Packing a closet might seem like a straightforward task, but when it comes to moving, closets often contain a diverse range of items — from delicate clothes and shoes to accessories and sometimes even household goods. The way you pack your closet can greatly impact how smoothly your move goes and how easy it is to settle into your new home. Proper packing protects your belongings, keeps your wardrobe organized, and reduces stress on moving day.
At Big Bear Movers, we’ve helped countless clients pack and move their closets efficiently. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best way to pack a closet so you can keep your clothes wrinkle-free, your shoes safe, and your accessories organized.
Why Proper Closet Packing is Important
Closets are often overlooked in the moving process, yet they hold some of your most personal belongings. Clothes are susceptible to wrinkles, shoes can be easily damaged or misplaced, and small accessories can get lost. Improper packing can lead to frustration, extra cleaning, or even replacement costs after the move.
Taking time to pack your closet correctly means less unpacking chaos and a wardrobe that’s ready to wear once unpacked. Additionally, well-packed closets save space in moving boxes and make loading and unloading more manageable.
Step 1: Declutter Your Closet Before Packing
Before packing, take the opportunity to declutter. Go through your clothes, shoes, and accessories and decide what you want to keep, donate, or discard. Moving is the perfect time to let go of items you no longer need or wear.
Decluttering reduces your load and can save you time and money during your move. It also makes organizing your closet easier once you arrive at your new home.
Step 2: Gather Appropriate Packing Materials
Having the right packing supplies is crucial. For closet items, consider investing in wardrobe boxes that come with a built-in hanging bar. These boxes allow you to transfer hanging clothes without removing them from hangers, preserving their condition.
Use sturdy boxes or suitcases for folded clothes. Packing paper, tissue paper, or garment bags will protect delicate fabrics. For shoes, use original boxes if possible, or buy shoe boxes and packing paper to prevent scuffing.
Small containers or ziplock bags work well for accessories like jewelry, belts, and scarves.
Step 3: Packing Hanging Clothes Efficiently
Hanging clothes like dresses, suits, and coats should ideally be packed in wardrobe boxes. Simply move your clothes from your closet rod onto the box’s rod, ensuring there is enough space for garments to hang freely without being crushed.
If wardrobe boxes are not available, group smaller batches of hanging clothes on hangers, tie them together with twine or rubber bands, and cover them with large plastic bags or garbage bags to protect from dust.
Avoid overcrowding to prevent wrinkles and fabric damage. This approach keeps your clothes in wearable condition and reduces the need for ironing later.
Step 4: Fold and Pack Non-Hanging Clothes Carefully
Not all clothes require hanging. T-shirts, sweaters, jeans, and activewear can be folded neatly and packed in sturdy boxes or suitcases.
When packing, line boxes with packing paper and add paper between layers to prevent wrinkles and keep clothes fresh. Consider using vacuum-seal bags for bulky items like winter coats or heavy sweaters. These bags compress the fabric, save space, and protect clothes from moisture.
Label each box clearly with the contents and room destination to make unpacking easier.
Step 5: Organize and Protect Shoes
Shoes require special care when packing. They should be cleaned and dried before packing to prevent odors and damage.
Packing shoes in their original boxes is ideal, but if those aren’t available, use shoe boxes or wrap each pair in packing paper. Avoid placing heavy items on top of shoe boxes to prevent crushing.
Arrange shoe boxes at the bottom of larger boxes to create a sturdy base, or pack shoes in suitcases for easy transport.
Step 6: Secure Accessories and Small Items
Accessories such as jewelry, belts, scarves, and hats are small and can easily get lost during a move. Use small containers, jewelry organizers, or zippered pouches to keep these items together.
Wrap delicate accessories in tissue paper or bubble wrap, and pack them in clearly labeled boxes or bags.
Keeping your accessories organized helps you find them quickly once unpacked.
Step 7: Label and Inventory Your Closet Boxes
Labeling your boxes clearly is key to a smooth move. Write the contents and the destination room on each box, for example, “Closet – Winter Clothes” or “Closet – Shoes.”
Keeping an inventory list of all packed closet items is also a good practice. It allows you to check that all your belongings arrive safely and makes unpacking faster.
Step 8: Timing Your Closet Packing
Start packing your closet a few weeks before moving day, focusing on out-of-season clothes and items you don’t use daily. Keep everyday wear accessible until the last possible moment.
Consider preparing a “first-day” closet box with essential clothing and accessories you’ll need immediately, so you’re not left digging through boxes on your first night in your new home.
How Big Bear Movers Can Help You Pack Your Closet
At Big Bear Movers, we offer expert packing services, including specialized closet packing. Our team uses wardrobe boxes and proper packing techniques to protect your clothes, shoes, and accessories.
Whether you want to pack your closet yourself or prefer full-service packing, we customize our approach to your needs and ensure your belongings arrive safely.
Visit https://bigbearmovers.co/ to learn more about our services and get a free quote for your move.
Final Thoughts on Packing Your Closet
Packing a closet requires attention to detail and proper planning. By decluttering, using the right packing materials, organizing items carefully, and labeling boxes clearly, you can simplify your move and protect your wardrobe.
A well-packed closet makes settling into your new home easier and keeps your clothes and accessories ready to use.
For professional moving and packing assistance tailored to your closet and entire home, trust Big Bear Movers. Explore our full range of services at https://bigbearmovers.co/ and make your next move hassle-free.