Packing Clothes: Ultimate Guide – From Professional Movers

Are you preparing for a big move in the state of Virginia and wondering how to safeguard your cherished wardrobe?

You might also be thinking of what boxes and supplies you must buy to protect your clothes.

We understand that packing clothes for a move can be overwhelming, and your baggage deserves special attention. Make sure to organize your suitcase and closet properly. At Off-Load Moving, we’ll guide you through selecting the ideal boxes and supplies for your packing list. This way, you can efficiently utilize the space in your suitcase.

So, are you ready to embark on a journey toward a stress-free and organized clothing relocation?

Let’s discover how to pack your clothes efficiently by choosing the perfect boxes and supplies for your suitcase move with expert guidance.

a person preparing his wardrobe for a move.

The Essential Packing Supplies You Can’t Do Without

When you’re gearing up for a move, gathering the right packing supplies is one of the most critical aspects. The difference between a smooth, stress-free move and a chaotic one often boils down to having the essential tools at your disposal.

Let’s delve into the must-have packing supplies you can’t do without.

1. Sturdy Moving Boxes:

Begin with a solid foundation—sturdy moving boxes. Different sizes are available to pack everything, from books and kitchenware to clothes and fragile belongings. Invest in quality boxes to seal and protect your clothes and valuables during the move.

2. Wardrobe Boxes:

When packing your clothes, wardrobe boxes are the best way to go. These boxes are the superheroes of packing supplies, especially when moving or storing your clothes. Whether it’s for a day trip or a long-term storage solution, wardrobe boxes are necessary to keep your clothes organized and protected. These tall boxes are the perfect way to pack your clothes, with a built-in hanging bar for easy transfer from closet to box without removing hangers.

3. Packing Paper and Bubble Wrap:

Protect your fragile clothes and items by wrapping them in packing paper or bubble wrap. Here are some tips for a safer way to pack your belongings. Check out our previous posts for more helpful information. These pack supplies act as a cushion against shocks and vibrations during the move, ensuring that your delicate possessions, such as clothes, arrive intact.

4. Packing Tape:

A good-quality packing tape is a moving essential. It secures your pack of boxes and prevents them from accidentally opening during transportation. It is the way to ensure your clothes stay safe and intact. Plus, getting more upvotes on your moving skills is a foolproof method. Don’t skimp on this; invest in robust and reliable tape that can withstand the rigors of packing clothes for a move.

5. Marker and Labels:

Use markers and labels to mark each box to maintain your sanity during the unpacking process. These tips will help you stay organized and ensure you can easily find your clothes when needed. Plus, remember to share this advice with others and get those upvotes! This simple tip will help you pack your clothes and identify what’s inside without opening every box. It’s a time-saver and a stress-reducer.

6. Furniture and Mattress Covers:

Keep your clothes, furniture, and mattresses clean and protected with specialized covers. Pack these covers to ensure a longer life for your belongings. Shield your belongings from dirt and potential damage during the move.

7. Box Cutters and Scissors:

Remember to pack the tools to open those boxes when you arrive at your new place. A box cutter or scissors will make the unpacking process much smoother.

8. Furniture Dolly or Hand Truck:

A furniture dolly or hand truck can be a lifesaver for moving heavier items. These tools are essential for safely transporting and packing heavy objects. Packing reduces the physical strain on you and your moving team and makes transporting large and bulky furniture easier. When you fill, it’s important to properly secure your items to ensure they arrive safely at your new location.

9. Stretch Wrap:

Stretch wrap is incredibly versatile. Pack items together, secure drawers or cabinet doors, and protect the furniture’s finish. It’s a handy pack tool for keeping your belongings in excellent condition.

10. Plastic Bags and Ziplock Bags:

Small items, such as screws and bolts for furniture and various odds and ends, can easily get lost if not correctly packed during a move. Plastic bags, especially resealable Ziplock bags, are perfect for organizing and keeping these small items together in a pack. Label the box for easy reference when it’s time to reassemble furniture or appliances.

