
Should I Wash All My Clothes Before Packing Them?
Yeah, wash everything and dry it completely. Otherwise you’re risking weird smells and mildew, especially if stuff sits in boxes for a while.
How Should I Sort Clothes Before A Move?
By season, how often you wear it, and occasion. Be real with yourself—if you haven’t worn it in over a year, donate it. Makes everything easier.
Are Wardrobe Boxes Worth It?
100%. Using wardrobe boxes for moving is the easiest way to move hanging clothes without wrinkling them. They save so much time.
Can I Leave Clothes In Dresser Drawers During The Move?
For short moves, sure—if the dresser’s solid and you’re moving it whole. Just wrap the drawers so they don’t fly open.
How Do I Pack Shoes With Clothes?
Don’t. Wrap shoes separately and put them at the bottom of boxes, or pack them in their own container so they don’t get your clean clothes dirty.
