How to Pack Hangers and Hanging Clothes for Moving

When moving houses, there’s a number of challenges that will come your way, many of which seem as ridiculous as they are problematic. Suddenly, popping the bubbles on the bubble wrap stresses you out instead of the other way around, since that’s some lost cushioning for your fragile items. You’ll be identifying between different kinds of tapes, and God forbid someone use the wrong tape on the wrong surface! One of these conundrums is packing oddly shaped things.

Many people like to pack their hangers with them when moving homes. Maybe they’re all brand new, high quality, or you rely on them too much for replacements! Either way, how to pack hangers and hanging clothes for moving is a question you will soon be faced with. In order to avoid spending too much time and effort on learning as you go, just read this blog instead. From how to pack them to steps on packing them, to things you should avoid, our guide on how to pack hangers and hanging clothes for moving is sure to smoothen out every crease of this problem.

CALCULATE MY MOVE

Sorting The Hangers

If you’ve read few of our blogs before, you may have realized the ‘sorting’ step shows up pretty often. This is because sorting through your items before packing helps immensely, and is not a step you want to miss. It helps give you a good idea of things you should be throwing away or replacing, saving you the time, resources and money it would’ve taken to pack and transport them.

So, as the instruction says, take a close look at all of your hangers. Set aside hangers that are visibly old and worn and those that have broken or are about to break. These will need to be thrown out for sure. Also, set aside the hangers that are high quality, fancy and designer hangers since you will definitely want to take these.

Now look at the pile you have left - if these are cheap, regular hangers you can easily replace, consider leaving them behind. With any move, the fewer items you have to pack, the better it is for you. Consider donating these, or giving them to family or neighbours.

Finally, look at the pile of hangers you want to take with you. Sort these according to type i.e. wooden, plastic, padded, skirt hangers, metal etc.

How To Pack Hangers For A Move

Due to their odd shape, hangers are tougher to pack than you think. They take up a fair amount of space, and leaving them loose means a whole bunch of tangled hangers for you to struggle with when unpacking. Any extra weight on the top and they could snap into half.  Plus they could scratch the inner surface of your wardrobe, or worse, rip into your clothes.

We’ve listed down a few ways of how to pack hangers for a move. Before you get started, mentally prepare yourself. This is not a task you want to be rushing through or doing in a hurry, since messing it up now will lead to consequences later.

1. Stacking And Wrapping

This method is a secure way of packing your hangers to ensure they don’t come loose and create any of the scenarios we listed in the paragraphs above.

• Your hangers should already be grouped according to material. Take similar sized ones and stack them one over the other, all facing the same direction. You can stack up to 10 or 12 hangers in one pile, but don’t go over that number.
• Grab a hold of some of the long rubber band; they will be used to secure your hangers together so make sure they’re not old ones or they’ll snap apart during the move.
• Loop a rubber band around the hook or the neck of the hangers (all of them stacked together), bring the other end around their horizontal bars and back around to the hook. Tie them up here to fix them in place. Make sure they’re not too loose or too taut.
• If you don’t have suitable rubber bands, use saran wrap, zip ties, or twist ties. Avoid using tape as the adhesive is sure to stick to your hangers, later ruining whatever clothes are hung over them.
• Once these are securely stacked and fastened together, wrap each bundle up to protect it. You can make use of old sheets and cloth, and use packing paper for the expensive ones.

Try to ensure that you cover it enough to act as a film of protection, but not so much that it becomes bulky and takes up more space than necessary. Make sure the hangers are secure enough that there’s no movement when you shake the bundle - this will protect them better during the move.

2. Packing Hangers In Drawers

That’s right, who said you can’t make use of the space your furniture already provides when packing for a move? Packing hangers in drawers is an easy way to save up on space, with the hanger stacks also acting as barricades for other items.

• If you want to pack your hangers in drawers, the number of hangers in a stack will change. Make sure of a few things first, like how many hangers in a stack make for the perfect fit when laid down in the drawer, and if the hangers fit snugly.
• Stack the hangers according to the space provided by the drawer, and fasten the rubber bands around them. Wrap an old cloth or saran wrap around the hooks to make sure they can’t deal any damage.
• Place the stacks in the drawer, with the long part of the hanger against the back of the drawer and the hook facing you. Stack as many piles as the drawer can fit side by side. Ideally, place an old sheet or old tees bundled up at the front of the drawer so the hooks aren’t in direct contact with the wood.
• Now it’s time to grab things like socks, belts, nightwear and home wear clothes that can survive a rough trip. Pack these into the drawers, making use of whatever space is left. This utilizes the space in the middle of the hangers as well, and you’ve saved up on tons of space and resources to pack all these items in boxes.

3. Packing Clothes Hangers In Boxes

You can also pack up your hangers in moving boxes or cartons, provided you know how to secure them such that they don’t move around.

