How to Pack Clothes for Moving: Best Ways to Move Hangers, Boxes, and More

Clothes are one of the most common things to move but also one of the easiest to get wrong. If you just toss everything into garbage bags, you risk wrinkles, lost items, and extra work unpacking. Choosing the best way to move clothes saves you time and stress and protects your wardrobe along the way.

At Affinity Moving, we’ve helped thousands of Minneapolis residents pack for their next chapter. Whether you're relocating from an apartment or a five-bedroom house, this guide breaks down how to pack clothes for moving the right way from hanger to box.

Why It Matters: Moving Clothes the Right Way

If you're wondering how to pack clothing for moving, here’s why it deserves attention:

• Clothes are bulky and take up space
• Delicate fabrics can wrinkle or tear
• Wet or dirty clothes can damage other items
• Good packing means easier unpacking
• Closet items need special handling

Whether you're using a moving company or doing it yourself, it’s important to use the right tools and packing methods to protect your clothing.

Packing Clothes for Moving: 3 Main Methods

There are three main types of clothing you’ll need to handle:

1. Hanging clothes
2. Folded clothes in dressers or shelves
3. Seasonal, bulky, or off-season clothing

Let’s break down each one.

1. How to Move Clothes on Hangers

If you’re asking how do you move clothes on hangers, the best answer is: use wardrobe boxes (also known as hanging garment boxes for moving). These boxes are tall and include a metal bar that lets you hang clothes directly from your closet into the box.

Benefits of wardrobe boxes:

• No folding or wrinkling
• Protects garments from dust and damage
• Makes unpacking fast
• Holds around 2 feet of closet space per box

If you’re looking for moving boxes for hanging clothes, ask your movers or local moving supply store about wardrobe box rental or purchase.

If you’re not using wardrobe boxes, here are two other options for hanging clothes:

• Trash bag method: Keep clothes on hangers and pull a trash bag up from the bottom, tying it around the hangers to keep everything together
• Blanket wrap: Stack hangers in groups, lay them flat, and wrap them in a blanket or large towel. Tape it shut and label

These DIY options work, but hanging garment boxes for moving are the safest and most efficient solution.

2. How to Pack Folded Clothes

Folded clothes like t-shirts, jeans, undergarments, and athletic wear can be packed using:

• Suitcases or duffel bags
• Plastic totes with lids
• Small or medium cardboard boxes
• Vacuum-sealed bags for bulky items

Here’s how to pack clothes for moving the right way:

• Roll soft fabrics like cotton t-shirts and leggings to save space
• Lay heavier items flat like jeans or sweaters
• Use clean, dry boxes and line them with tissue or a pillowcase if needed
• Label each box or bag with the room and type of clothing inside
• Don’t overpack, it adds weight and can crush delicate fabrics

If you’re wondering how do you pack clothes when moving, the rule is: keep it neat, keep it clean, and make it easy to unpack.

3. Packing Seasonal or Off-Season Clothes

Winter coats, ski gear, formalwear, and other specialty clothing items may not be needed immediately. For these:

• Use vacuum-sealed bags to compress and protect
• Pack in labeled bins and mark as seasonal
• Place cedar blocks or dryer sheets inside to prevent musty smells
• Keep these separate from daily-wear items so they don’t get unpacked first

If you're moving long-distance, be mindful of weather at your destination. You might need to access seasonal clothing sooner than you think.

What Supplies You Need: Clothing Moving Checklist

Here’s a quick list of items to help you move your wardrobe smoothly:

• Wardrobe boxes (for hanging items)
• Medium boxes or bins (for folded items)
• Suitcases or duffel bags
• Trash bags or garment bags
• Vacuum storage bags (for bulky items)
• Packing tape and labels
• Sharpies or stickers to mark boxes
• Moisture absorbers or dryer sheets

Pro Tips: Best Way to Move Clothes Efficiently

• Don’t take clothes off hangers unless necessary
• Pack by person or room so unpacking is easier
• Use dresser drawers if allowed (Affinity Moving can shrink wrap furniture with clothes inside, ask ahead)
• Pack an essentials bag with a few days of clothes, socks, and sleepwear for immediate use
• Separate shoes and fragile accessories from clothing boxes

Should You Leave Clothes in the Dresser?

If you're working with professional movers like Affinity Moving, ask whether it’s okay to leave light clothing in dresser drawers. Often, we can wrap and transport dressers with contents intact, which saves on packing time and box usage.

We do recommend removing heavy or fragile items like books, electronics, or glass.

How Movers Like Affinity Help With Clothes

Moving your wardrobe can feel like a chore, but with the right strategy and a trusted moving partner, it can be one of the easiest parts of the process.

At Affinity Moving, we provide:

• Wardrobe boxes on every move (complimentary with most packages)
• Help lifting and loading packed clothing
• Full-service packing and unpacking upon request
• Recommendations for packing supplies and local storage options
• Licensed, insured crews that treat your items with care

Whether you’re moving across Minneapolis or out of state, we’ll help you protect your clothes, shoes, and accessories along the way.

FAQs: Moving Clothes

How do you pack clothes when moving?

Use wardrobe boxes for hanging items and boxes or bags for folded clothes. Roll or fold items neatly and keep categories together.

What is the best way to move clothes?

The best way is to use wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes and suitcases or bins for folded items. This keeps everything clean, wrinkle-free, and easy to unpack.

How do you move clothes on hangers?

Use wardrobe boxes or keep them on hangers and use large trash bags to bundle and protect them.

Can I leave clothes in drawers when moving?

Yes, for short local moves, movers often wrap the dresser with clothes inside. Ask ahead to confirm.

Do I need to wash clothes before moving?

Only if dirty. Clean clothes help prevent odors and mold if boxes are stored for long periods.

Call Affinity Moving for Help With Your Next Move

Whether you’re packing a closet or an entire house, Affinity Moving is here to help you move your wardrobe and everything else without stress.

• Call: 612-416-6640
• Serving Minneapolis, St. Paul, Edina, Bloomington, and the Twin Cities
• Visit our website to request a free moving estimate