For many of us, clothing is an important part of the packing process for house moving. It’s a big job, made even more difficult by a stuffed closet. It’s all too easy to leave packing clothes until the last minute or to pack haphazardly.
If you’ve ever moved clothes in a disorganized manner, you know it’s not the best way to go. Yes, it saves time during the packing process. However, once you arrive at your new home, it becomes clear that this was not the best strategy. You find yourself digging through boxes, searching for what you want, and lamenting, rather than simply taking a few extra moments to plan.
That doesn’t have to be the case. You can pack your clothes for moving in a way that makes unpacking easier with a few simple steps. And, believe it or not, it won’t take any longer.
Organize, declutter, and launder
Before packing clothes, divide them into three groups: what you need until moving day, what you will open first at the new home, and what can stay packed longer. Keep each person’s clothes together so cartons can go directly to the correct bedroom.
Set aside work or school clothes, sleepwear, underwear and shoes for the days around the move. Pack these in a clearly marked suitcase or bag that stays accessible, instead of mixing them into the main wardrobe cartons.
Sort the remaining clothes before choosing boxes or bags. Items going straight into the wardrobe and items going into storage need different labels and may need different packaging. Check the garment’s care label before washing, drying or compressing it.
Declutter
Declutter your closet to give yourself a fresh start. Take a good look at your clothes and decide whether you really need to bring them with you. You did, after all, live in that dress once upon a time. But when was the last time you put it on?
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You’ll feel a weight lifted off your shoulders if you downsize your belongings. You might even be able to get some money for your moving expenses if you sell some items or put them in a consignment store. It takes time to sell items, so don’t put it off until the last minute.
Make separate piles for items to sell, donate and keep. Check the receiving organisation’s acceptance rules and collection or drop-off arrangements before setting donations aside. Our Singapore clothing donation guide can help you plan that step. Keep donation bags clearly separate from the clothes travelling to your new home.
Organize
Next, organize the items you intend to keep. It’s entirely up to you how you want to go about it. We recommend organizing by room first, so that the boxes you pack can be delivered to the appropriate bedroom when you arrive. Then you can separate the items for your closet from those for your dressers. Keep things together to help you organize your boxes when it’s time to pack.
For a move within Singapore, group everyday clothes separately from occasional-use outfits, sportswear and travel clothing. If you are packing for a colder destination, keep seasonal layers together and label when you expect to need them.
Launder
Do your laundry before you pack to save time and effort. The best part about this step is that you can do something else while you wait for a load. That’s probably second best. The best part is having clean, fresh-smelling clothes for a new beginning in your new home.
Check clothes that have been stored for a while, especially anything damp or musty. Clean them according to the care label and let them dry fully before packing. Keep laundry that still needs attention separate rather than sealing it with clean clothes.
Prioritize based on the season
When it comes time to pack, you don’t have to do it all at once. Don’t worry about packing in a marathon session; instead, give yourself plenty of time to do it in stages. You’ll need clothes, underwear, and shoes for the time you’re still at home. Begin with the items you require the least.
Pack occasional-use outfits and travel clothing first, leaving your everyday clothes accessible until moving day. If some clothes are going into storage, identify those cartons separately and confirm the packing and retrieval arrangements before collection.
Don't forget to include an essentials box.
You’ll need something to wear during your first week in your new place. Don’t put extra strain on yourself by rushing through the unpacking process. Set up an essentials box for the clothes you’ll need instead.
For the first week in the house, each family member should have their own duffel, suitcase, or box. Remember to bring your pajamas, socks, and underwear. Adults should pack clothes for work as well as clothes for leisure time. Children of various ages should have enough changes to get through time spent outside or messy meals.
Select your packing methods.
Choose packing methods to suit the clothes and the journey. A wardrobe box can keep suitable garments on hangers; ask whether this option is available and included in your quotation. Use clean, dry containers and packaging that suits the garment’s care instructions.
You may be able to leave clothing in your dresser drawers if you have professional movers on the job. Not only does it save space and packing materials, but you also save time. Check with your movers to see if the drawers will stay in the dresser or if they should be removed and wrapped in plastic for transport.
Even if you don’t have a wardrobe box, you can leave your clothes on the hanger. Tie small groups of 5-10 hangers together for easier transport. Cover them with a large garbage bag if you want to protect them from dust or dirt on the way.
Compression bags can save space for suitable clothing, but check the garment’s care label and the bag manufacturer’s instructions first. Do not assume every delicate, structured or padded garment should be compressed. For storage, discuss the expected duration and appropriate packaging before sealing the items.
To avoid damage, keep your delicate items and shoes in separate boxes from your other clothes. If you have silk or other delicate fabrics, wrap them in tissue.
The weight of clothing adds up quickly. Use smaller boxes whenever possible, even if it means using more of them. Oversized boxes become heavier quickly and are more difficult to move. Use what you have on hand instead of boxes. Clothing can be safely packed in duffel bags, suitcases, laundry hampers, and other bags.
Make use of labels
Labels are your greatest ally. They are, at least during the packing and unpacking process.
Label each box or bag with the person, destination room and a short contents description, such as “Main bedroom — work shirts”. Add “Open first” or “Storage” where relevant. Put a visible label on the top and a side, and keep a simple inventory for anything you may need to retrieve before the rest is unpacked.
