11 Tips: How to Pack Clothes When Moving Cross Country

11 Tips: How to Pack Clothes When Moving Cross Country

Taking Care for Your Clothing

cross country movers

When it comes down to planning your cross-country move, far too often, folks do not make the proper preparations or planning for moving items of clothing. We simply figure all you have to do is fold them up and throw them in a box and they are ready to go, right? Well not so fast. There is a method to the madness known as moving your wardrobe from one coast to the other. And as with so many other elements, a little judicious planning can save you innumerable headaches going forward.

Of course, it goes without saying that folded clothes can be packed differently than hanging items, and specialized garments such as formal wear or wedding dresses may require specialized packaging and handling. Carve some time out of your packing schedule to allow for your clothing items. This will reduce stress related to the move and make unpacking on the other end all the more effective and efficient. Always remember…plan ahead. Then work your plan.

Here are eleven tips for getting your clothing ready for a cross country move.

  1. Organize and Declutter. Few things streamline the moving process quite like decluttering and getting rid of those items you are not likely to ever use or wear again. Determine which items of clothing are worth transporting cross country and selling or donating or throwing out those items you no longer want or need. This is especially true if you are moving into a smaller space as you will soon find that you need every available inch to make things work. Then organize your clothing by season and by family members.
  2. Pack Off Season Wardrobe. If you are moving in the summer, then long wool sweaters and heavy coats really have no place of importance in the movie. Pack them away together and properly label them for when you need to locate these items a few months down the road. There is no need to unpack them immediately following the trip. Be sure they are securely packed to protect them from moisture and undesirable odors.
  3. Leave the Dresser Full (No, we are not kidding). If your dresser contains lighter items of clothing such as undergarments or socks, there is no harm at all in leaving them where they are, especially if you are using a moving service. This saves a ton of loading area in the moving truck, and everything is in place once the dresser is moved into your new home. Just be sure to tape the drawers securely shut and cover the dresser with blankets or other protection to prevent any damage such as knicks or dings during the move.
  4. About Those Special Pieces. We mentioned wedding dresses and tuxedoes. You will want to take the proper steps to protect these items, and garment bags are the way to go. These are basically soft sided suitcases and they drastically reduce the chance for these items getting damaged or dirty or wet.
  5. Packing Your Shoes Separately. It is ideal to separate shoes from other apparel in order to avoid the clothes getting soiled as a result. Shoeboxes are ideal, but plastic bags will suffice in a pinch. You can also stuff socks and undergarments in the shoes in order to maximize packing space. If you choose not to pack in such aa manner, have some packing paper on hand to stuff the shoes with, as this will prevent the shoes becoming warped or malformed during the cross-country trek.
  6. Pack Essentials for The First Week. Every moving project and scenario is different, but there is always the chance that you may not be able to get to everything to unpack right away. Create a bag of essential items, changes of clothes for at least a week, toiletries, etc., and have that bag either go with you in your vehicle or go on the moving truck last (so it is off the truck first). That way, you are able to have what you need for those first few hectic, fretful days in your new location.
  7. Use Wardrobe Boxes for Hanging Items. Garments that spend most of their time on hangars are the ones that tend to wrinkle easily. Storing and moving them in wardrobe boxes is an efficient way to manage them and will save you much ironing and straightening when you get to your new place. Most wardrobe boxes can hold up to half of a standard sized closet, and they contain metal hangars that can be moved from the closet to the box. Some also come with compartments for wrapped shoes.
  8. Vacuum Sealing Bags. These bags, once packed, allow you to remove the air, which shrinks the bag and its contents down to a much more manageable size. Space saving is always a plus, especially if you plan on having to move a large number of bulky items. Vacuum sealing bags also protect against odors, and they are moisture resistant.
  9. Pack As Many Boxes as You Need. Some folks think the fewer boxes the better, but a large box full of clothing can become quite heavy and cumbersome. Bigger boxes can also be crushed or damaged much more easily. The better solution is to pack a number of smaller boxes that can be easily carried and moved from one area to another.
  10. Use Suitcases and Duffels. Look around your closet and home to see what you already have that may serve as transportation items. You will be surprised how much you can squeeze into a suitcase or a duffel bag.
  11. Use Plastic Garbage Bags. These are another great substitute for boxes as they provide protection from dirt and dust.