Remember that having the right packing supplies on hand can turn a potentially chaotic move into a well-organized and efficient one. As you gather these must-have materials to pack, you’ll be well-prepared to safeguard your belongings and make the transition to your new home a breeze. So, before you start packing, ensure you’ve stocked up on these essentials—your future self will thank you for it!

How to Select the Right Boxes Before Packing Clothes

When preparing for a move, choosing the right boxes to pack your clothes is crucial to ensure a smooth and organized transition. While it might be tempting to grab any available box, selecting the appropriate ones can significantly protect your clothing and make the packing process more efficient.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you choose the right boxes for your clothing move:

1. Wardrobe Boxes for Hanging Clothes:

When it comes to your clothing, wardrobe boxes are the ultimate solution. These specialized boxes have a hanging bar, allowing you to transfer your clothes directly from your closet to the box without removing hangers. It not only saves time but also keeps your garments wrinkle-free and well-organized. Wardrobe boxes are a must for your most valuable and delicate clothing items.

2. Medium-Sized Moving Boxes:

For items that can be folded and packed neatly, medium-sized moving boxes are your best friends. They are versatile and can be used for packing various clothing items like sweaters, jeans, and t-shirts. Be sure to tape the bottom securely and reinforce the corners for durability.

3. Small Boxes for Accessories:

Use smaller boxes or specialty boxes with dividers for accessories such as shoes, hats, belts, and scarves. These smaller containers will help prevent items from getting jumbled together and make it easier to locate accessories when you unpack.

4. Large Boxes for Bulky or Lightweight Items:

Larger boxes are ideal for bulkier clothing items like bedding, pillows, and winter coats. Make sure to pack them appropriately, as they can become heavy quickly. You can fill the box to capacity for lightweight, bulky items, such as bedding.

5. Avoid Overpacking:

It’s essential to avoid overpacking your boxes to the point where they become too heavy to handle. Keeping the weight manageable makes moving more accessible and reduces the risk of boxes breaking or items getting damaged.

6. Specialty Boxes for Fragile Items:

Consider specialty boxes with extra padding or dividers for particularly delicate clothing or accessories. These can protect your fragile clothing items during the move, preventing snags or tears.

7. Reinforce and Label:

No matter the type of box you choose, reinforce the bottoms and corners with strong packing tape to prevent any accidents during the move. Additionally, label your boxes clearly. This will help you identify their contents and prioritize unpacking.

Choosing the right boxes is a critical step in ensuring your clothing arrives at your new home in excellent condition. Following these guidelines will streamline the packing process and make the transition to your new home a breeze.

So, take the time to select the right boxes and pack your clothes carefully, and your move will be off to a great start.

Packing Clothes for a Smooth Transition: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Declutter Your Wardrobe

Before you start packing, take a critical look at your wardrobe. Donate, sell, or discard any clothing you no longer need or want. This step will reduce the number of items you have to pack and help you start fresh in your new home.

Step 2: Gather Your Packing Supplies

Ensure you have all the necessary packing supplies, including sturdy boxes, wardrobe boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, packing tape, markers, and labels. Having the right tools will make the process more efficient.

Step 3: Categorize Your Clothing

Group your clothing items by category. It could be by type (e.g., shirts, pants, dresses) or season (e.g., summer, winter). Categorization will help you stay organized and make unpacking easier.

Step 4: Prepare Wardrobe Boxes

For your hanging clothes, use wardrobe boxes. These boxes have a built-in hanging bar, making transferring your garments directly from your closet accessible. Start by placing a few items on hangers into the wardrobe box, and then cover them with a trash bag to keep them clean and together.

Step 5: Pack Folded Clothing

For folded clothing, use medium-sized moving boxes. Line the bottom of the box with packing paper or bubble wrap for extra protection. Neatly fold your clothes, place them in the box, and fill any empty spaces with additional packing paper to prevent shifting.

Step 6: Protect Delicate or Valuable Clothing

Consider using specialty boxes with extra padding for delicate or valuable clothing items. Wrap fragile items in clean packing paper or bubble wrap to prevent snags or tears. Label these boxes as “fragile.”

