Most people would rather ditch all their belongings than go through the hassle of moving them. But taking that route isn’t very economical, and if you’re like most people, you simply can’t afford to purchase an entire house full of new stuff.

One of the most time-consuming aspects of moving is packing your clothes. It’s emotionally taxing to parse through every article determining what to keep, and the physical demands of packing up your apparel can be quite taxing, too. But packing up the closets and dressers in your home doesn’t have to turn you into a ball of stress — at least not when you know how to tackle the job as efficiently as possible.

Let's take a look at some industry insider tips for packing your clothes like a pro.

1. Invest In Plastic Bins

You can find several sizes and shapes of sturdy, plastic bins at your local big-box store, and these bins will really come in handy when you move your clothing. Bins are far easier to carry and stack than standard cardboard boxes and they’re more durable, too. What’s more, bins are reusable, so they’re perfect for permanent storage or for easily moving items from room to room.

When you have seasonal items to store in a garage, closet, or storage unit, plastic bins will keep moisture, bugs, and dust from ruining your items. Dropping a mothball in each container will further prevent stale air and moths.

2. Save Space With Vacuum Bags

When you pull all your clothes out for moving, it’s surprising just how much volume they take up. Reduce the amount of space required, and hence the number of boxes needed, by sealing your clothes in a vacuum bag. The plastic protects the clothing while the vacuum removes the air, reducing the space by 300-500%.

3. Organize Clothing By Room

Boxes or bins packed with your clothes should be visibly labeled as clothing and include the room they belong to. This simple labeling tip can save you a lot of trouble opening boxes and remembering where they go. This doesn’t just apply to your clothes — you should label every box clearly no matter what it is you’re packing inside of it.

Appropriate labeling and organization will facilitate the process of getting every clothing box moved to the exact place it needs to go. Consider labeling that includes contents, destination room, and final location such as a dresser, closet, or storage.

4. Toss What You Can Before You Pack

A good rule of thumb is to get rid of anything you haven’t worn in a year. But if you’re like most people, you likely have an emotional attachment to several of the articles of clothing you own. If you find it tough to pare down your closet, dresser, and shoe racks, ask yourself the following questions:

  • How likely is it that I’ll actually wear this?
  • How long has it been since I last wore this?
  • Do I really like the way I feel when I wear this piece?
  • Is this piece totally out of style?
  • Has my style changed?
  • Does this piece still fit?
  • Does this piece have a hole/tear/missing buttons or threads that I swore I’d fix but never did and probably won’t in the future?

If you can live without something, toss it. If you don’t feel totally amazing when you put something on, get rid of it. If something has been gathering dust in the back of your wardrobe, kiss it goodbye. The less you have, the less you’ll have to pack and move. And if you’re really bummed about getting rid of stuff, why not take yourself on a little shopping spree as an end-of-move treat?

Downsizing your wardrobe before you move will pay off in the long run by saving you tons of time during the unpacking process. And chances are, you won’t miss the stuff you get rid of.

For more helpful get-rid-of-stuff tips that apply to clothing and everything else you own, check out 8 Tips for Efficient Downsizing While You Pack. 

5. Don’t Empty Your Dresser Drawers

Just to clarify, the pros won’t pack your clothes like this, but if you’re packing on your own, you don’t necessarily have to do everything the pros would do. You can use helpful packing hacks (like this one!) that’ll save you time, money, and hassle since you’ll be handling the entirety of your move.

If you have a dresser, you don’t have to empty the drawers when you move. Instead, leave them full of clothes and take advantage of their box-like shape! You’ll want to remove each full drawer from the frame of the dresser, and once you get the frame inside the truck, put the drawers back in it.

Your clothes will stay perfectly folded in transport, and when it’s time to unload the truck, simply take the drawers out again, bring them indoors, and then bring the frame in. Place the drawers back where they go, and you’ll have saved yourself a good 30-60 minutes that would have been dedicated to placing all that stuff back inside your dresser.

For more unconventional, DIY packing tips that can save you time, money, and stress, check out 7 Packing Hacks Everyone Should Know. 

6. Consider Hiring a Moving Company

By far, the easiest way to pack your clothes is to not pack them at all. This is where moving companies provide incredible value and peace of mind. From crating, packing, and storage, to military and international moves, a professional mover packs and moves your items safely so you can focus on everything else related to your move. Relocating is a hassle, but it doesn’t have to be when you have the pros on your side.

Need a Professional Moving Company in Minneapolis or St. Paul?

At Ace Moving & Warehousing, we’re your one-stop, premier residential and commercial moving company. Whether you’re planning a local, interstate, or international move, we can provide all your moving services with our expert team of relocation specialists. With over six decades of moving experience, we strive to deliver all your belongings on time and damage free.

Call us today for a free quote at 763-755-2045, or feel free to send us a message with any questions or concerns, and we’ll get back to you promptly.