Of course, your best bet for any moving project is to make use of a professional and experienced relocation company. California-New York Express Movers know how to get you and your belongings from one coast to the other in a timely and efficient manner, and they stand ready to make your relocation experience a pleasant, exciting, and memorable event.

Okay, a move of any type is a major project, and one that can easily become stressful if not properly coordinated and executed. But a long-distance move from the bright lights of New York City to the balmy West Coast of Los Angeles can be even more so. It becomes important to not only know how to plan your move, but when.

There are a number of factors that go into a coast to coast move of any sort, with numerous variables that need to be taken into consideration. You should consider the costs, the coordination, and the timing of the move. Through careful preparation, though, your coast-to-coast move can be an exciting and enjoyable project.

For starters, coast to coast moves are rarely DYI options. The level of packaging and the logistics of a coast-to-coast move are simply more than even the handiest among us would want to take care of. When you consider the distance involves, the unusual terrain such as mountains, valleys, possible snow and ice and other factors that have to be navigated, it becomes of the utmost prudence to hire a qualified, experienced long distance moving provider, one who can take the reins from the get-go and see the project through to its conclusion. Professional movers can handle all aspects of your moving project with efficiency because they are well trained and have done this a time or two.

Professional movers also provide insurance coverage for the items they transport, which means peace of mind, and it is infinitely more affordable than hiring a rental truck and trying to oversee all of the organization yourself. And by affordable, we not only mean monetarily, but also the peace of mind in knowing everything will be done correctly, the first time.

While there is no hard and fast rule for exactly when you should start packing for a Los Angeles move, the conventional wisdom would suggest that you begin, to some degree, once you know for sure that this is a move you are going to be making. We recommend making out a checklist divided by the weeks and days available to you ahead of the move, and then sticking to that schedule as best you can. Starting with small rooms first, then moving on to the bigger things, by the time your moving day arrives, you should have everything packed up and ready to go. If you want a fixed answer, we suggest allowing a minimum of two months to have everything done. Such a time frame will prevent any exasperation and stress in the final days leading up to the move.

Allowing plenty of time for your west coast move also allows you to research and hire the best moving company, as well as looking for any deals that may be out there for packing supplies, en route lodging, meals, and other expenses that you are going to incur along the way. You might also want to consider the time of year in which to move, as some companies offer discounted rates in what they consider their “off season.”

It goes without saying that you need to have an end goal in mind. Are you moving to a new house? An apartment? A condominium? Finding the perfect home tops the list of things to do when planning your west coast move. Fortunately, there are a wide variety of options and costs when considering a move to LA.

You should also calculate a moving budget. Moving long distance often means long hours on the road, hotel stays, a lot of eating in roadside restaurants. Have an idea what those few days en route are going to cost you and provide for that as a part of your moving budget.

Pack ‘Em Up!

Take the time leading up to the move to properly downsize. You are not going to bring everything with you to your new location, nor should you. Downsizing, eliminating all of those non-essential items, means you ultimately spend less time and money transporting those things that you will most likely never use again. Lose the clothes you have not worn in more than a year, or the books you no longer read. If your kitchen appliances are older than ten years, they probably are not worth moving. Just replace them when you get where you are going.

Again, taking the proper time to get everything packed means that you can do so carefully and methodically, as opposed to quickly and recklessly. Pack fragile items on their own, away from less fragile items, and use enough packing paper or bubble wrap to protect them over the course of the move. These items should be packed firmly, but gently.

You can also use old sheets and towels to protect furniture and larger items from damage, chips, or dings. Make sur everything stays dry, as climates tend to change drastically from coast to coast, because it does not take a lot of time for mold to set in, and that is the last thing you want to find as you arrive at your LA destination. You can carry a dehumidifier with you and turn it on once you arrive.

Move ‘Em Out!

