How To Pack Wardrobe Boxes

It’s only natural to look for ways to make packing your clothing more convenient and safer for your belongings, and wardrobe boxes do exactly that. These specialty boxes protect your clothing from snags, tears, and wrinkles, and they’re surprisingly easy to use. If you want peace of mind knowing your sentimental or high-value pieces will arrive safe and ready to wear, wardrobe boxes are the way to go. Your clothing will be closet-ready as soon as you unpack, with no ironing or rewashing required.

Before you invest in wardrobe boxes for your move, take some time to learn how they work and how many you’ll need. This guide covers everything you need to know, including how to pack wardrobe boxes for a move and how to keep your clothing safe during transportation.

Supplies Needed to Pack a Wardrobe Box Safely

Before you start packing up your closet, you should gather all the necessary supplies. You can get these at most major retailers or on Amazon:

• Wardrobe boxes: Naturally, you’ll need these! They’re specialty boxes that have a bar across the top to hang your clothes. Many retailers like Walmart and ULINE sell them, but U-Haul sells them in several sizes.
• Sturdy hangers: Any plastic or wooden hangers will do. Avoid metal hangers because they can bend or snag fabric during the move. Check that your hangers fit on the wardrobe box’s bar before packing.
• Garment bags: These durable bags protect your delicate clothing from moisture, dust, and damage. If you can’t find garment bags, consider using trash bags. They’ll keep your clothes dry and dust-free; however, they don’t provide the same structural stability.
• Packing tape: Some boxes require packing tape during assembly. This is the same tape you use for standard moving boxes.
• Markers: We recommend using permanent markers with oversized tips to label your boxes clearly.

Step-By-Step Guide for Packing Wardrobe Boxes

While wardrobe boxes provide excellent protection for your clothes, they still require some preparation and planning for effective use. Whether you’re packing delicate items or loading all your hanging clothes, these 7 simple steps will have your closet packed in no time:

1. Sort your clothing into four sections: keep, donate, sell, and discard

This helps reduce the amount you have to pack. Of the items you plan to keep, identify which ones should be packed in a wardrobe box and which can be folded and packed in standard boxes or suitcases.

2. Assemble your wardrobe box according to the instructions

Some boxes only need to be unfolded for use, while others require taping.

 

“Wardrobe boxes usually have a weight limit printed on them, so use that as your guide. As a general rule, a standard box holds about 1.5 to 2 feet of clothing hung close together.”

 

Even if your box doesn’t require tape for assembly, consider adding some to reinforce any seams, especially if you’re loading it with bulky or heavy items.

3. Add the hanging bar to the pre-cut grooves and ensure it’s secure

Double-check that the bar is in place and sturdy — the last thing you want is for it to collapse en route to your new home. You should also put all your clothing on the right kind of hanger. Remember: avoid using wire hangers, as they can bend easily and snag fabric.

4. Protect any extra-delicate articles by putting them in individual garment bags

Some fabrics, like silk, are prone to snagging and can become damaged if they catch on the zipper or button of another piece, and these bags help separate them from other clothing. Garment bags are also essential if you’ll be moving in wet weather or plan to store your clothing for a while before unpacking.

5. Fill the bottom of the wardrobe box

This step is to ensure the box is stabilized and will prevent it from tipping once you start hanging clothes. Good items to use to add weight to the bottom of the box are shoes or folded heavy fabrics, like towels or blankets.

6. Hang your clothing on the bar without packing them too tightly

Generally, you want to leave enough space for each item to hang loosely. Be careful not to overpack, or you may find clothing wrinkled or damaged when unpacking.

7. Close the box and label it accordingly

The more specific, the better. “Wardrobe box: work clothes” will be much more helpful when unpacking than just writing “Clothes” on the side of the box. We recommend color-coding boxes by room to make unloading easier at your new home.

Learn more on our How to Pack Hub.

FAQs About Moving Wardrobe Boxes

Can’t I use trash bags instead of a wardrobe box?

Yes and no. Trash bags are an easy way to move your hanging clothes in a pinch. You can leave the hanger hooks outside the bag and keep the fabric safe from dirt or moisture. However, they don’t provide the same level of structure or protection that a wardrobe box would.

Go ahead and use a trash bag for your casual clothes, but keep anything expensive, delicate, or sentimental in a wardrobe box to minimize the risk of damage.

Do wardrobe boxes come in different sizes?

Yes, you can buy wardrobe boxes in several sizes from multiple retailers. Sizes typically vary in height, with the largest options allowing you to hang full-length dresses. Others may only fit hanging shirts and pants. Check the dimensions before you buy to make sure they suit your needs.

Is a wardrobe box worth it?

It depends on what you’re moving. Some fabrics are delicate enough that a wardrobe box makes sense, while others don’t require it. Generally, if you have a lot of nice, expensive, or delicate clothing that won’t tolerate folding well, wardrobe boxes are a smart investment.

What kinds of clothes benefit from wardrobe boxes?

Clothing that you’d usually keep on hangers to prevent damage or wrinkling typically does best in a wardrobe box. Many people use them for delicate fabrics like silk, chiffon, and linen.

 

“Some fabrics, like silk, are prone to snagging and can become damaged if they catch on the zipper or button of another piece, and [garment] bags help separate them from other clothing.”

 

Some bulky fabrics, such as leather or wool, can also lose their shape or develop permanent creases when folded. Structured formal clothing, like suits, also benefits from being stored in a wardrobe box to maintain its shape.

When should I skip a wardrobe box?

Any clothing you can put on a hanger can go into a wardrobe box, but it’s not always necessary to use one. If you’re packing more casual clothes, such as athletic wear, jeans, and T-shirts, you can probably skip the wardrobe box without any problems. As a rule of thumb, if you normally fold an item into a dresser, you likely don’t need to hang it for your move.

How do I transport wardrobe boxes?

Moving with wardrobe boxes doesn’t require much extra effort. Keep the box upright during transportation to prevent it from sliding or tipping, and avoid placing heavy items on top. For added stability, consider using straps or bungees to secure it in the truck.

How much clothing does a wardrobe box hold?

It depends on the size of your box and the size and weight of the clothing you’re packing. Wardrobe boxes usually have a weight limit printed on them, so use that as your guide. As a general rule, a standard box holds about 1.5 to 2 feet of clothing hung close together.

How many wardrobe boxes do I need?

The number of boxes you need depends on their size and how much you have to pack. Determine the width of the wardrobe box, then separate the clothing in your closet into increments of that size. For example, if you have a 2-foot-wide box, separate your clothing into 2-foot increments and count how many items you have. This will indicate how many boxes you need.