Moving clothes efficiently and safely is one of the most important aspects of relocating in Kerrville and the Texas Hill Country. Whether you're moving from a ranch home in Mason to a historic property in Fredericksburg, your wardrobe needs proper protection during transport. River Hills Moving brings you this comprehensive guide to packing clothes for moving, ensuring your garments arrive wrinkle-free and ready to wear in your new Hill Country home.
Before you start packing a single shirt, take time to assess your entire wardrobe. This preparation phase is crucial for an organized and efficient move throughout the Hill Country region.
Begin by removing everything from your closets, dressers, and laundry areas. Sort clothes into categories: keep, donate, sell, or discard. Moving to Kerrville or anywhere in the Hill Country is the perfect opportunity to declutter your wardrobe. Consider donating gently used items to local charities in Fredericksburg, Junction, or Comfort. This reduces the number of items you need to pack and helps local families in need.
The Texas Hill Country lifestyle may require different clothing than your previous location. If moving from a city environment, you might need more casual, outdoor-friendly clothing. Conversely, if relocating from a rural area to a town like Boerne, you might want to keep more business-appropriate attire.
Wash and dry all clothes according to their care instructions before packing them. This prevents stains from setting during transit and eliminates odors that could develop in boxes during the move. Clean clothes also mean you'll have fresh garments ready to wear immediately upon arrival at your new Hill Country home.
In the humid Texas climate, moisture can lead to mildew and unpleasant odors if clothes aren't completely clean and dry before packing. This is especially important for long-distance moves from the Hill Country to other states or extended storage situations.
Having the right materials makes all the difference in protecting your wardrobe during your Hill Country move.
Wardrobe Boxes: These tall, sturdy boxes come with built-in hanging rods, allowing you to transfer clothes directly from your closet without removing hangers. Wardrobe boxes are essential for suits, dresses, formal wear, and delicate fabrics that wrinkle easily. Local suppliers like City Storage in Kerrville and U-Haul locations throughout the Hill Country carry these specialty boxes.
Standard Moving Boxes: Medium-sized boxes work best for folded clothes. Avoid large boxes for clothing as they become too heavy when filled and difficult to manage during loading and unloading.
Plastic Storage Bins: These provide excellent protection from moisture and are reusable. They're particularly useful for storing seasonal clothing or items you won't need immediately after your move.
Vacuum Storage Bags: Perfect for compressing bulky items like winter coats, comforters, and sweaters. These bags can reduce volume by up to 75%, saving valuable space in your moving truck. However, be aware that vacuum bags work best for items that won't be needed immediately, as removing items can cause permanent compression lines.
Packing Paper and Bubble Wrap: Use these materials to wrap delicate items and fill empty spaces in boxes to prevent shifting during transport.
Garbage Bags: For casual clothes that can remain on hangers, slip a clean garbage bag over grouped hangers, tie at the bottom, and poke the hangers through for easy transport.
Wardrobe boxes are the gold standard for moving hanging clothes. Simply transfer clothes directly from your closet rod to the box's hanging rod. This method keeps formal wear, suits, dresses, and delicate fabrics in perfect condition. When packing wardrobe boxes, don't overload them. Leave some space for air circulation and to prevent crushing.
For casual hanging clothes like everyday shirts and pants, you can use the garbage bag method. Group 8-10 items on hangers, slip a clean garbage bag over them from the bottom up, and tie the opening around the necks of the hangers.
Rolling Method: This military-style technique maximizes space and reduces creases. Lay the garment flat, fold in any protruding parts like sleeves, then roll tightly from one end to the other. Rolling works exceptionally well for t-shirts, casual dresses, pajamas, and workout clothes.
Flat Folding: Traditional folding works best for structured items like jeans, dress shirts, and sweaters. Smooth out wrinkles as you fold and avoid making too many creases. Stack folded items neatly in boxes with heavier items at the bottom.
Bundle Wrapping: This advanced technique involves layering different garments and wrapping them around a soft core item. It's excellent for preventing wrinkles in business attire and delicate fabrics.
Winter Coats and Bulky Items: Use vacuum storage bags to compress these items significantly. This is especially useful when moving during Texas summers when winter gear won't be needed for months.
Shoes: Stuff shoes with socks or tissue paper to maintain their shape. Wrap each pair in plastic bags before placing them in boxes. Pack shoes sole-to-sole to maximize space efficiency.
Delicate Fabrics: Wrap silk, cashmere, and other delicate items in acid-free tissue paper before packing. These items may be better suited for transport in your personal vehicle rather than the moving truck.