As you can see, there is much to do, so the time to start planning for your move from New York to Los Angeles is now! The more you can do to prepare, and the earlier you can do it, only serves to create fewer problems when the moving day arrives. At California/New York Express Movers, we have the skills and experience needed to make your Los Angeles move an amazing experience. We will manage all aspect of your move from the first box packed to the last one in the door of your new home. We are licensed, bonded, and insured, and we are here to answer any questions you may have. Contact our office today to get your Los Angeles move underway.

Shipping household items internationally is very common, however only about 10% are shipped internationally by air.  

Shipping by air can get your items to your international destination in just a few days, unlike international shipping by sea, which takes weeks, sometimes up to a few months.  

How much does international air freight cost? 

Cost to ship internationally by air varies, depending on the type of cargo that is being shipped, and the available space on the plane. It’s far more costly than shipping by sea, but if it’s speed and reliability you’re after, this is the way to go. To compare rates, prepare an inventory of what you’ll be shipping. Knowing sizes is helpful to get a more accurate estimate of the cost. Additional costs will include: Fuel surcharges, security surcharges, and airport transfers. The price can also increase for door-to-door service.  

Why is air cargo so expensive? 

The high costs to ship by air are due to the larger fuel consumption of a plane, and the operational costs.  

What cannot be shipped by air? 

While most items can be shipped by air, some items cannot. The reason is that some things can become extremely hazardous during the flight, this is due to the changing pressures. Items that cannot be shipped include: explosives of any kind, flammables (solids & liquids), toxic & infectious items (pesticides).  

Depending on where you’re moving, whether it’s a local or long distance move, it’s important to plan what to do with the food in your kitchen.  

Can I pack food when moving?  

Non-perishable foods can be packed and moved. If you do pack these items, consider carefully which ones to take, and make sure they’re packed securely. If you’re moving long distance and have opened packets of flour, sugar etc., cans or glass jars of food, it’s best to discard or give away these items and purchase a new supply once you’re in your new home. These items can get heavy and potentially messy if not packed correctly.  

How do I keep my food cold while moving?  

If you’re moving locally, items that require refrigeration, perishables, can be moved. Make sure they’re transported in a cooler and remain at low temperatures. If you’re wondering, can I move my freezer full of food? You cannot! Freezers must be emptied and unplugged prior to the movers arriving.  

vegetables in the refrigerator

How do I eat all food before moving?  

If you know your moving date, it helps to plan meals and use what food you have. Naturally, the perishable items need to be used before they spoil. If there’s more food than you and your family can eat prior to moving day, consider inviting guests to come and eat with you, even if it means eating on paper plates. Non-perishable foods that haven’t expired can be donated.  

The Internet can be used to plan your entire move from start to completion. With everything and everyone available online, using the Internet to coordinate a move can be a simple and stress less experience. 

How do you make a moving plan?  

Using the internet to create a moving plan is easy and efficient. There are some great moving apps available to help keep your move organized, which is essential to a successful move. Some moving apps are free and can be used on both Android and IOS devises. While creating your moving plan, you can simultaneously start researching moving companies and collect estimates, all through the internet. If you need to sell anything prior to moving, there are different online platforms where you can sell almost anything. To donate items, just go online and schedule a pick up. If you’ll be renting or purchasing a new home, check out some of the great resources such as Zillow, and craigslist to find a suitable property.  

calendar and a marker

When should you schedule internet when moving?

Making sure you have internet in your new home is important, and should be included as a task on your moving plan. You’ll want to schedule the installation and set up appointment a few weeks prior to arriving at your new home. If you’re moving to a new city, or state, research who is the best internet provider so that you get the best service.  

Shannon L.
Shannon L.
Jan 5, 2024

Movers who packed my things up in NY were great. I was also very impressed with how clear everything was, how fast the move coordinator Eric was with getting back to me. Read more testimonials

Danielle
Danielle Francisco
Feb 11, 2024

Terrific experience with Andres and his team. They were quick, efficient and very knowledgeable. Read more testimonials

Ria B.
Ria B.
Jan 10, 2024

Everything went smoothly with CA-NY Express Movers. They packed up my apt in NYC in no time, put it into storage for me while we found our new house. Read more testimonials

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