Packing your clothes for a move can be one of the most stressful parts of changing home. However, all you need to do is follow the tips below to turn this task into child's play. Take note!
Tips for storing your clothes when moving house
Planning: the key to storing your clothes for a move
One of the most important things when thinking about how to move your clothing is properly organising your garments and accessories. You can sort them by many criteria: season, frequency of use, furniture piece, size, type of clothing (shirts, trousers, coats, etc.).
Packing your clothes for a move is a great opportunity to declutter your wardrobe and get rid of all the items you no longer need. Why take them with you? This way you will save space in your new home and pay less for the removal.
How to pack your clothes for a move
Packing your garments and shoes properly is essential for an orderly, clean and efficient move. All you need is to follow these tips on how to pack clothes for a removal.
- Only pack garments when they are clean and dry.
- If you have very heavy clothing or a large number of items, use small boxes.
- Wardrobe boxes are extremely useful for transporting clothes without creasing them.
- You can save space by leaving underwear or small items inside the drawers of the chest of drawers.
- Use vacuum-seal bags for garments that are less prone to creasing.
- Absorbent paper and fabric are perfect for protecting delicate clothing.
- Footwear should be packed separately from clothing. You can store shoes together with socks to save space.
- Pack clothing and footwear for immediate use in a suitcase so you can find them quickly and easily as soon as you arrive.
- Heavier items always go at the bottom of the boxes and lighter ones on top.
- Fold clothes inside out. This not only reduces creasing but also ensures your garments take up as little space as possible.
The importance of working with professionals
When it comes to storing clothes for a move safely and efficiently, the best option is to rely on professionals. After all, they have access to the widest variety and highest quality of packing materials for your garments.
The convenience and reliability of working with an experienced removal company like Horizont Atlantic will save you a great deal of worry when it comes to packing and transporting your clothing. Its wide range of services makes it the safest choice for moves to or from the Canary Islands.
Now that you know how to move your clothes, changing home is much simpler. What are you waiting for to put all our tips into practice? Packing your clothes for a move will never be a problem again.
Frequently asked questions about packing clothes for a move
What is the best way to pack hanging clothes?
Wardrobe boxes with an internal hanging rail (50x60x100 cm) allow you to transfer clothes directly from the wardrobe into the box without removing them from the hangers. Cost: €8–15 per box. Avoids creasing and re-ironing afterwards. Each box holds approximately half a linear metre of wardrobe. For moves to the Canary Islands or international removals, they are practically indispensable.
Are vacuum bags worth using for winter clothing?
Yes, especially useful for bulky items: duvets, blankets, coats and thick jumpers. They reduce volume by 50–70%, saving boxes and reducing removal costs. Compress properly and check that the bags stay sealed (some cheaper ones lose their vacuum). Do NOT use for delicate fabrics (silk, fine wool) that can become misshapen under pressure.
How do I prevent creases during transit?
For clothes that crease easily (shirts, delicate dresses): use dedicated wardrobe boxes so they hang during transport. For everything else: vertical folding in the Marie Kondo style reduces creasing compared to horizontal folding. For long-distance moves (the Canary Islands, international), pack your key pieces in a travel suitcase without over-stuffing. Include a small travel iron in your "first night" box for the first few days.
Is it worth decluttering clothes during a move?
Absolutely. A common statistic: we wear 20–30% of the clothes we own. Apply the rule: if you have not worn it in the past 12 months, discard it. Exception: special-occasion clothing (suits, wedding outfits) worn once or twice a year. Decluttering significantly reduces the volume and cost of your removal. Donate to Cáritas or the Red Cross, or sell branded items on Vinted or Wallapop. More on decluttering: Marie Kondo tips for your move.
How do I pack shoes and bags to prevent them losing their shape?
Shoes in their original boxes if you have them (they maintain the shape), or in medium-sized boxes with each pair wrapped in paper. Tall boots: stuff with crumpled paper to keep them upright. Structured bags: fill the inside (with an old T-shirt or paper) so they do not get crushed. Leather bags: store in a breathable fabric bag (not an airtight plastic bag, which traps moisture). More on packing: wardrobe packing tips.
