Moving is always stressful, but with proper preparations the stress can be lessened. The last thing you want to stress about is your clothes, so we have put together this guide to making sure that moving your wardrobe is as easy as possible.
Get Organized
The most efficient way to pack a wardrobe is by type of clothing. For example, you could organize all your shirts together, then all your pants and skirts, then dresses and sweaters/blazers, etc. If you have a lot of pants or tops in one color scheme (for instance: all dark-colored jeans), then organize those items by color. Organize by size as well if this makes sense for where you’re moving. For example, if you are packing all of your families’ clothes together, it may make sense to pack each person’s wardrobe together.
Purge Before you pack your closet
The first thing to do is to purge the clothes you haven’t worn in a year or more. You also probably won’t want to pack clothes that don’t fit, are damaged, or are styles of clothing you no longer love. If you’re moving somewhere warm and sunny, maybe behind those heavy sweaters and wool coats.
Take Photos of Items you Need Clarification on
When you’re processing your clothing, take photos of items that you are uncertain about and send the pictures to a friend or family member. They can offer some clarity on if they think the item is practical and worth keeping, as well as if it suits you.
Keep the Seasons in Mind
The first thing to consider when packing your wardrobe is the season. Seasonal clothing is bulky and heavy, so it’s best to pack it away somewhere easy to access without moving everything else in the closet. You’ll also want to ensure you have enough space for seasonal items—if you’re moving into a smaller apartment, think twice about bringing all your winter coats or ten pairs of boots. Seasonal clothing can be expensive, so if you plan to keep it long-term, look at climate-controlled storage options first. It is also worth looking into renting a storage unit near where you live so that if someone needs something from their old home.
Roll Clothing
Folding clothes is a time-honored tradition, but it only sometimes makes sense when packing up your apartment. Rolling your clothes can save up to 80% more space in a suitcase or box than folding them, which means that you’ll be able to fit more into the same amount of space. Sure, it’s not as easy as just folding and organizing everything neatly in drawers—but after you get done rolling all the clothes you want to take on your big journey, all those extra inches can add up. Rolling clothes tightly helps them keep their shape and stay moved during transport. To roll pants or skirts without getting wrinkles on the outside of the garment, place them inside out first so there are no visible creases on top when they’re finished being packed away.