Step 7: Pack Accessories Separately

Pack accessories like shoes, belts, hats, and scarves separately. Use smaller boxes or containers with dividers to keep items organized and prevent damage. Remember to label these boxes for easy identification.

Step 8: Label Your Boxes

Label each box clearly with its contents and the room it should be in at your new home. This step will help you quickly locate items during the unpacking process.

Step 9: Don’t Overpack Boxes

While making the most of your box space is essential, avoid overpacking to the point where boxes become too heavy. Keep bins of manageable weight to prevent accidents or injuries during the move.

Step 10: Stack and Load Carefully

When loading the moving truck, stack your clothing boxes with the heaviest ones at the bottom and the lighter ones on top. Ensure that nothing serious will crush your delicate items. Also, take care to prevent shifting during transit.

Following these steps will ensure your clothes are well organized, protected, and ready for a smooth transition to your new home. Properly packed clothing can save you time and stress during the move and make settling into your new space a more enjoyable experience.

clothes being folded properly before packing them.

We offer various clothing packing services to suit your specific requirements and budget. Whether you need assistance packing your entire wardrobe or just a selection of items, we’ve got you covered.

Flexible Scheduling:

We understand that time is of the essence during a move. That’s why we’re flexible and can work around your schedule. We ensure your clothing is packed efficiently and ready to go when needed.

Safety and Assurance:

Your clothing items are valuable, and we treat them with the utmost care. Off-Load Moving is fully insured and bonded, giving you peace of mind knowing your clothing is protected during the packing process.

Dedication to Excellence:

Our commitment is to provide you with the highest level of service. We take pride in our attention to detail and dedication to ensuring your clothing is packed securely and professionally.

We proudly serve Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Hampton Roads, Chesapeake, and nearby areas. If you’re looking for a trusted partner to handle your clothing packing, look no further. Contact us today at 757-749-7212 and experience our dedicated and customer-friendly solutions that will make your clothing packing a breeze.

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Off Load Moving

5-Star Moving Company

Don’t just take our words for it. Our customers have experienced how great our services are. 

5.0
Based on 112 Reviews
Tim Donahue
May 2, 2023

Great moving experience overall. Briar is very professional and his crew handled my property as if it were their own. Highly recommend!

Corry King
April 30, 2023

Moving doesn’t have to be stressful if you hire a company that goes above and beyond to ensure your move goes smoothly! Briar and his team were extremely professional, handled all of my items with extreme care, and didn’t waste any time. If you’re looking to move a few items or an entire home, I definitely recommend Off-load Moving to meet your needs!

Nikole DEmanuele
April 13, 2023

Briar and his team are a pleasure to work with!! Super professional, and respectful!! They take extra measures to make sure that things are done properly and to our standards!! I highly recommend Off-Load Moving!!

Kristin Quigg
March 21, 2023

Don’t even bother looking for another company, Off-Load Moving is by far the best around. Hands down the most professional, friendly, and respectful group of guys I’ve had the pleasure of working with. I’ve moved every year for the last 8 years and I have yet to find a company as good as this, I will 100% use them again for my future moving needs! They were prompt, thorough, and genuinely cared about my home and my property - they ensured everything was protected to the best of their abilities. Moving day can always be stressful, but with this crew at your service you can’t go wrong - and they do it with a smile on their face! Thank you Off-Load Moving for making moving day a breeze.

Lauren T
March 20, 2023

Briar and the team at Off Load Moving were professional, respectful, and reliable from start to finish with the move they completed for me. They communicated clearly ahead of time and provided an extremely accurate and easy to understand estimate of the cost with no hidden fees or gimmicks. The day of the move Briar showed up on time, reviewed the service contract with me, and made sure I had no additional questions. There was no waste of time or resources. They got to work immediately upon their arrival, and did not stop working until everything had been completed. They moved large, heavy, oversized items from my old house to my new house across the water, and took extreme care in packing my most delicate and fragile items with the up most responsibility. Nothing was damaged, and I had the opportunity to inspect everything prior to them leaving. During the move I did not have to do any additional work, and I was informed of what was happening every step of the way. If I ever needed anything moved for any reason or occasion again, Briar and the team at Off Load are my first and only call. Their level of care, class, and professionalism is above and beyond.

