Oh hi! I'm just here to drop some very sexy moving tips for your closet. Let's go! This post part of my #MoveItOrLoseIt series, where I share my best moving tips with you. Find links to more moving tips at the end of this page!
Check out the video for this post on YouTube here!
DECLUTTER
I have an entire blog post about decluttering before a move, which includes musical interludes and lyrics from the incomparable artist, Missy Elliott. Check it out here! Declutter your closet before you pack. Less Stuff + Less Packing = Cheaper Move. Look into organizations in your community which allow your items to be put to use immediately - like shelters or charities like Transform or Dress For Success. You can also call community theaters and see if they are accepting costume pieces or props. If you have clothes sitting around waiting for alterations or returns, go ahead and act on that fast - otherwise it'll never get done.
PACKING YOUR HANGING CLOTHES
The old Trash Bag Trick - *For the record- the trick is old, don't use an old trash bag. The classic, budget friendly way to transport hanging clothes is to place the hanging clothes into a trash bag and tie it around the hanger hook. See a video demonstration from Hefty, here.
Box or suitcase - You can also choose to keep the clothes on their hangers and neatly put them in a box or suitcase. I don't necessarily love this because of the wrinkle factor, but it works!
Garment Boxes - Look at you, adult, using garment boxes! Long hanging dresses and pants can get boxed up in tall garment boxes like this. Shirts and jackets can go into standard garment boxes like this. To determine how many you'll need, simply measure the length of the metal rod that comes with the box. *Only measure the skinniest part, not the wide ends where it's taped to the box, as your hangers won't fit there! Then, measure your hanging clothes to see how much you can fit in a box. And then, math.
Garment Rack Tip - To make unpacking easier, get your hands on a garment rack. You can eliminate the cardboard boxes for your space, and let your clothes air out. This allows you to see what you have before you put anything into your closet. If you do end up purchasing a rack, get a collapsible rack like this from Target, which can be stored easily and brought out when you need it!
PACKING YOUR FOLDED CLOTHES
Suitcase - You can use suitcases to transport your folded clothes. If you file fold within the suitcase, you'll be able to see everything you've packed when you open the suitcase.
Box or Storage Container - Whether you decide to file fold, roll, or just stick to a standard fold, just make sure you fill it to the top. Keeping the box full will help prevent wrinkles, as the clothes won't move around as much. Be sure to consider whether it's wise to invest in containers unless you are certain they will have a space/fit where you need them in your next home.
PACKING YOUR SHOES
Containers/Shoe Boxes - Baaaaaaaabyyyyyyy. If you have nice enough shoes to protect in shoe boxes and individual containers, then you already have life figured out - not sure you need my help. That said, nicer shoes will do well to be individually contained in some fashion.
Use Paper to Wrap Them in Pairs - Use packing paper/newspaper to wrap your shoe individually to prevent them from getting damaged. Keep pairs together by using one piece of packing paper to wrap a pair. If they are flats or sandals, try and fit at least 3-4 pairs in one paper.If you don;t have packing paper, you can at least tie laces together or loop straps together to make sure pairs are easy to find. Stuff them & Use Dead Space- If you are concerned about your shoes loosing their shape, stuff a pair of socks or ball of paper in every pair. If you have dead space in the bottom of your garment boxes, put some pairs of shoes at the bottom (not too many to be cautious of eight).
Tall Boots - Tall boots travel well laid down in suitcases. If you don't already own boot shapers, you can use the socks and scarves to keep your boot shape. When you get to your new home, I would encourage the use of boot shapers, if space allows!
PACKING YOUR ACCESSORIES
Jewelry - Sometimes the basics work best. Travel organizers (hanging, collapsible, cloth, whatever!) are a simple solution. You can use anything you already own like pill boxes, bead organizer, Tupperware, thick piece of paper (for earrings) or roll items up into old t-shirts. Large chunky necklaces and bracelets can be wrapped in paper for extra protection. If you are fancy (and you are), you may have jewelry boxes or bags to transport your jewelry easily. Or you can be LEGIT and organize your items into these stackers. The packing would be done for you, simply wrap them and pack them. If you're worried about necklaces getting tangled, you can try some of the tips from the video this lovely human.
Scarves/Hats - Use paper, scarves or socks to stuff hats that need to maintain their shape. If you have a hat box (who do you think you are, taking such great care of your hats like that?!?) try and fit multiple hats into one box when possible. Scarves can be easily rolled and used to fill empty space in boxes for your closet items.
Handbags - I love consolidating bags-in-bags because I don't really have nice handbags that I want to display. If you prefer to keep them out individually, use packing paper or off-season scarves to stuff them to keep shape. When you arrive to your new home, (if you have the closet space) keep the packing paper in there to they look thick and juicy on your shelf.
PACKING THE OTHER "STUFF"
Photos, Greeting Cards, and all the rest - It's easy for this stuff to accumulate in your closet because you may not know where else to put them. These items usually fall into the a category like memorabilia or keepsakes, and then office supplies and trash. TRASH?! Ope. The truth hurts. Be very conscious of which items you choose to keep in your closet. Only keep items in the space if it's small enough to fit into a drawer or basket designated for that category, and feels personal and close to your heart. Everything else can get binned up, labeled and put into storage.
If you found this helpful, be sure to check out my other moving tips in the blogs here! How to Declutter Before a Move - ft. Missy Elliott