• Create your stack of hangers such that the height of the stack matches the height of the box. Avoid wrapping them up, leaving just the rubber band to keep them in place. Whatever you do, don’t exceed the size of the box. Even the slightest bulges can result in damage to your items. It’s okay for your stacks to fall around an inch shorter than the size of the box as this can be filled up with stuffing materials like old cloth, sheets or bubble wrap.
• Cut out a vertical strip on one side of your box. Use a new, sturdy box for this. The strip should not be more than a few inches in width. Make sure you have an inch between the end of the strip and the bottom of the box. Secure the edges of the strip with either packing or duct tape to ensure there’s no way it can further tear or rip open.
• Place your stack in the box, putting the hooks of the hangers through the strip. Wrap saran wrap and a cloth around the hooks to secure them. This also minimizes the risk of a hazard due to the exposed hooks.
• Place other items like sheets, belts etc. in the box, utilizing whatever free space is there.
• Once you’re done packing items in the box, provide enough padding and cushioning to ensure nothing in the box moves around when you lift and shake it. Seal the lid down tightly and you’re all done.

4. Packing Clothes Hangers In Suitcases

It’s often when moving that you realize how to make the best of all the space around you. Using suitcases to transport things is a great idea; light objects can easily fit, and heavier objects can be easily moved with the help of the wheels. Packing hangers in suitcases is certainly something that is easily done.

• As usual, sort and stack similar-sized hangers together. Stack five in a bundle, or however it takes to comfortably sit in your suitcases. Secure them as described above by fastening the hooks and bottom bars. Wrap saran wrap around the hooks so they don’t accidentally tear the inner lining of your suitcase.
• Place them in your suitcase with the bottom bar against the long side of your suitcase and the hooks facing the center. Place another stack on the opposite side with the hooks facing the centre. The hooks should interlink together.
• Proceed to pack in all the bundles like this. This process works great for your more fancy, expensive clothes hangers.
• Pack other smaller items in the suitcases to fill up whatever space is left. Make sure there’s no loose space for things to move around once the suitcase is shut. Fill it up with sheets or packing paper to secure it all tightly.

CALCULATE MY MOVE

Things To Avoid When Packing Hangers For A Move

There’s a reason packing hangers is not left for the last minute - packing it up in a hurry is sure to end in disaster. For one, do not leave hangers loose in your wardrobe. No matter how replaceable they are or how sturdy you think your wardrobe is, this is a definite problem. Not only will you find several scratches on the inside of your wardrobe, but the hangers themselves could bend, snap or break. No item should ever be left loose when moving as there’s too much movement when loading and unloading.

So wardrobes are a no as they can cause damage. But just piling them into a cardboard box should be harmless, right? Wrong. If they spare your box, there’s a good chance they will be severely tangled with each other, or even worse, bent or damaged. This is also a waste of storage space, and when moving, storage space is like gold.

How To Pack Hanging Clothes For A Move

Packing hanging clothes for a move lessens your burdens by a ton. You skip having to individually fold all your clothes and pile them into boxes. Additionally, unpacking simply involves shifting them into your closet, still on the hanger, and you’re all done. While this step certainly saves you a lot of trouble, it can do just the opposite if not done right. Read on to know what and what not to do to properly pack your clothes on a hanger for a move.

Sorting Your Clothes

Take an entire day to sort through your clothes and get rid of the ones you won’t need. This may seem like a cruel purge, but trust us, you’ll be better off when it's done.

You’ll be essentially sorting them out into three different piles. One that you definitely want to keep, one that you will give away or donate, and the third that can be thrown out. Although, you won’t have too many in pile three as only clothes that are severely worn and can’t be used again will go here.

Make sure you sort through each and every garment. You may be surprised at how much you will end up getting rid of. Use the ‘one year’ rule: if you haven’t worn it in a year, get rid of it. Also think of the climatic conditions of your new location and discard items you won’t be needing there. Overpreparation makes no sense; you can always stock up on those particular clothing items once the need arises. Give off clothes that are still in a good condition to your friends, or have a mini-sale if time provides and you have the need for a little extra cash. Alternatively, consider donating them. There are several organisations that accept not just clothes, but other household items as well.

Secondly, don’t go packing up every garment in sight, as you’ll soon realise you have nothing ready for moving day! Choose comfort above all else, as you’re sure to be running around on moving day. Additionally, it is always good to pack the ‘essentials’ box or backpack. This usually has things you’ll need on your first day in the new house. The idea is for you to be able to easily get your hands on them. It also works as a great backup in the event that the moving truck is delayed. Remember to keep a change of clothes aside for this, including inner wear, a towel, your toothbrush and toothpaste and nightwear

Lastly, sort your clothes according to type and material in order to make packing easy. Close up all things like zips, buttons, and velcro straps to make sure they won’t break or come apart during the move, damaging your garment.