Leave clothes in dresser drawers for local Hill Country moves. Secure drawers with plastic wrap or moving straps. This saves time and box space while keeping clothes organized. Remove heavy items like jeans to make furniture easier to move.
Create a "survival kit" with enough clothes for several days at your new home. Include underwear, a few changes of clothes, pajamas, and weather-appropriate items for the Hill Country climate. Keep this bag with you during the move rather than loading it on the truck.
The Texas Hill Country can experience sudden weather changes, so pack layers that can adapt to varying temperatures. Include a light jacket or sweater for cool Hill Country evenings, even during summer moves.
When packing folded clothes in boxes, use a layering strategy. Place heavier items like jeans and sweaters at the bottom, medium-weight items in the middle, and lighter pieces on top. Fill any empty spaces with socks, underwear, or soft accessories to prevent shifting during transport.
Label each box clearly with its contents and destination room. Use color-coded labels or tape for different family members to make unpacking more efficient in your new Hill Country home.
The Texas Hill Country's climate affects how you should pack clothes. High humidity during summer months means ensuring all items are completely dry before packing to prevent mold and mildew. During winter moves, protect clothes from potential moisture with plastic covers or bags.
The Hill Country offers several options for moving supplies. City Storage in Kerrville provides wardrobe boxes and other specialty containers. U-Haul locations in Kerrville, Boerne, and surrounding areas offer comprehensive packing supplies. The UPS Store in Kerrville provides professional packing services for valuable or delicate clothing items.
For local moves within the Hill Country region, you have more flexibility with packing methods. You can leave some clothes in dressers and use garbage bags for hanging items. For long-distance moves to or from the Hill Country, invest in quality boxes and protective materials to ensure clothes survive the longer journey.
Never pack dirty or damp clothes, as this leads to odors and potential mold growth during transport. Avoid overpacking boxes, making them too heavy to lift safely. Don't forget to remove clothes from hampers and laundry areas, as these areas are often overlooked during the packing process.
Resist the urge to use old grocery store or liquor store boxes for clothes, as these may contain residues that attract pests or cause odors. Instead, invest in proper moving boxes or clean containers specifically designed for relocations.
If packing seems overwhelming, River Hills Moving offers professional packing services throughout Kerrville, Fredericksburg, Mason, Junction, Comfort, and the entire Texas Hill Country region. Our experienced team knows how to properly pack different types of clothing and can complete the job efficiently while you focus on other aspects of your move.
Professional packers bring the right materials and expertise to ensure your clothes are packed safely and efficiently. This service is particularly valuable for extensive wardrobes, delicate clothing collections, or when time constraints make DIY packing challenging.
Plan your unpacking strategy before you move. Unpack essentials first, then seasonal clothing appropriate for the current weather. In the Hill Country, priorities might include summer clothes for hot weather or layers for unpredictable spring and fall temperatures.
Set up your closet and dresser areas early in the unpacking process. This gives you a place to put clothes immediately rather than leaving them in boxes for weeks. Having organized clothing storage ready makes the entire unpacking process more manageable and helps you settle into your new Hill Country lifestyle more quickly.
What's the best way to pack hanging clothes for a Hill Country move?
Wardrobe boxes with built-in rods are ideal for valuable hanging clothes like suits and dresses. For casual items, group them on hangers and cover with clean garbage bags. This keeps clothes organized and prevents wrinkles during your Hill Country relocation while maintaining easy access for unpacking.
Should I use vacuum storage bags for all my bulky clothes when moving?
Vacuum bags work excellently for out-of-season items like winter coats and comforters, saving significant truck space. However, avoid using them for clothes you'll need immediately, as items may have compression lines after storage. They're perfect for seasonal items during Hill Country moves when you won't need them for months.
How do I protect delicate fabrics during my Kerrville area move?
Wrap delicate items like silk and cashmere in acid-free tissue paper before packing in boxes. Consider transporting extremely valuable pieces in your personal vehicle rather than the moving truck. For professional handling of high-value clothing, River Hills Moving offers specialized packing services throughout the Texas Hill Country region.
Ready for a stress-free Hill Country move? Trust River Hills Moving to handle your clothing and all your relocation needs throughout Kerrville, Fredericksburg, Mason, and the entire Texas Hill Country region with the care and expertise your belongings deserve.
Audrey Williams is the co-owner of RiverHills Moving, alongside her husband, Jackson Williams. With four years of marketing experience, Audrey specializes in promoting their company and building its presence. She is passionate about working for their family business and finds great fulfillment in seeing its growth positively impact others. Audrey’s dedication and drive come from her commitment to helping their business thrive and serve the community.
.png)
.png)
