How to Pack Clothes for Moving

Ugh, packing clothes is the worst part of moving. Trust me, I've moved seven times in the last decade, and clothes always give me the biggest headache. After the disaster of my first move (RIP to my favorite sweater that somehow got oil on it), I've figured out what actually works. 

If you're stressing about fitting your entire wardrobe into boxes without ruining everything, I've got your back. And while finding the best moving company helps with the furniture, your closet is still your problem to solve.

Choosing the Right Packing Supplies

Don't use trash bags. Just don't. I made this mistake once, with torn clothes and a huge mess. Grab some decent boxes from Home Depot or U-Haul - they're worth the few bucks. Wardrobe boxes saved my nicer clothes from becoming a wrinkled disaster. They're portable closets with a metal bar for hangers. 

Throw your socks and underwear in those empty Amazon bubble mailers you've been hoarding. Label each box with exactly what's inside - not just "clothes" but "jeans and t-shirts" or "winter stuff." Otherwise, you'll be ripping through boxes at 11 PM looking for your pajamas.

Sorting and Decluttering Your Wardrobe

It's time for brutal honesty: half your clothes must go. That shirt with the hole you keep meaning to fix? Those pants that almost fit? Chuck 'em. My rule: if I haven't worn it in a year, it's out. I drag everything onto my bed and make instant decisions - keep, trash, donate. No maybes allowed. 

When I moved from Boston to San Diego, I still packed my snow boots "just in case." They took up space in my closet three years later, never worn once. Think about your new place, the weather there, and what you wear weekly.

Maximizing Suitcase Space Efficiently

Pack your suitcases with stuff you'll need right away. I roll everything instead of folding - it takes up less space and prevents most wrinkles. My mom bought me packing cubes for Christmas, and I thought they were stupid until I tried them. Now I'm obsessed. I pack outfits together so I'm not digging for matching pieces later. 

Cram socks inside shoes. Vacuum bags make puffy winter coats flat enough actually to fit somewhere. Heavy jeans go on the bottom so they don't crush your shirts. Always pack one bag with essentials for your first night - nothing worse than digging through everything for your toothbrush at midnight.

Utilizing Space-Saving Techniques for Boxes

Don't just throw everything in randomly. Roll clothes tight like burritos instead of folding them. Those vacuum storage bags are clutch for winter stuff - I fit my entire cold-weather wardrobe in one box this way. 

Use every inch - stuff socks and underwear into gaps between more significant items. My weird but effective hack? I take photos of what's in each box before sealing it up. Way easier than trying to remember which box has that one shirt you suddenly need.

Tips for Wrinkle-Free Packing

Nobody wants to iron everything after moving. I learned this hard after unpacking a box of unwearable, wrinkled clothes. Use garment bags for nice work clothes and dresses. Don't stuff boxes too full - clothes need some breathing room. 

I throw dryer sheets between layers (smells good and reduces static). The most important thing? Unpack your clothes FIRST when you arrive. Like, before you even set up your bed. The longer they sit folded in boxes, the worse the wrinkles.

Look, moving sucks no matter what, but you can make the clothes part suck less. Start sorting your closet this weekend even if your move is a month away. You'll feel better getting rid of junk, and packing will be much easier. Some moving companies offer wardrobe boxes and even packing services if it all feels too overwhelming. Sometimes spending a little extra cash is worth saving your sanity.

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• How to Pack Jewelry for Moving