How to Pack Clothes for a Move in 6 Easy Steps

Figuring out how to pack clothes for a move shouldn't feel like solving a puzzle with half the pieces missing. Yet somehow, most people approach it like they're trying to fit a month's worth of laundry into a carry-on bag. The result? Wrinkled clothes, wasted space, and that sinking feeling when you realize you packed your work shirts at the bottom of a box labeled "miscellaneous bedroom stuff."

The clothing packing process gets treated like an afterthought, something you'll figure out when you get to it. That's a mistake. Your clothes take up more space than you think, wrinkle easier than you'd like, and if packed wrong, can turn unpacking into an extended session with your iron. But here's the thing: it doesn't have to be complicated.

Ways to Pack Clothes for Moving That Maximize Space

Space is your enemy when moving. Every cubic inch counts, and clothes are notorious space wasters if you don't pack them strategically. The key is understanding that different types of clothing need different approaches, not throwing everything into boxes and hoping for the best.

Roll or Fold Clothes Based on Type

The rolling versus folding debate has been settled by people who actually know what they're doing: it depends on what you're packing and where it's going. Rolling works best for casual clothes that don't wrinkle easily—t-shirts, jeans, workout clothes. The army roll method maximizes space while minimizing wrinkles, and it's not as complicated as it sounds.

Folding makes sense for dress shirts, blouses, and anything that would look ridiculous wrinkled. But here's where most people mess up: they fold everything the same way they would for their dresser. Moving boxes aren't dressers. Fold clothes flatter and stack them more tightly than you normally would.

The exception to both rules? Anything expensive or delicate should stay on hangers if possible. That suit you spent too much money on doesn't belong in a box with your gym shorts.

Use Suitcases, Bins, and Vacuum Bags

Suitcases are the most underutilized moving tool. You're already moving them, so why not fill them with clothes? They're designed to protect contents during travel, they have wheels, and they're the right size for heavy items like clothes. Pack your heaviest clothes in suitcases and save your back during the move.

Vacuum bags are game-changers for bulky items like winter coats, comforters, and seasonal clothes you won't need immediately. They compress items to a fraction of their original size, but use them strategically. Don't vacuum-seal everything—you'll create rock-hard packages that are impossible to fit into odd-shaped spaces.

Plastic bins work well for clothes you'll need quickly at your new place. Unlike cardboard boxes, you can see what's inside, they stack neatly, and they're reusable. The downside? They're more expensive than boxes, so reserve them for essentials.

How to Pack Clothes on Hangers for Moving Without Hassle

Hanging clothes present a unique challenge. You want to keep them wrinkle-free, but you also don't want to waste space with mostly empty boxes. The solution depends on your budget and how much you care about wrinkles.

Wardrobe boxes are the gold standard. These tall boxes come with a metal bar that lets you transfer clothes directly from your closet to the box, hangers and all. They're more expensive than regular boxes, but they're worth it for expensive clothes or items that wrinkle easily.

The budget alternative is the trash bag method, which sounds sketchy but actually works. Group ten to fifteen hanging items together, slide a heavy-duty garbage bag up from the bottom, and tie it around the hanger necks. Poke the hooks through the top of the bag and secure them with a twist tie. It's not pretty, but it keeps clothes together and relatively wrinkle-free.

How to Avoid Wrinkles When Packing Your Wardrobe

Wrinkles are inevitable, but you can minimize them with smart packing choices. The biggest mistake people make is overpacking boxes. Clothes need room to breathe, even in boxes. Cramming everything in creates wrinkles that no amount of steaming will fix.

Layer clothes strategically in boxes. Put heavier items like jeans on the bottom, lighter items like blouses on top. Use tissue paper or clean packing paper between layers if you're dealing with delicate fabrics. And here's a trick most people don't know: pack clothes in the boxes they'll be unpacked from first. Your work clothes should be easily accessible, not buried under winter coats.

Unpacking Clothes Quickly and Efficiently After a Move

The unpacking process starts with your packing decisions. Label boxes clearly with contents and destination rooms. "Bedroom clothes" is better than "clothes," but "master bedroom work clothes" is even better. Your future self will thank you when you're looking for something specific to wear on your first day at the new place.

Unpack hanging clothes first—they take up the most space and are usually the most wrinkle-prone. Set up your closet before you tackle boxes of folded clothes. And resist the urge to unpack everything at once. Focus on essentials first: work clothes, underwear, a few casual outfits. The rest can wait until you've figured out your new storage situation.

The truth about how to pack clothes for a move is that it's not rocket science, but it does require some planning. Take the time to sort, choose the right packing materials, and pack strategically. Your clothes—and your stress levels—will be better for it.

Need moving supplies in New York? Then contact New York Box today.