Andy Nelson
March 11, 2023

Prompt, professional, and courteous service. Great team!

Victoria Walker
March 11, 2023

My friend recommended me giving Off-Load Moving a call. They responded in the same day and were able to get me scheduled for a Saturday a few days later! They communicated with me and were able to move my small couch into a my place very quick. I will definitely use them next time i move and recommend them to anyone in need of moving service!

Caitlin Kane
March 10, 2023

It was & absolute pleasure working with these gentleman, they were absolutely amazing. Definitely a 10 out of 10 experience.

VaLisa Welsh
March 8, 2023

Great group of people. First met them when they delivered my new furniture. I then hired them for our move. So glad I did. They are professional and were so careful with all of our things. I highly recommend them for any of your moving needs.

Denise Rose
March 7, 2023

5+ STARS!!! Quick responses. Great communications. On time arrival. Packing expertise. Very fair pricing.

Krystle Lipetzky
March 5, 2023

The Work Load: on different occasions, Off-Load Moving (OLM) moved a piano, and delivered two sets of couches, not to mention assembled necessary reclining couch pieces for us. The Crew: This hard working crew is professional, yet personable and they meant business in safely moving our goods. Not to mention, they did everything in a timely manner and were very easy to work with. Overall Assessment: Would absolutely recommend OLM to everyone. Stop wasting your time searching for a moving company, because OLM can do it all. The care they took with not just the items coming into our home but they carefully moved our current belongings aside to make way for the new furniture, they added padding to the door frame, and took away the obnoxiously large delivery boxes. It was a stress-free and first class experience. Side Note: OLM’s owner recommended we check out Casual Home Furniture in Chesapeake, which was an absolute win.

Nicole Salsbury
February 25, 2023

This team made my move stress free. They were very professional and quick. I highly recommend this wonderful team for your move!

Christin Bell
February 23, 2023

I can not recommend this company more! Briar and his team were trustworthy, fast, and the pricing was great! We will be using them for our future moves!

Tuck Da Monsta
February 23, 2023

Briar was exceptionally professional. He and his crew went above and beyond while providing additional services after delivering my household goods from storage. I would highly recommend his company for any and all things related to moving. You will not be disappointed.

Eric & Lisa Saar
February 18, 2023

Off-Load Moving did a great job moving our existing shop to a new location. They were on time and did everything promised and more. Thank you so much for the professionalism and cleanliness. We will use you for our next move.

Patty Preston
February 16, 2023

Off Load Moving company made this process so easy for me. They were professional handled everything with care and very respectful. If you want a stress free and professional move these are the guys I recommend. Thank you again for a great experience.

Ryan Finn
February 10, 2023

From the initial request up until after the move was completed, Briar and the rest of his team were amazing. My wife sent in a quote request and we received a very professional phone call from Briar to get an idea of what we were moving, when we were moving and to schedule a in-person estimate. The estimate was quick but thorough and on time! Come moving day, the team was very friendly, considerate of our home and belongings, and worked quickly and efficiently to get us moved into our new house. Briar showed up to check in on us and his team and to assist with a few of the more valuable and fragile items. After move in, Briar reached out to us and came out to make sure everything was done to our satisfaction. All in all, the team was fantastic and the move went very smoothly. The prices were right and the cost estimates were transparent and clearly spelled out for us. 10/10 would recommend Off-Load moving company to anyone in the Hampton Roads area and we will be utilizing them in the future, should we move in the area again!

Teonna James
February 10, 2023

Best moving company there is !

Lucas4life L.
February 2, 2023

Briar and his team were the best! This was the best moving experience I have ever had. I will be ONLY using them in the future. I appreciate you all so much.

