How to Pack Clothes for a Move: A Practical, Low-Stress Guide

When it comes to relocating, packing clothes for moving often ends up being more time-consuming than expected. Clothing takes up space, wrinkles easily, and can feel endless to sort through. But with a smart approach, you can protect your wardrobe, save time, and even cut down on waste.

This guide covers the best way to pack clothes for a move, including how to sort, organize, and pack different types of garments—from bulky coats to delicate accessories. We’ll also explain how to pack clothes on hangers for moving, highlight sustainable options like reusable wardrobe boxes, and point out which items are better off being moved by hand.

1. Declutter Before You Pack

Before diving into how to pack clothing for moving, start with a closet cleanout. The fewer items you bring, the faster—and cheaper—your move will be.

Go through your clothes and ask yourself:

• Have I worn this in the last year?

• Does it still fit or suit my lifestyle?

• Is it worth paying to move this item?

Donate what’s still in good condition, recycle what isn’t, and toss what you truly don’t need. This is also a good time to get rid of mismatched socks, damaged shoes, or accessories you’ve outgrown.

Decluttering up front reduces the number of boxes or bins you’ll need—and gives you a cleaner, more focused wardrobe to unpack in your new space.

2. Sort and Organize by Type

Once you’ve pared down your wardrobe, the next step in packing clothes for moving is sorting. Grouping your clothing by type helps you choose the most efficient packing method and makes unpacking faster once you’re in your new place.

Here are a few ways to organize:

• By Storage Type: Separate hanging clothes from folded items. Pack each group differently for better protection and space use.

• By Season: Consider boxing up off-season items first, since you won’t need them right away.

• By Family Member or Room: This is especially helpful if multiple people are moving. Label bins accordingly.

• By Function: Group clothing into categories like casual, formal, workwear, gym, or sleepwear.

This level of organization will make it easier to plan how to pack clothes for moving and know exactly where things are when you unpack. It also helps your movers place bins or wardrobe boxes in the correct rooms on move-in day.

3. How to Pack Clothes on Hangers for Moving

If you’re wondering how to pack clothes on hangers for moving, there are a few solid options—some more DIY-friendly, others better suited for a professional move.

Reusable Wardrobe Boxes

Quick Checklist ✅ : How to Pack Clothes for Moving

• Declutter your closet before you start packing

• Sort clothes by type: hanging, folded, seasonal, or delicate

• Use reusable wardrobe boxes for suits, coats, and dresses

• Pack folded clothes into reusable moving bins or luggage

• Roll casual items to save space and reduce wrinkles

• Vacuum-seal bulky items like jackets and bedding

• Bag shoes individually and stuff them to retain shape

• Organize accessories in pouches or small bags

• Label all bins and boxes by room and contents

• Keep a suitcase of essentials set aside for move-in day

• Transport valuables and high-end items yourself

The most efficient and protective option for hanging clothes is a wardrobe box—especially reusable wardrobe boxes offered by some moving companies. These tall boxes let you move clothes directly on hangers, keeping items like suits, dresses, and coats wrinkle-free and upright during transit.

Cool Hand Movers rents out wardrobe boxes to clients and picks them up after the move, making this a more sustainable and clutter-free option. It’s also recommended in this Homes & Gardens article, where Cool Hand Movers shares expert advice on how to transport hanging garments without damage.

DIY Trash Bag Method

For a lower-budget solution, use heavy-duty garbage bags. Group 10–15 hanging garments together, slide the bag up from the bottom, and tie it around the hanger necks. Poke the hooks through the bag top and secure the hangers with a twist tie or rubber band. This method works well for shorter moves and everyday items.

Folded into Bins or Luggage

If you're using reusable moving bins, fold hanging clothes gently and lay them flat inside. This method is less protective but saves space, especially for casual items that don’t wrinkle easily.

Each method has its place—choose based on your wardrobe, distance, and how much time you want to spend ironing later.

4. How to Pack Folded Clothes

Folded clothes are usually the easiest to pack—but they can take up more space than you’d expect. If you’re looking for the best way to pack clothes for a move, start with durable containers that protect your items and are easy to handle.

Use Reusable Moving Bins

Rather than disposable cardboard boxes, reusable bins offer better protection, reduce waste, and stack neatly in a moving truck. Cool Hand Movers offers bin rentals that are ideal for folded clothing, especially during full-home or apartment moves.