CALCULATE MY MOVE

Different Ways to Pack Hanging Clothes

1. Packing Hanging Clothes In A Wardrobe Box.

Wardrobe boxes work fantastically for high-end hanging clothes that you want to have protected. They are generally two by three feet, though sizes may vary. They come built with a hanger bar on which you can hang your clothes. They are, quite literally, built to be mini-wardrobes, providing protection against dirt and damage, and leaving your clothes wrinkle-free. However, they don’t come cheap, ranging from $20 to $60 for one. Therefore, it makes sense to reserve it for your most precious clothes.

When packing the box, make sure you have assembled it properly so it doesn’t snap open or break during the move. Avoid putting heavy items in the box, and use the space at the bottom for lighter things like cushions or scarves. Lastly, cover any protruding ends or bits with packing material so it doesn’t get damaged or cause damage on moving day.

2. Packing Hanging Clothes With The Help Of Garbage Bags

Using garbage bags is a cheap, super convenient way of transporting clothes while hung on a hanger. You’ll need large-sized bags that can hold between 35 to 50 gallons, with a  drawstring to make your life easier. There are two ways to do this.

• Grab around 7 to 10 of your clothes on hangers - pick similar types of clothes so it’s easier. Wrap a long fastening wire or rubber band around the hooks to fasten them together.
• Have someone slide the bag over the clothes while you’re holding on to the hooks. This may be a little tricky, which is why we recommend having similar clothes to be packed together.
• Pull the drawstring around the hooks, with the hooks still outside. Cover them up in packing paper or bubble wrap to make sure they can’t damage other things.
• Alternatively, grab a bag and make a hole in the bottom. Secure the hole by folding pieces of tape over the edge, all around the hole. This prevents it from tearing further.
• Fasten the hooks together with a rubber band or fastening wire.
• Starting from the hooks, pull the bag down over the clothes. The hooks should stick out the hole at the top, and the bag should be covering the clothes completely. Pull the drawstring at the bottom and wrap the hooks up in packing material.   

The advantages of using garbage bags to pack your hanging clothes is that it is a low-effort, quick, convenient and cheap method to follow. The disadvantage is that it leaves your clothes exposed to risks like dirt and dust, dampness, staining and other damages. The bags don’t offer much protection, so consider how you’ll be transporting them.

Alternatively, you can also use saran wrap or plastic wrap. Unlike the garbage bags, plastic wrap can be used for any length of clothes, even long, flowy ones. Simply hold your clothes together and wrap them up in saran wrap or plastic wrap and secure with tape. However, this doesn’t make for the most eco-friendly move, neither does it offer optimal protection.

3. Packing Hanging Clothes In Garment Bags

An easy way to ensure your clothes are safe is by using garment bags. These can be used as a secondary measure alongside the trash bags, or they can be used alone as well. Garment bags are especially designed to transport hanging clothes safely and securely, without having them get crumpled. They come in a range of sizes, and can cost from $10 to $50. They have a protective lining on the inside and a zipper in the front, alongside the space for your hanger hook to poke through.

• Lay the garment bag on a flat, clean surface. Grab a few clothes that can easily fit in the bag or are meant to be used with the bag and pack them in face down.
• Push the hook through and fasten it at the top of the bag. If there are clips, attach your hangers to them to secure the clothes.
• Zip the bag shut.

You can also opt for the cheaper garment bags by asking your local dry cleaners, who may even give you some for free. Ensure that these aren’t broken or torn before using them. They can also make for good protection for clothes going in your wardrobe boxes.

4. Packing Hanging Clothes In A Suitcase

The handy suitcase makes yet another appearance, as they are quite nifty to be used for hanging clothes as well.

• Lay about four or five clothes in their hangers on a flat surface, bundled neatly together. Fold in all the sleeves and fold back the clothes from the bottom end. Fold them evenly, either once (folded into half) or twice (folded into three even parts), depending on the size of your suitcase and how they can fit.
• Fasten the hooks together and wrap them in protective material so they can’t cause damage. Now gingerly lift the bundle and lay it in the suitcase.
• Do this with the rest of your clothes, making sure to lay the bundles with the hangers facing inwards.
• Lay sheets, blankets and other materials to pack the suitcase up well and ensure there’s no loose space.
• Zip up the suitcase and you’re good to go.

CALCULATE MY MOVE

Conclusion

When it comes to making sure your move goes well, every task needs to be put on a moving timeline. How to pack hangers for a move sure seems simple, but now that you’ve read into it, you realize the time it takes. Similarly, every other task requires allotted time. Lastly, make sure you’ve hired the right movers for your trip as this is what can make or break moving day. Contact us to know just what works for you.

See also: How to Pack Clothes for Moving | Tips to Organize Your Closet After a Move