The part of moving that can drive our customers crazy almost every time… packing! Making sure they have enough bags, bins, and boxes to get everything they need to their new home can be exhausting. This is why Copperstate Moving has come up with plenty of tips and tricks on how to pack clothes for moving.
Did you know moving clothes in garbage bags makes your life easier while packing? No? Well, here are five tips for moving with garbage bags and how to choose the right bag.
Which Garbage Bags to Use:
- Go with heavy-duty bags – Generic garbage bags might not be as durable or protective as you need them to be. The thicker black garbage bags offer more protection for your belongings.
- The bigger, the better – Larger bags mean fewer bags!
- Pick bags with ties – Ties provide you with seals, so the items stay in the bags.
Tip #1 Use Garbage Bags for Protection
One of the main ways to use garbage bags is to have protection for your stuff. Here are a few ways to use garbage bags to protect your items:
- Line the moving boxes – Trash bags are cheaper than bubble wrap and packing paper. You can cut them and layer the bottom and the sides of the cardboard boxes as you would with bubble wrap. You can also use trash bags to wrap individual items, too.
- Protect against water and moisture – Trash bags can also create a waterproof resistance when the weather outside isn’t agreeable. This can be especially useful for items sensitive to moisture, such as electronics and vinyl records. If you’re a vinyl enthusiast, consider using garbage bags to line boxes or bins where you store your records. This adds an extra layer of protection against humidity or accidental spills during the move.
- Shield your gadgets– Using garbage bags as moving storage bags can also protect your electronics inside the boxes.
- Bundle clothes for easy transport – Moving clothes in garbage bags is a quick and efficient way to keep them clean and organized. Simply slip the bags over hanging clothes like a garment cover—this is often the best way to move clothes on hangers—or fold clothes neatly into a bag for easy stacking.
- Keep soft items compact – Use garbage bags to pack soft items like bedding, pillows, and stuffed animals. They’re flexible and lightweight and make it easier to squeeze these items into tight spaces in the moving truck.
Tip #2 Packing and Moving Clothes in Garbage Bags
Packing your clothing and bedding in bags will make them easier to transport. Bags are also a great way to pack fabrics, especially when using bags with ties. The ties on garbage bags are a key advantage when moving clothes and bedding.
By securing the bags tightly, you create an extra layer of protection for your items, ensuring they stay dust-free and neatly contained throughout the move. This is particularly helpful for protecting delicate fabrics or items that might get tangled or damaged during transportation.
Tip #3 Protect Your Hanging Clothes and Garments With Bags
Are you wondering how to pack clothes for moving with trash bags? The best way to move clothes on hangers is to section your clothes into groups, keeping them on the hangers, then wrap each section with bags and tie them tightly around the hangers. Moving with garbage bags can keep your garments free from moisture and wrinkling.
Additional Hanging Clothes and Garments Packing Tips:
- Add extra protection for delicate garments by using thicker bags: If you have delicate fabrics, consider adding an extra layer of protection by using a thicker garbage bag or garment bag for more cushioning.
- Ensure the bags are long enough for longer garments: For dresses, suits, and other long garments, make sure the bags are long enough to cover the entire garment to avoid creases.
- Use a wardrobe box for expensive clothes or opt for a budget-friendly solution: For your most delicate or expensive clothes, use a wardrobe box, but for a more budget-friendly option, hanging them in a bag is a great solution.
- Group clothes by category for organized unpacking: If you have a lot of clothes to move, group them by category (e.g., winter clothes, business attire, casual wear) to make unpacking more organized.
- Securely tie the bag to prevent clothes from slipping out: Tie the bottom of the bag securely to prevent clothes from slipping out and to keep them clean throughout the move.
Tip #4 Stuff Toys Are Safe During the Move
Much like linens, bedding, and other fabrics, using garbage bags to move your stuffed animals and other plush toys will keep them safe and make packing them easy.
