Clothes take up a lot of space and can wrinkle easily. You have several options: fold them in boxes, keep them on hangers in wardrobe boxes, or use suitcases. Each method has pros and cons. Here's how to choose and pack clothes for a move.

Wardrobe Boxes

Wardrobe boxes are tall boxes with a built-in hanging bar. You transfer clothes from your closet to the box—on the same hangers—and hang them on the bar. At the new place, you move them straight into the closet. No folding, minimal wrinkles. One wardrobe box holds about 24–36 inches of hanging clothes. A typical closet needs 2–4 boxes.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Dress clothes, suits, and formal wear stay wrinkle-free. Unpacking is fast—just hang them up. Cons: Wardrobe boxes cost $15–25 each. They're bulky and take truck space. Not ideal for everyday t-shirts and jeans that don't need hanging. Best for: Dress clothes, coats, dresses, and anything you normally hang.

Folding in Regular Boxes

Fold clothes and pack them in medium or large boxes. Use the same folding method you use for drawers. Stack similar items together. You can use vacuum bags to compress bulkier items like sweaters and winter coats. This method uses less space than wardrobe boxes and works for most everyday clothes.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Cheap—use free boxes or buy standard sizes. Fits more clothes per box. Good for t-shirts, jeans, underwear, socks. Cons: Dress clothes may wrinkle. Unpacking means refolding and putting away. Best for: Casual wear, drawers, and items you normally fold.

Suitcases and Duffel Bags

Use luggage you already own. Pack clothes in suitcases and duffel bags. They have handles, stack easily, and double as storage at the new place. Suitcases work well for out-of-season or extra clothes. Keep one suitcase with a week of outfits for the last days before the move and first days after.

Pros and Cons

Pros: No extra cost. Easy to carry. Often have wheels. Cons: Limited capacity. Odd shapes can waste truck space. Best for: Supplementing boxes, keeping a "travel" set of clothes together, or moving light wardrobes.

Garbage Bag Method

Leave clothes on hangers and slide a large garbage bag over a group of them. Tie the bag at the hanger hooks. The clothes stay on the hanger, protected from dust. Hang the bundle in the truck or lay it flat. At the new place, remove the bag and hang. Cheap and works for short moves. For long hauls, wardrobe boxes protect better.

Method	Best For	Cost
Wardrobe boxes	Dress clothes, suits, coats	$15–25 per box
Folded in boxes	Casual wear, drawers	Low (free–$2/box)
Suitcases	Extra capacity, travel clothes	Free (you own them)
Garbage bag	Short moves, budget	Very low

Pack Out-of-Season First

Clothes you're not wearing can go early. Winter coats in summer, shorts in winter—pack them when you start packing. Keep one week of everyday clothes out. See our guide on packing out-of-season items first. This fits with the room-by-room order—pack the bedroom 1–2 weeks before the move.

Declutter the Closet

Before you pack, sort through your closet. Donate or toss clothes you don't wear. Moving is a good time to declutter. Fewer clothes mean fewer boxes and a lighter load. Use our moving cost calculator—less weight can lower long-distance move costs.

Packing Shoes and Accessories

Shoes go in their own box or the bottom of a clothes box. Stuff shoes with socks or paper to keep their shape. Keep pairs together with rubber bands or in small bags. Belts, scarves, and ties can go in a single box. Jewelry should travel with you in a small bag—don't put valuables in the truck.

Vacuum Bags for Bulk

Vacuum bags compress clothes and save space. They work well for sweaters, bedding, and winter coats. Suck the air out and the bag shrinks. Pack several compressed bags in a box. Note: Some fabrics can get creases from compression. Fine wool and silk may need to be hung instead.

Labeling Clothes Boxes

Write "Bedroom – Clothes" or "Master – Wardrobe" on each box. Add "FRAGILE" if the box has delicate items. For wardrobe boxes, label which closet they came from (e.g., "Master Closet"). Use a labeling system that works for your move.

Loading and Unloading

Wardrobe boxes should stay upright so clothes don't slide off the bar. Put them against the truck wall. Folded clothes boxes can stack. Don't put heavy boxes on top of wardrobe boxes—the bar can bend. At the new place, move wardrobe boxes to the bedroom first so you can hang clothes right away.

When to Hire Packing Help

If you have a large wardrobe or little time, full-service packers can handle clothes. They bring wardrobe boxes and pack efficiently. Check our moving checklist to plan your timeline.

Summary

Use wardrobe boxes for dress clothes and anything you hang. Fold everyday clothes in regular boxes. Use suitcases for extra capacity. The garbage bag method works for short moves. Pack out-of-season first and declutter before you pack. Label every box clearly.