Yes. But not like your nan would.
At Expert Removals, we’ve packed enough wardrobes to know one thing for sure: most people think moving clothes is the easy bit. It’s not. (It’s the deceptively chaotic cousin of packing crockery – less fragile, more scattered.)
So, do moving companies pack clothes? Yes – but how, what kind, in which containers, with how much care, and for what cost – those are the real questions people are asking. Let’s unpack it all (pun very much intended).
What Kind of Clothes Will Movers Pack?
Movers can pack every type of clothing – from your summer shorts to that tuxedo you only wore once for cousin Declan’s wedding.
Here’s a breakdown:
Clothing Type | Do Movers Pack It? | Notes |
---|---|---|
Hanging clothes (suits, dresses) | ✅ Yes | Usually go into wardrobe boxes with rails |
Folded clothes (T-shirts, jeans) | ✅ Yes | Packed into boxes, often left in drawers |
Delicate fabrics (silk, wool) | ✅ Yes | Wrapped in tissue or protective layers |
Shoes, belts, accessories | ✅ Yes | Boxed separately or with clothes |
Clothes packing is part of most full-service moving packages, but it’s also offered as an add-on. We call it: “Pack Like a Pro – Without Touching a Sock.”
Do Movers Pack Clothes in Drawers?
Yes – but only if you’re not hiding bricks of gold or your love letters from 1992.
Many moving companies – including us – try and keep lightweight clothes inside dresser drawers. It saves time, reduces box count, and keeps your socks in their natural habitat.
According to a 2022 study 64% of domestic moves involved keeping clothes in drawers to reduce packing time and material use.
However, we remove drawers from large furniture during loading for safety and ease of transport.
How Do Moving Companies Pack Hanging Clothes?
With a box so elegant it deserves its own runway: the wardrobe box.
These tall boxes come with metal rails. We literally transfer your hanging clothes from wardrobe to box in under a minute – no folding, no fuss, no wrinkles.
They’re ideal for:
- Business suits
- Evening gowns
- Uniforms
- Coats
Our wardrobe boxes hold 18–24 inches of rail space, fitting 25–50 garments, depending on thickness.
It’s like Uber for your clothes, but with cardboard and muscle.
Is It Worth Paying Movers to Pack Clothes?
Ask yourself this: would you rather spend your evening bingeing Netflix or wrestling your closet into banana boxes?
Here’s the math:
Scenario | DIY Time Estimate | Pro Packing Time | Stress Level |
---|---|---|---|
Fold and pack 3-bed house clothes | 6–8 hours | 1–2 hours | 😤😱 vs 😎☕ |
Cost of clothes packing add-on | €100–€200 | — | None if bundled |
If your move is big, time-sensitive, or you’re simply allergic to chaos, hiring movers to pack clothes saves hours, reduces stress, and protects your garments.
How Do Movers Label Clothes Boxes?
Clarity over cleverness.
We use labels like:
- Bedroom 1 – Folded Clothes
- Wardrobe Box – Hanging – Client’s Name
- Seasonal Clothes – Attic Storage
Why? Because after 3000+ moves, we learned that opening 14 identical boxes labelled “Clothes” is a form of psychological warfare.
Do I Need to Wash My Clothes Before the Movers Pack Them?
Technically, no. But would you want to seal last week’s gym gear in a cardboard sauna?
We advise:
- Wash and dry before moving day
- Donate what you don’t wear
- Group clothes by type/season/use
Clean clothes = fresh start.
Can Movers Pack Clothes During a Last-Minute Move?
Yes – especially when the clock is ticking and the panic has set in.
At Expert Removals, we’ve packed three bedrooms, a walk-in wardrobe, and a 7-drawer dresser in under 90 minutes with a team of four.
Emergency moves? We’ve done them all:
- Divorce dash? Packed.
- Lease ended yesterday? Packed.
- “We forgot we were moving today!”? Packed.
All with care, speed, and zero judgement.
What Materials Do Movers Use to Pack Clothes?
We don’t just throw your Versace into a black bin bag.
We use:
- Wardrobe boxes (for hangers)
- Standard boxes (folded clothes)
- Tissue or wrapping paper (delicates)
- Bubble wrap or shrink wrap (drawers with clothes inside)
- Vacuum seal bags (space savers upon request)
Each method is chosen based on distance, item sensitivity, and weather conditions.
Will Clothes Get Wrinkled or Damaged?
Not if packed by people who actually care. (That’s us.)
We use materials and methods to protect from:
- Moisture
- Dust
- Compression damage
Pro tip: Let us unpack your wardrobe boxes immediately at your new home to avoid creases from gravity over time.
How Many Boxes Will I Need for Clothes?
Based on 1000+ 3-bed home moves, here’s the average:
Wardrobe Boxes Needed | Standard Boxes Needed | Vacuum Bags (Optional) |
---|---|---|
3–5 | 30–50 | 3–15 |
For a family of four, clothes take up about 20–30% of total moving volume.
Planning matters. That’s why we do a full inventory before quoting.
Can Movers Help With Decluttering Clothes?
We’re movers, not fashion police – but yes, we help you sort.
- Keep, donate, or bin? We’ll assist.
- Clothes to be stored? We can take them.
- Garments for disposal? We offer eco-friendly textile recycling.
Expert Removals clients reduced their move load by up to 18% on average by decluttering wardrobes first.
How Much Does It Cost for Movers to Pack Clothes?
Price depends on volume and service level.
Service Type | Average Cost (Dublin) |
---|---|
Clothes packing (standard) | €100–€150 |
Full home packing | €350–€700 |
Add-on with full move | Often included or discounted |
Want a fixed quote? We’re not fans of price creep either – our quotes include all packing materials and time.
Can I Pack My Clothes and Let Movers Handle the Rest?
Absolutely. We’re flexible.
Some clients say, “Don’t touch my socks.” Others say, “Just make it all disappear into boxes.”
We offer:
- Full-service packing (You do nothing)
- Partial packing (We pack the tricky stuff)
- DIY support (We supply boxes + labels)
You choose. We adapt.
Final Thought: Clothes Might Be Light, But the Task Is Heavy
Moving is emotional. It’s not just about transporting fabric. It’s about starting fresh – a new street, new job, new routines.
Your clothes carry memories. Packing them should feel like care, not chaos.
So, do moving companies pack clothes? Yes. The good ones do it well. The best ones (like us) do it so well you’ll wonder if we moonlight as stylists.
Want Us to Handle the Heavy Lifting (and the Light Folding)?
At Expert Removals, we pack clothes with care, speed, and zero wrinkles in your schedule.
📦 Free quotes
🧥 Wardrobe boxes provided
💪 Hands you can trust
Call us. We’ll pack your pants. Fold your frocks. And give you one less thing to worry about.