How to easily move clothes on hangers

October 21, 2022

Whether you need to pack clothes for moving or you are wanting to store away seasonal clothes until next year, it can be a bit of a challenge to move clothes on hangers.

Fortunately, all you need to do is read on to find out exactly what you need to do to easily move clothes on hangers and enjoy wrinkle free clothing every time!

How to move clothes on hangers

When it comes to moving clothes on hangers, there are several different packing techniques that you can adopt. The most popular and effective ones are as follows:

  1. Use wardrobe boxes

If you are looking for a fuss-free way to move clothes on hangers from one place to another, then wardrobe boxes are the perfect solution.

If you have not seen or heard of wardrobe boxes before, then these are a type of cardboard box that are designed to be used as portable closets. You can get wardrobe boxes in a variety of different sizes, but the most common size is around 2 feet wide and 3 feet long.

Wardrobe boxes can be purchased online and are fairly inexpensive making them a great option for moving clothes on hangers. Most come fitted with a built-in metal hanger that looks just like one you would find in your own wardrobe.

The most notable benefits of using wardrobe boxes to move clothes on hangers is that they prevent wrinkles from occurring and they help to stop your clothing from becoming damaged during a move.

  1. Use large garbage bags

A cheaper option but a slightly less effective one, large trash bags can easily accommodate clothing that is on hangers and can help you to move lots of items of clothing quickly and with minimal effort.

The best choice when it comes to garbage bags is to choose ones that feature a drawstring as these are able to hold around 30-50 gallons.

For best results, bundle your clothes and hangers together and then slip the hanging clothes into the bags while still holding on to the hangers.

Alternatively, you can cut a small hole at the bottom of each bag and place your clothes inside with the hangers at the bottom of the bag.

  1. Use garment bags

If you want to ensure that your clothes stay in optimal condition, it can also be a good idea to invest in garment bags. These are a type of protective bag that that can be used in addition to either wardrobe boxes or bags.

Typically garment bags cost somewhere between $10-$40 and can be purchased online or at most major stores. Alternatively, you can ask your local dry cleaners for plastic garment bags which they may give you for free or they charge a small fee.

Garment racks are also highly useful if you are planning to move a lot of clothing on hangers and can be used alongside garment bags.

  1. Store clothing inside vacuum bags

If you are worried about your clothes becoming damaged from moisture, dust, dirt and/or bugs, then it can be beneficial to store your clothing inside vacuum bags. Unlike cardboard boxes and plastic bags, these are designed to prevent air and moisture from affecting your clothing.

Vacuum bags are airtight and feature a vacuum seal which offers complete protection against any external factors.

These are a great idea for clothing that you want to pack away over the summer or winter or for longer periods of time.  

How to move clothes on hangers in a box

Some clothes can be folded with their hangers attached rather than placed in a wardrobe box or plastic bag. Some of the best clothes for moving in normal cardboard boxes are t-shirts, workout clothing and jeans.

Before you start packing these items, it can be beneficial to wash or dry clean them first as packing dirty clothes in boxes is not a good idea and can result in mildew or other issues that may damage your clothing.

You should also line the moving boxes with packing paper or plastic wrap as this will protect your clothes from general wear and tear that can occur during moving.

How to move shoes

As well as your clothing, you will also need to pack your shoes and boots up for a move or for seasonal storage. When it comes to packing shoes, there are several different options available to you.

  1. Place them in their original boxes

The best option for packing shoes ahead of a move is to place them in their original boxes. If you do not have their original boxes, shoe bags or other shoe boxes also offer an effective solution.

When placing your shoes in their original boxes, it can also be a good idea to secure the boxes with tape so that they do not fall out and become damaged during the move.

  1. Wrap them in packing paper

Another simple and cost-efficient solution is to wrap your shoes in packing paper. You should also stuff the inside of your shoes with the same paper as this can help them to retain their shape while moving.

Secure the packing paper with packing tape and then carefully place the shoes in either a box or bag.

Do not simply throw your shoes and boots into a plastic bag as this may result in damage to your footwear and/or other items that you are moving.

Top tips for moving and storing clothes

  • Organize clothes by season
  • Create piles of like items and match each packing box with the size of the pile
  • Declutter your wardrobe before you move. You can either donate or sell any unwanted items.
  • Separate out seasonal clothing that you won’t need access to during your move
  • Invest in garment covers to protect your clothes during your move
  • Pack delicate items of clothing and shoes separately