If you’re moving during the lockdown, it might feel a little overwhelming. There are many things to consider like how to decorate, then there’s the unpacking and sorting that’s involved. But first comes the packing before the move.
We’re here to help you tackle one of the most time-consuming and frustrating packing jobs there is around the house—your wardrobe.
1. Sort it out
If it’s been a while since you last looked at your wardrobe, use the downtime during lockdown to sort through your clothes.
Go through each individual item of clothing and ask yourself these three questions: do I still wear it? Would I miss it if it wasn’t here? And have I worn it in the last three years?
If the answer to all these questions is ‘no’ then get rid of it. It’s important to be ruthless. Just because something holds a sentimental value doesn’t mean it warrants the need to take up valuable wardrobe space. If you don’t wear it anymore, either throw it away or donate it to a local charity.
2. Organize it
SOURCE: PEXELS
Moving during the lockdown will mean you’ll have to be as organized as possible. The last thing you want when you move into your new place is to scramble about opening boxes trying to find your clothes. Therefore, being well-organized is imperative.
Put your clothes in a neat, folded pile and pack them into a labelled box. There are many series of labels available in the market and will make the unpacking process much easier.
3. Pack sensibly
SOURCE: PEXELS
Prioritizing your clothes is key while packing. For example, there’d be no point having all your summer and winter clothes in the same box together—you’re unlikely to need your swimming costume when it’s snowing or raining outside.
If you live in NYC or surrounding areas, consider storage options like the seasonal closet. You can store your winter stuff for the summer and swap when the seasons change.
Consider the item’s material since certain fabrics can be damaged if packed incorrectly.
Polyester and synthetic clothes can typically be stuffed into boxes without any issues, but suits, silks and cotton-based garments can crease and damage when hastily packed. Therefore, pack as sensibly as you can to avoid damaging your clothes.
4. Don’t pack the dresser
If you have a chest of drawers filled with socks, underwear and other pieces, ask yourself whether there’s a need to pack them into a box.
If they’re light enough to move in one piece, then keep them folded neatly inside. That way, you’ll have one less chore to worry about when you move into your new place, as your dresser will already be up and running.
5. Use suitcases, vacuum bags & wardrobe boxes
Using storage options, like suitcases, can not only make life a lot easier but you can protect your clothes too.
Vacuum bags and wardrobe boxes are two alternative options. Wardrobe boxes enable you to hang shirts and other clothes easily within the same box, whereas vacuum bags allow you to cram as much stuff in as you’d like, before sucking the air out of the bag to make it easier to store.
Finally
While it may be a stressful process, remember that the more organized you are during the packing process, the easier it’ll be to move in.
