Let’s face it—when preparing for a move, clothes are usually an afterthought. You’re focused on your couch, appliances, and fragile items… until you realize your entire wardrobe still needs packing. Whether you’re relocating across Montreal, moving from Laval to Longueuil, or simply changing apartments down the street, packing your clothes properly saves you time, space, and sanity.
At Olympic Moving and Storage, we’ve helped thousands of clients move — and we know that an organized wardrobe = a smoother relocation.
So here’s your complete, no-stress guide with 15 actionable tips to pack your clothes like a pro!
Why Is Clothing Packing Important for Your Move?
Because when moving day arrives:
You don’t want your suits or dresses wrinkled
You’ll need a few outfits immediately after the move
You’ll save money and time if you pack clothes efficiently
You’ll feel way less overwhelmed during unpacking
Whether you’re moving locally in Montreal or doing a long-distance move across Quebec, these packing strategies will save the day.
Tip 1: Prepare a “Moving Essentials” Suitcase
Before packing anything else, put aside a few days’ worth of clothes and personal items in a carry-on or duffel bag.
Pack like you’re going on a 4-day trip:
✔️ 3–4 outfits
✔️ Socks and underwear
✔️ Pajamas
✔️ Toothbrush and toiletries
✔️ Chargers
✔️ Any work or event clothes you’ll need right after moving
Pro tip: Keep this bag in your car or with you at all times during the move.
Tip 2: Declutter Before You Pack
Moving is the perfect time to purge your closet.
Use the simple “Keep, Donate, Trash” system:
Keep: Clothing you wear regularly or love
Donate: Clean items you haven’t worn in 6–12 months
Trash: Stained, damaged, or beyond-repair pieces
Organizations like Renaissance, Salvation Army, or Facebook Marketplace are great for giving your clothes a second life.
️ Tip 3–6: Choose the Right Packing Method for Your Clothing Type
Each type of clothing needs its own strategy. Here’s how to choose:
3. Use Wardrobe Boxes for Hanging Clothes
These tall boxes with metal bars keep your shirts, suits, and dresses on hangers and wrinkle-free.
→ Available for rent or purchase from most moving companies.
4. Use Vacuum-Sealed Bags for Bulky Items
Perfect for winter coats, jackets, or sweaters.
→ They save 60–70% of space.
5. Keep Clothes in Drawers
If your dresser is solid, secure drawers with plastic wrap, and move the entire unit as-is.
6. Use Large Garbage Bags for Hanging Clothes (Budget Tip)
Slip a garbage bag over a handful of clothes still on hangers.
→ Tie at the bottom to keep dust and dirt out. Cheap and effective!
Tip 7: Sort Your Clothes Before You Pack
Sorting now = faster unpacking later.
Label boxes like this:
Box 1: Winter clothes – Adult
Box 2: Office wear – Female
Box 3: Kids’ summer clothes
Box 4: Loungewear & pajamas
️ Write on the box:
Type of clothing
Whose clothes they are
Room they belong in
Optional: “Unpack first” sticker
️ Tip 8: Don’t Overfill Boxes
Even if your clothes are light, packing too much in one box can make it bulky, heavy, or burst open.
Ideal box sizes for clothing:
Small boxes for books, shoes, accessories
Medium boxes for folded clothing
Wardrobe boxes for suits and dresses
Tip 9: Only Pack Clean, Dry Clothes
Sounds obvious, but packing dirty or damp clothes can lead to mold, bad smells, or damaged fabrics — especially if you’re using vacuum bags or moving long-distance.
Let clothes air out if needed before sealing boxes.
Tip 10: Use Garment Bags or Clear Plastic Covers
Got expensive outfits, uniforms, or delicate fabrics?
Use suit garment bags or thick dry cleaner plastic for extra protection. If you’re out of garment bags, a clean shower curtain works too.
Tip 11: Adjust Your Packing to the Season
If you’re moving in summer:
Pack all your winter gear early
Keep out 1–2 light jackets just in case
If you’re moving in winter:
Have gloves, scarves, and warm outerwear handy
Keep winter boots accessible during the move
️ Think about when you’ll realistically unpack and what you’ll need before then.
️ Tip 12: Label Every Box Clearly
Include:
✅ What’s inside
✅ Whose clothes they are
✅ Which room it goes to
✅ “FRAGILE” if needed (e.g., shoes with heels, belts with metal)
✅ “Open First” if it’s a priority box
️ Write on multiple sides of the box — not just the top.
Tip 13: Where to Buy Clothing Packing Supplies in Montreal
You can find everything you need through Olympic Moving and Storage:
Wardrobe boxes
️ Clear garment bags
Small, medium, and large moving boxes
Stretch wrap
Tape, labels, and more
Special Offer: Save $25 on supplies with any full-service move!
Tip 14: Weatherproof Your Clothing in Montreal’s Climate
Montreal gets humid summers and freezing winters. So pack smart:
Add dryer sheets or moisture absorbers to clothing boxes
Use plastic-lined boxes or wrap the bottom layer in plastic to prevent water damage
Avoid cardboard-only boxes for long-term storage
Tip 15: Ask About Full Packing Services
Feeling overwhelmed or out of time?
Let the pros help!
With our full-service packing, we handle:
Wardrobe boxing
Protective wrapping
Inventory management
Labeling and unpacking if needed
Call Olympic Moving & Storage to include this service in your quote.
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Need Help? Let Us Pack for You!
At Olympic Moving and Storage, we offer:
✅ Full-service packing and unpacking
✅ High-quality boxes and garment protection
✅ Storage if your new home isn’t ready
✅ Flexible booking times
✅ Free estimate — no obligation
Final Checklist – Packing Clothes for a Move
✅ Sort and declutter
✅ Use the right boxes for the right clothes
✅ Pack by category and label clearly
✅ Keep essentials in a separate suitcase
✅ Use wardrobe boxes for hanging items
✅ Avoid moisture or overpacking
✅ Ask for help if needed
Get Your Free Moving Quote Today
We proudly serve Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, South Shore, North Shore, and beyond. Let us help you move smart — and dress sharp.
Call us at 438-260-7272
Visit us at demenagementolympique.com