How to Pack Seasonal Clothing and Outerwear for Your Next Move
Packing your clothes when you move may seem straightforward --throw them all in a box, and you’re done.
Seasonal clothing and outerwear can be different. They’re bigger, and sometimes they come in odd sizes.
Here are a few tips to minimize bulk and protect your clothing for your residential move.
Clean Up
Before you start packing, you should take a moment to inspect your clothing for dirt, debris, or damage. Gardening and sports gear, in particular, tend to pick up dirt and grime. Spot-treat them before washing.
Check out the wear of each item, even if it’s relatively new. A big hole might be easier to fix now, especially if you have the time.
Since you might not look at these until next year, it’s wise not to skip this step. You may have a more challenging time removing stains once they set in.
Dry It Out
When you pack up your clothing for the season, you’re probably going to put it somewhere without a lot of light or air. It’s a nightmare for any item that is even slightly damp. You could end up with mildew, mold, or worse.
After washing clothing, allow it to dry out thoroughly. Next, remove boot liners and turn gloves inside out.
If you’re washing these items near moving day, make sure your clothes are completely dry before packing them. The last thing you need in your new home is a moldy mess.
Choose Appropriate Packaging
If possible, try to pack your seasonal clothing into fabric bags that breathe. Linen or cotton will allow your items to air out naturally, which minimizes mildew or musty odors.
Plastic can leach colors into your clothes, especially if they get hot. Consider clear boxes and wrapping items in tissue paper to protect them. Then you can place the clear bin in a moving carton.
If you have one, empty suitcases are great for out-of-season clothes. They’ll keep your items in shape, and they breathe.
Protect Your Clothing
For specialty items, you might want to consider using garment bags. But, first, review how to pack a garment bag, especially for dress coats that might wrinkle or crease in a box.
Although you’re generally trying to maximize space while packing, take care with expensive gear. A $300 specialty hiking jacket is worth the investment.
You can get special wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes. That way, you don’t have to fold them in the box, and they’ll be easy to hang up when you arrive.
Try Space Savers
If you have bulky clothing, you don’t need a huge box for it. Instead, get a handful of space-saving bags in various sizes. You may have no idea how much those puffy coats and sweaters will compact under vacuum pressure.
Never used them before? Learning how to use space savers takes a little time, but you’ll catch on quickly.
Keep in mind that these bags only work for puffy clothing and linens that don’t wrinkle easily. And they definitely need to be clean and dry before you put them in.
Packing Up
Packing seasonal clothing is a lot easier when you have the right tools and tips to help you start. To learn more about how you can make your move run smoothly, contact us today.
