Moving to a new home is an exciting adventure, but packing can often feel overwhelming. Clothes, in particular, can be tricky to pack efficiently.
However, with the right techniques, you can make the process much smoother. Here are our expert tips for packing both hanging clothes and folded clothes for a stress-free experience.
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4 Expert Tips for Packing Folded & Hanging Clothes
By making sure you pack both your hanging and folded clothes properly, you can keep them organized, safe against damage in transit, and crease-free when you’re ready to unpack them at your new location.
1. Keep Clothes in Their Drawers
Instead of emptying out your dresser drawers and transferring clothes into boxes, save time by keeping your folded clothes right where they are. Here’s what you need to do:
- Make sure your clothes are organized and folded the way you want them.
- Simply wrap each drawer in plastic moving wrap to secure the contents.
Your drawers can now be transported separately or even stay in your dresser, making moving both furniture and clothes more efficient.
2. Pack Hanging Clothes as They Are
Taking clothes off their hangers just to fold them for packing can be a time-consuming task. Here’s a great hack:
- Group your hanging clothes together and slide a garbage bag over them.
- Poke the hanger hooks through the bottom of the bag and secure them with a twist tie.
- Lay them flat in your car or moving truck for simple, hassle-free transport.
3. Use Bags Instead of Boxes
While cardboard boxes are the traditional go-to for packing, consider using garbage bags for your folded clothes. Bags are easier to carry, take up less space, and can even double as cushioning for fragile items.
- Bonus: Garbage bags’ built-in handles make them easy to grab and transport without the hassle of bulky boxes.
4. Layer Clothes in Suitcases or Boxes
If you prefer not to use garbage bags, layering your hanging clothes in a suitcase or box is another practical option. Here’s what you need to do:
- Remove a small batch of clothes from the closet, fold them in half while keeping them on their hangers, and place them inside.
- Continue layering until the container is full and secure the contents by closing the suitcase or using moving tape to seal the box.
Layering helps prevent unwanted creasing and makes unpacking a breeze.
Our key packing strategies ensure your clothing arrives at its new destination in perfect condition, making your relocation journey hassle-free.
We make moving a breeze. Contact Imperial Movers today
Boxes can help efficiently pack and store clothes not prone to creasing
Should You Hang or Fold Your Clothes When Moving?
Deciding between hanging or folding different clothing may seem like overthinking, but this step can save you a lot of time and effort if you want to unpack and store your garments without having to iron, wash, or dry clean them again.
Start by considering the type of clothing and available space. Hanging clothes, such as dresses, coats, and delicate fabrics, help maintain their shape and prevent creasing.
On the other hand, folded clothes — like t-shirts, jeans, and workout gear — are more compact and can be stacked easily in bags or boxes. Combining these methods helps maximize space while keeping your wardrobe organized and intact.
Pro tip: Take the opportunity to declutter your wardrobe before you move. Donate any clothes that no longer fit or that you no longer wear to a local charity.
Not only will this lighten your load, but it will also make unpacking in your new home more manageable.
How To Pack Different Fabrics
Some fabrics handle wrinkles, stretching, and friction better than others. To keep your garments in top shape, consider the following guidelines for each fabric type:
Cotton
Recommendation: Fold or hang (depending on garment type).
- Why? Cotton is relatively durable and can resist wrinkles when folded neatly. T-shirts, casual tops, and jeans can be folded to save space, while more structured cotton items, like button-down shirts or dresses, are best hung to minimize creasing.
Silk
Recommendation: Hang, with protective covering.
- Why? Silk wrinkles easily and can be damaged by tight folds or friction. Hanging silk garments on padded hangers helps maintain their shape. For added protection, use garment bags or wrap silk items in acid-free tissue paper.
Polyester
Recommendation: Fold or hang.
- Why? Polyester is synthetic and resists wrinkling, making it adaptable to either hanging or folding. If you have space, hang to minimize even minor creases; otherwise, folding is perfectly fine for this durable fabric.
Cotton Blends
Recommendation: Fold or hang (based on the blend and garment style).
- Why? Cotton blends merge cotton’s breathability with the resilience of synthetic fibers. While you can fold casual wear, more structured or delicate items may benefit from hanging to keep them crisp.
Wool
Recommendation: Fold, especially for sweaters and knitwear.
- Why? Wool items, particularly knits, can stretch or lose shape when hung. Folding them prevents sagging and maintains the knit’s integrity. However, consider hanging structured wool garments like coats or suits on sturdy, wide-shouldered hangers.
Other Fabrics
- Leather and suede: Always hang on broad, padded hangers to prevent creases or scratches. For extra protection, consider garment bags.
- Linen: Prone to wrinkles, it’s better to hang linen. When folding, place tissue paper between layers to reduce creasing.
- Delicate lace or beaded items: These are best hung to prevent crushing or snagging. If you must resort to folding, wrap each piece in acid-free tissue paper for protection.
Once you reach your new home, a light steam or quick iron may be all you need to freshen up your clothes, saving you both time and effort as you settle into your new space.
Imperial Moving can help make relocation stress-free
Moving? Let Imperial Movers Do the Heavy Lifting
At Imperial Movers, we understand moving involves many details that can make the experience overwhelming.
From Los Angeles to New York, our expert movers are ready to provide a full-service moving experience that includes packing, unpacking, and disassembling and reassembling all your furniture.
We’re here to make your local or long-distance relocation as simple and easy as possible so you can focus on settling into your new space without the added stress of managing every detail yourself. Our team understands that it’s more than just a move — it’s your move.
Make your relocation journey hassle-free. Contact us today
Folded Clothes vs. Hanging Clothes FAQs
Is it better to hang or fold clothes?
Hang structured or delicate garments to prevent wrinkles and preserve their shape and fold casual items like T-shirts and jeans to save space. This way, you can keep bulkier items neatly stacked while protecting wrinkle-prone items.
How much does it cost to have someone fold your clothes?
Prices vary by location and service, often ranging from $15 to $50 per hour. Professional laundry or home-organizing services may charge a flat rate or by the load.
Is it better to roll or fold clothes?
Rolling can save space and minimize wrinkles for sturdy garments like workout gear or casual tees. Folding is best for delicate or structured items to maintain their shape.
What is the easiest way to fold clothes?
Use a consistent method such as folding items in halves or thirds, aligning edges neatly. This creates uniform stacks and reduces wrinkles.
What is the best way to hang clothes?
Use sturdy hangers that match the garment’s shape, leaving enough space between items to prevent creasing. This keeps clothes neat and helps them maintain their structure.
