Moving into a new home is an exciting yet stressful adventure, as you will have to figure out how to pack your belongings efficiently while preparing for a fresh chapter in a different location. Your wardrobe, in particular, requires meticulous attention. Wardrobe packing is often postponed until the very last minute, and clothes tend to stay shoved in their boxes after the move.

But this doesn’t always have to be the case. Sorting through your clothes, deciding what to keep and organizing them efficiently can make the moving process manageable and help you transition to life at your new place faster.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you organize and pack your clothing effectively.

Start early to declutter and donate

Before you pack everything, take the time to declutter your wardrobe. An approach you can try is starting early to sift through your clothes and decide what you want to keep, donate, or sell.

Downsizing your wardrobe not only lightens the load for your move but also provides a fresh start in your new space. Donate or sell items you no longer need to raise funds for your relocation and help others in the process.

Sort by type and season

Once you’ve decided what to keep, organize your clothes by type. Separate footwear, accessories, pajamas and hats. This step will make unpacking easier and help you locate specific items when needed.

Pack your out-of-season clothing first and keep the current season’s for last since you will still be using them even after the move. Then, consider using storage bins or dividers to keep everything neat and accessible.

Choose the right packing materials

Packing your clothes properly is crucial to ensuring they arrive at your new home in good condition. Therefore, different packing methods suit different types of clothing. For example, cardboard boxes are ideal for packing folded clothing as they are sturdy and stackable.

Meanwhile, wardrobe boxes are suitable for clothes on hangers and make unpacking a breeze. While they can be a bit pricey, the convenience they offer is worth considering. Then, suitcases and duffel bags are great for packing folded clothes and shoes that you need to access immediately, but make sure to use the space wisely to maximize efficiency.

Vacuum bags are a space-saving solution best for bulky items like jackets and winter coats. They compress clothing, reducing the overall volume and making it easier to transport.

The last one is a trick suggested by professional organizer Amy Berryhill — clean trash bags. Simply leave your garments on the rail, enclose them in a trash bag and tie them at the top around the hanger hooks for swift packing.

Find the right folding method

Not all clothes can be packed the same way. Take the time to fold and pack each item appropriately to ensure they arrive at your new home in top condition.

For everyday wear like t-shirts and jeans, opt for bundle folding. Lay the clothing flat, fold sleeves and pant legs toward the center, then bundle tightly with rubber bands or packing straps. Bundle folding ensures a compact, organized bundle that minimizes wrinkles and eases transportation.

You can preserve delicate fabrics such as dress shirts and dresses by using tissue paper interleaving. Lay the garment flat, place tissue paper between layers to prevent sticking and fold as usual. The tissue adds a protective layer that safeguards formal or sensitive wardrobe pieces during the move.

Consider hiring a moving company

If the thought of packing and moving your wardrobe feels overwhelming, consider hiring a professional moving company. Moving companies are especially a great option for first-time movers who aren’t sure how many boxes, bags, or supplies they will need to carry out a perfect move.

Movers can also consult with their moving company regarding the materials provided to help move their belongings. If a moving company provides wardrobe boxes, there is no need to purchase any, only to discard them later. Give them an estimate of your clothing articles, and they will calculate the supplies needed.