Johnita Forbes
February 2, 2023

This company is filled with all stars! Great customer service and very professional! I was referred to them to do a hard job at new condo and they boldly stepped up to the challenge!! Choose this company 1st for your moving services. I had to learn the hard way that all moving companies are not build like Off-Load!

Christina Frierman
February 1, 2023

Briar and Gavin were awesome!! I called them with a short term need to rearrange some furniture in my house due to a medical need. They came quickly! They were professional. Call Briar and Off-Load moving for all your needs!! I can’t recommend them highly enough!

Justin Acosta
January 31, 2023

I’ve worked with offload moving several times, and their customer service has always been spot on! I always recommend them to anyone I know. They really know how to put their clients first, and make things happen fast!

Nicole pixler
January 28, 2023

Off-load moving is the way to go! Briar the owner contacted me to donate his time to my non profit StandUp for kids, Hampton Roads! He and his company came to meet me with a 16ft box truck, followed me to 3 different pickup locations in Virginia Beach and then to Norfolk to deliver. They did this out of the goodness in their hearts!! So thankful for this young man and his desire to give back!!

Jonathan Grissom
January 28, 2023

Briar helped me out for a bike transport. The service was quick and easy. If you need a motorcycle moved, I would highly recommend for the quality of service and price.

Chris Anderson
January 20, 2023

Very easy move. Thank you

josh F
January 20, 2023

10/10 would recommend!!

OFTP_Adamtheki113r
January 16, 2023

First off I’d just like to say GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE. When moving it is always so stressful and timelines are always changing, but with this company everything ran very smoothly. Very Accommodating to my timeline of needs and overall just very friendly and easy to work with. I can’t think of anything that cements good companies to great companies better than their customer service and responsiveness. I was moving from Virginia down to SC and all my stuff was here the same day as pickup. Nothing was damaged everything arrived and was taken great care for. I witnessed so many horror stories where stuff was broken and items arriving late. With this company I am so grateful I didn’t need to experience that first hand. Last thing if you want great service and careful handling of your most valuable household items this is worth every single penny. I am ecstatic to set up my new life down here and explore the many new places to see!!

Sydney P
January 14, 2023

Meet and greet by the owner was very professional and he was very layback. He and his crew had free time before my pac date where they came over and started packing and all their packing was done professionally . They treated all items like if it was their own property . Showed up on time communication was outstanding. I highly recommended this company to anyone who is in search of a local or long distance move out. Once again really appreciate your time and effort

Lauren F
December 29, 2022

Briar made the whole process of moving for me stress free. Great customer service, good communication, fast, timely, and efficient. Would definitely recommend and use their services again!

Shannon Shifflett
December 21, 2022

Blair and his crew were phenomenal. They were timely, efficient and just wholesome people. They helped out tremendously for a last minute moves and I couldn’t be happier. Thank you Off-load Moving!!!

Fontaine Smith
December 20, 2022

It was absolutely ?

Maria Lancaster
December 11, 2022

We had another great move in day with Off-LOAD Moving! We are so grateful to find such a great resource for all our moving needs and projects. All of our stuff is handled carefully and padded for transfer. Brier the owner is very organized and professional. Don't bother calling anywhere else! They're the BEST! Maria Lancaster, Virginia Beach, VA

Sarah Providente
December 9, 2022

Quick and efficient! Hard workers!

John McGrath
December 4, 2022

Very professional & a great experience dealing with this business!!

Josh Ford
December 4, 2022

This place is wonderful. The family who runs it, are beyond professional. On top of it are the most genuine and kindhearted people. The employees are very hard working and flexible, and we’re great to work with. Beyond happy and grateful for the work they’ve done. If I ever needed a move again, this will be the business I use. Not to mention a great veteran run business. Thank y’all so much, much love. It was a pleasure

Mark Bradley
December 1, 2022

Called and they were able to move a MONSTER of a dresser up 3 flights of stairs the same day. They are very personal and care about your belongings. I would recommend to anyone.

