Moving? Oh boy. It’s one of those life events that sounds kinda exciting at first—new place, fresh start—but then the logistics kick in. And suddenly you’re staring at your closet, wondering how in the world you’ve accumulated this much fabric. Whether you’re relocating across town or starting over in a new city, packing your clothes smartly can save you time, money, and a whole lot of wrinkles (on your shirts and your forehead).
So, here’s the low-key, stress-minimizing way to pack and store your clothes like someone who’s done this a few times—and learned what not to do.
Start With a Purge (Seriously, Let It Go)
Before you even think about boxes or bins, go through your closet and pull out what you don’t wear. Be honest here. If it hasn’t left the hanger in a year—or if it gives you that “meh” feeling when you hold it—it’s probably time to donate it. No point packing and hauling stuff you won’t even use on the other side.
Pro tip: Have three piles—keep, donate, trash. Keep it simple. No “maybe” pile. Maybes just drag things out.
Sort by Season and Style
Once you’ve trimmed the fat, group your clothes. I like to do it by season and type—like all sweaters together, all summer stuff in another pile, etc. This way, when you land in your new place, you don’t have to dig through winter coats just to find a T-shirt.
Also, if you’re not moving straight into your new spot and have to keep stuff in storage for a bit, seasonal sorting makes it easy to grab just what you need without unpacking everything.
Ditch the Cardboard for Clothes That Matter
Yes, boxes are fine for basics, but if you care about your nicer pieces (like that one blazer you break out for interviews or weddings), use wardrobe boxes. They have a hanging bar inside, so you don’t have to fold or cram anything. And no, they’re not just a luxury—they can really save you from spending hours ironing everything later.
For the rest, fold things neatly and stash them in clean plastic bins or vacuum-seal bags. Just don’t overpack those bags or your clothes might look like they lost a fight.
Label Like Future You Will Forget Everything (Because You Will)
Once everything’s packed, slap clear labels on each box or bin. “Jen’s Winter Stuff” or “Everyday T-Shirts” is way better than “Clothes 1” and “Clothes 2,” which, trust me, will mean nothing later. This small step saves hours on the unpacking end.
If you’re storing things for a while, be sure they’re going somewhere clean, dry, and pest-free. Nobody wants to open a bin to find out it doubled as a mouse Airbnb.
Quick Extras That Make a Difference
- Roll clothes instead of folding for more space and fewer wrinkles
- Keep your everyday essentials in a separate overnight bag
- Use dryer sheets or lavender sachets to keep things smelling fresh
Moving’s a hassle, no doubt. But with a little planning (and maybe some background music), packing your clothes doesn’t have to be the worst part of it. Just think of it as the pre-party to a whole new chapter. If you’re doing a full home moving process, keeping your wardrobe organized is one less thing to stress about—so you can focus on settling in, not ironing.