Rolling vs. Folding

• Roll casual items like t-shirts, leggings, and loungewear to maximize space and minimize wrinkles.

• Fold dress shirts, pants, and structured garments to help them hold their shape.

• Bundle a mix of items together (heavier layers on the outside) to keep clothing compact and organized.

Vacuum-Seal Bulky Items

Use vacuum-sealed bags for winter coats, bedding, or out-of-season clothes. This shrinks them down to a fraction of their size and keeps them moisture- and dust-free during the move.

Don’t Leave Clothes in Dressers

While it might be tempting to leave clothing inside your dresser drawers, it’s best to empty them before moving day. Movers often need to carry dressers at angles, and the added weight can strain the furniture or risk shifting contents. Pack drawer items into bins or suitcases instead.

5. Shoes, Accessories & High-Value Items

When you’re packing clothing, don’t forget about what goes with it. Shoes, belts, handbags, and jewelry need a little extra care to stay clean, untangled, and damage-free.

Packing Shoes

• Wrap each pair in a bag or packing paper to prevent scuffs

• Place heavier shoes (like boots) at the bottom of bins

• Stuff shoes with socks, paper, or small items to help them keep their shape

Organizing Accessories

Belts, scarves, and hats can get tangled or crushed in transit. Use small bags or zip pouches to keep items grouped and protected. For jewelry, a hard case or travel roll is ideal—this prevents tangling and keeps delicate pieces safe.

High-End Items: Move These Yourself

For valuable clothing items, designer handbags, and all jewelry, we recommend that clients transport them personally—not with the moving truck. This includes anything irreplaceable, fragile, or high in value. It’s the safest way to avoid loss, damage, or insurance complications.

Even if you’re hiring professionals, some things are better kept in your own hands.

6. Label and Prep for Unpacking

Once your clothing is packed, the last step is making sure it’s easy to unpack. Labeling saves time, helps movers place bins in the right rooms, and makes your first few days in the new space much smoother.

Label Everything Clearly

Write or print labels for each box or bin. Include:

• The room it belongs to (e.g., “Primary Bedroom”)

• What’s inside (“Folded Clothes – Winter”)

• A quick priority note if needed (“Open First”)

Using reusable moving bins makes this even easier—many come with built-in labeling areas or color-coded options.

Group by Room or Family Member

If you’re moving as a household, keep clothing grouped by person. This prevents mix-ups and avoids everyone rummaging through the same bins looking for socks.

Stack and Load Smart

Pack lighter clothing bins on top of heavier boxes to prevent crushing or creasing. Keep your suitcase or essentials bag separate so you can access it right away.

A few extra minutes spent labeling now will save you hours later.

7. Final Tips & Moving Day Reminders

By now, you’ve sorted, packed, and labeled your wardrobe—but a few last details can make your move even smoother.

Pack an Essentials Bag

Set aside a suitcase with a few changes of clothes, toiletries, and anything you’ll need in the first couple of days after your move. This saves you from digging through bins your first night in the new place.

Use Sustainable Options When You Can

Reusable wardrobe boxes and moving bins reduce waste, keep clothes protected, and are easier to handle than cardboard. Ask your moving company if they offer rentals—and if they’ll deliver and pick them up before and after your move.

Transport Valuables Yourself

As mentioned earlier, it’s best to carry designer pieces, jewelry, and anything sentimental or high in value with you. This protects your most important items and gives you peace of mind.

Double-Check with Your Movers

If you’re hiring professional movers, ask what packing materials they offer. Some will supply wardrobe boxes or bins as part of the service. Confirm how they prefer things to be packed—and how much they can help on moving day.

FAQ: Packing Clothes for a Move

❓ What’s the best way to pack clothes for a move?
Use wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes, roll casual items into bins or suitcases, and vacuum-seal bulky garments. Always label and group by type or room.

❓ How do I pack clothes on hangers for moving?
The most effective method is using a wardrobe box that lets you keep clothes on hangers. For DIY moves, heavy-duty garbage bags can work in a pinch.

❓ Should I empty dresser drawers before a move?
Yes. Even if the drawers contain clothes, empty them into bins or luggage. It protects both the furniture and your belongings.

❓ What clothing items should I move myself?
We recommend you personally transport high-value items like designer pieces, handbags, and all jewelry.

❓ Can I use suitcases instead of boxes?
Absolutely. Suitcases are perfect for folded clothes, shoes, or items you’ll need right away.