--- title: How to Pack Clothes for Moving: Boxes and Hangers url: https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-clothes/ business: O'Brien's Moving & Storage address: 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 phone: 775-359-6683 (toll-free 1-800-253-7814) hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm licenses: U.S. DOT No. 30611, MC-109375, Nevada CPCN 1070; interstate agent for Bekins Van Lines since 1955 type: Moving and storage company, family owned since 1941 --- - [Home](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/) - [Moving resources: guides, checklists, tools and data](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/resources/) - [Moving guides](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/) - How to pack clothes for moving # How to pack clothes for moving Hanging clothes travel best in wardrobe boxes, and folded clothes travel well in small cartons or in the drawers of a sturdy dresser. Measure the feet of closet rod you use and you have the number of wardrobe boxes to plan for. or call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 [U.S. DOT No. 30611](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/about/licenses-and-authority/) Clothing is light, so it is the easiest thing to pack and the easiest to pack badly. Clothes squeezed into a garbage bag wrinkle, pick up odors and tear on a corner. A little structure at the start saves hours of ironing and washing at the other end. ## Sort first, then pack Pull out the clothes you have not worn this year before you buy a single box. Donation bags taken out now are cartons you never have to carry, and the new closet starts cleaner. Set aside a week of clothing that stays with you in a suitcase. Packing the rest ahead of time only works when moving day does not leave you without something to wear. ## Hanging clothes in wardrobe boxes A wardrobe box is a tall carton with a metal rail across the top. Lift a handful of hangers straight from the closet rod to the box rail, and the garments stay on their hangers and arrive ready to hang. Leave a little room between garments so fabric does not crush. A folded sheet over the top of long coats keeps dust off, and a light item such as a belt bag can sit in the bottom of the box. - Group by season and by person so the new closet fills quickly. - Keep suit jackets and dresses on padded or wooden hangers. - Close the box over the hanger hooks so nothing slides out. ## Folded clothes in cartons Fold sweaters, jeans and tees flat and stack them in a small or medium carton. Rolling knits and casual shirts saves space and cuts creases. Put heavy items such as denim at the bottom and delicate tops on the layer above. Fill any gap with a towel or a pair of pajamas, which doubles as padding. ## Drawers, vacuum bags and delicate pieces Clothes can stay in dresser drawers when the dresser is solid and the drawers are not overloaded. Your estimator can tell you which pieces travel better with the drawers emptied first. Vacuum-seal bags shrink bulky comforters and coats, and they suit storage. Leather, fur and anything with beading stay in a breathable garment bag, since sealed plastic can trap moisture. ## Labeling and the next room Label each carton by person and room, for example Kim, bedroom closet. When you want the rest of the house in order, [packing room by room](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/packing-room-by-room/) gives the sequence, and [how to pack shoes](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-shoes/) covers the floor of the closet. ### Sources (checked October 18, 2026) - [FMCSA, Protect Your Move](https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move) - [FMCSA, Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move](https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/2023-10/FMCSA_R%26R_Handbook_Web_v1.pdf) ### Free in-home estimate - An O'Brien's estimator walks through your home - A written, itemized estimate - 10 free heavy-duty boxes, yours to keep [How our estimates work](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/how-our-estimates-work/) ### Visit or call the office 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) | Monday to Friday | 8:00 am to 5:00 pm | | --- | --- | | Saturday and Sunday | Closed | [Get my free estimate](#estimate) ### Related - [How to pack a closet](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-a-closet/) - [How to pack shoes](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-shoes/) - [Professional packing services](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/packing/) Moving guides ## Read next - [How to pack books](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-books/) - [How to pack artwork](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-artwork/) - [How to pack jewelry](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-jewelry/) - [How to pack pots and pans](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-pots-and-pans/) - [How to pack and move a mattress](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-a-mattress/) - [How to pack a kitchen](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-a-kitchen/) - [How to pack a garage and tools](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-a-garage/) - [How to pack a bathroom](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-a-bathroom/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683), Mon-Fri 8-5, or see the [moving FAQ](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/faq/). ### How many wardrobe boxes will I need? Count the closet rods. Hanging space is the measure, so total the feet of rod you use, and your estimator can confirm the number of wardrobe boxes during the free in-home estimate. ### Can movers pack clothes still on hangers? Yes. Clothes on hangers move in wardrobe boxes, and O'Brien's [packing services](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/packing/) can include the closets when you want them handled. ### Is it safe to store clothes in plastic bags? For a few weeks, yes. For long storage, use breathable bags or cartons, and wash clothes first so odors do not set in. ## 4.3 stars from 71 Google reviews What customers say about O'Brien's [Read more reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/)[See them on Google](https://maps.google.com/maps?cid=17335326057105140938) L Laurie I. September 28, 2025 The two employees showed up on time and were very polite and ready to work. Our quote was 8 hours and they finished in 5 hours. Office staff checked in prior to move and confirmed all details and check in after move to make sure everything was taken care of. Would use this company again for sure! ### Owner's reply Laurie, Thank you for the awesome review! We are glad to hear everything went smoothly, and you were satisfied with the service. We want to also thank you for your business we appreciate you! E Edward G. September 14, 2025 James and the crew were terrific. N Nicole B. June 25, 2025 The crew worked extremely hard and treated our belongings with care. Customer service was outstanding leading up to, during, and after move. Thank you! ## Get your free, in-home moving estimate An estimator visits, walks through everything and gives you a written, itemized estimate. Rather talk? [Call 775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm Our estimators: Sean, Luke, Christa and Janet. 2277 Glendale Ave Sparks, NV 89431 [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 U.S. DOT No. 30611 · MC-109375 · Nevada CPCN 1070