Phil, Brittany and Wes Family
November 26, 2022

Briar (the owner) and his family did an absolutely amazing job moving us in VB! They moved all of our large and heavy items in one day. Briar was also extremely flexible and willing to work with us on moving our move date due to some issues with closing on our new house. During the move one of our organizing units for the kids playroom broke and Briar immediately bought us a new one and had it shipped to our new address. Moving is always a very stressful experience and OFF-Load Moving made it as stress free as possible! I would highly recommend OFF-Load moving to anyone looking for an affordable, reliable and professional moving company ?

Chris Tlustos
November 26, 2022

Absolutely amazing quality of work. Logan and his family always take great care of all your stuff and they are absolute professionals. Couldn’t be happier with the service. Great work!

Andrew Will
November 26, 2022

First time using a moving company and they were so professional and accommodating. It’s a shame I’m moving away from them! Would recommend to anyone moving in the area!

Ira Lind
November 24, 2022

I used Off Load Moving when moving into my house, and they did a phenomenal job! Always double checking making sure they had everything going to the right place, they were fast, professional, and I would recommend them to ANYONE moving ANYTHING. TRUST ME YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT!

Brieanne Hamilton
November 22, 2022

The best movers we could have asked for! Made moving back into our house a breeze! I would recommend over and over again!

Antoiwon Brooks
November 22, 2022

I have used Off-Loading moving for two moves and have referred them to several friends and family members who used them. This is the best moving company on the east coast hands down. They were on time, they took care to properly move everything without damage, they were so easy to work with. And I got an amazing discount for being military. The owner himself even showed up and moved my furniture! Amazing company and I’ll continue to use and refer them. They have a customer for life

Danajah Gatling
November 22, 2022

Off-Load Moving is a very wholesome and professional moving company! I recommend them for every move, small or large. All your needs will be met and you won’t be disappointed !

Jo Ann Morgan
November 21, 2022

We were getting new furniture and we had to get rid of our old. They were great and so reasonable! Life savers!

Ryleigh Kramp
November 2, 2022

My first time ever moving I used a different company and I had an awful experience so I was dreading my second move. I can say that off- load moving changed my experience and I was extremely satisfied. I would 100% recommend to anyone. Briar was very flexible and accommodating to match my schedule. They showed up a few minutes early to make sure everything was ready to start loading at our set time. They were very efficient and delicate. I trust them with my belongings, nothing was damaged and everything was well taken care of. Definitely would use this company again for my next move.

MG A
June 15, 2022

I can't say enough good things about Off-Load Moving! Veteran owned, Family ran, the highest moral and ethical standards. AND the price was better than much of the so called competition. They did everything they could to help out. This is the 3rd time I have used this company. Will never trust anyone else with my furniture, and precious cargo. Thank you for all you do!

gktii
September 28, 2021

What a great experience working with these guys. Super attentive, very professional and insanely polite! They moved my elderly mother into her new place and were so thoughtful of her transition, and made sure she felt comfortable the entire time. Highly recommend these guys if you need movers..

Bob Faison
September 3, 2021

I have moved quite a bit in my life and I have never had such a GREAT experience. Moving is never fun but Briar and his TEAM did an excellent job! Customer service seems to be less and less important to companies in many cases these days but definitely not the case with OFF-LOAD. I actually receive text messages on holidays from Briar personally as well as a thank you card which also contained a gift card - pretty impressive. It's the little things in my mind that set companies/people apart. I would also like to give a "shout out" to Briar's parents who actually helped out during the move. Great people and they raised a great young man, kudos to you! I hope this helps in your decision making process when choosing a company for your moving needs. Thanks for reading.

Yvonne Cole
August 24, 2021

They were so nice, accomadating and professional. Took care of the furniture, it was wrapped and secure. I would highly reccomend for any moving and I say this without reservation. They were awesome!

Christian Sharrock Miller
July 18, 2021

Briar and his team were polite, knowledgeable, honest, helpful and Humorous. They moved three households and were on time, accomdating, honest and fun all in one. It was the best experience as a client and Real Estate Agent I've ever had or seen and I've moved all over the world, can't thank then enough! You guys rock!