15 Expert Tips to Pack Your Clothes for Moving Without Stress 

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.

️ Voice Search Examples (AEO Optimization)

  • “OK Google, how do I pack clothes for a move?”

  • “Siri, tips for packing clothes without wrinkles?”

  • “Alexa, where to get wardrobe boxes in Montreal?”

  • “Best moving company for packing clothes in Quebec”

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

 

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