How to pack clothes for a move

Choose clothes for the move, the next morning and any work or school commitments before the main wardrobe is packed. Include shoes, sleepwear, underwear and a weather-appropriate layer. Keep this bag with the belongings you are taking personally rather than burying it among moving cartons.

Separate laundry, damp clothing and items awaiting cleaning from the clean wardrobe. Use the move as a chance to decide what you still wear, but keep an undecided pile separate from the things already chosen for the next home.

A suitable wardrobe carton can keep hanging garments together when it is used within the box and hanging-bar instructions. Group the garments by person or closet section. Check the carton is secure and that its base is not overloaded with shoes or unrelated heavy items.

If you are folding hanging clothes instead, remove hangers carefully and pack garments in manageable groups. Place hangers together so hooks cannot catch on fabric. Delicate, structured or valuable garments may need garment bags or specialist care suited to the item.

Fold clothes into clean, dry boxes or suitable containers by person and destination. A label such as Main bedroom — Alex — everyday shirts is more useful than Clothing. Keep small accessories in identifiable pouches or small containers within the same group.

Do not assume a dresser can be carried with full drawers. Ask the people handling the furniture what needs to be removed and whether drawers should be carried separately. Furniture condition, total weight and the route can change that decision.

Clean and dry shoes before packing. Protect clothing from dirty soles and keep pairs together. Use suitable protection for footwear that can lose its shape, and avoid turning a single container into a heavy pile of shoes and loose accessories.

Compression bags can save space for some soft clothing, but check the item’s care guidance before compressing delicate or structured garments. Space saved does not mean weight disappears. Use containers you can carry, and do not leave compressed clothes somewhere damp while other rooms are unpacked.

At the next home, identify which closet or drawers each group belongs in before opening everything. Start with the arrival bag and everyday clothes. Seasonal clothing can wait until beds, bathrooms and daily routines are working.

If you need help with a bedroom or a closet while you handle other rooms, request partial packing. Describe the wardrobe size, hanging clothes, folded items, materials and what you want left out. Unpacking and putting garments away are additional tasks to include if needed.