Additional Stuffed Toy Packing Tips
- Use double-layer bags for extra protection of delicate stuffed animals: Consider using bags with double layers for your stuffed animals, especially if they are delicate or prone to losing shape.
- Compress bags slightly to save space while ensuring protection: Compress the bags slightly to save space while still keeping the toys protected.
- Label the bags for easier unpacking and organization: Label the bags with a brief description, such as “Plush Toys” or “Stuffed Animals,” to make unpacking easier and help you quickly find them at your new home.
- Store packed stuffed toys in a box or bin to prevent crushing: Once packed in garbage bags, place your stuffed toys in a box or storage bin to keep them organized and prevent crushing during transit.
Tip #5 Moving With Garbage Bags to Transport Your Plants
As much as this tip is for keeping your plants safe and secure, it’s also to keep your car and/or moving truck clean. Wrapping the plant roots or the pots in garbage bags will catch any soil that could otherwise fall out during transportation.
Pros and Cons of Using Garbage Bags for Packing and Moving
While garbage bags are a handy and budget-friendly moving solution, especially for moving clothes in garbage bags, they come with their own set of advantages and limitations. Here’s a quick breakdown of the pros and cons of using them for packing and moving:
Pros:
- Cost-effective: Garbage bags are inexpensive compared to traditional packing materials like boxes, bubble wrap, and garment bags.
- Space-saving: They are flexible and can be compressed to fit into tight spaces in your moving truck, helping you maximize space during the move.
- Durable Options Available: Heavy-duty garbage bags can hold a lot of weight and offer better protection for soft items like clothes, bedding, and stuffed animals.
- Quick and Easy to Use: Garbage bags are easy to find and simple to use—just stuff them, tie them, and you’re ready to go!
- Protects from Dust and Moisture: Bags can help keep your clothes and bedding clean, dust-free, and shielded from rain or moisture during the move.
Cons:
- Not Ideal for Fragile Items: Garbage bags are not suitable for fragile or heavy items, as they offer little protection against breaking or puncturing.
- Lack of Visibility: Garbage bags are opaque, so you can’t easily see what’s inside, making it harder to locate items quickly when unpacking.
- Limited Ventilation: Items like plants or electronics could suffer from a lack of air circulation, leading to potential damage (e.g., plants can wilt if kept in airtight bags for too long).
- Risk of Tearing: While heavy-duty bags are durable, regular garbage bags can tear easily, especially when packed with sharp or heavy items.
- Not Suitable for Valuable Items: Garbage bags aren’t secure enough for valuable or irreplaceable items, and a more protective solution, like boxes or specialized containers, is recommended.
What Not to Pack in a Garbage Bag
While garbage bags are an incredibly versatile moving tool, there are some items you should avoid packing in them. Here’s a quick guide on what not to pack in garbage bags to keep your belongings safe and intact during your move:
1. Sharp Objects
Avoid packing sharp or heavy items like knives, scissors, or tools in garbage bags. The bags are not strong enough to withstand punctures or the weight of heavy objects, and you risk damaging your items or causing the bag to tear.
2. Expensive Jewelry and Valuables
Jewelry, heirlooms, and other high-value items should not be packed in garbage bags. These items require more secure and padded containers to prevent loss or damage during transport.
3. Fragile Items
Items like glassware, china, ceramics, and electronics should not be packed in garbage bags. They need specialized wrapping, such as bubble wrap or packing paper, to ensure they aren’t damaged in transit.
4. Wet or Perishable Goods
Garbage bags are not airtight, so they should not be used for wet or perishable items. They won’t prevent spoilage or odors, and moisture could seep through and damage other belongings.
5. Heavy Furniture Parts
While moving clothes in garbage bags is fine, avoid packing heavy furniture parts, such as legs or large pieces, in them. Use appropriate moving blankets or padded covers to protect furniture.
Make Packing More Efficient with Copperstate Moving
Although they look unassuming, using garbage bags for packing can be a game-changer during your move! They’re not just cost-effective—they save you time, cut down on costs, and help you stay organized.
Copperstate Moving offers many tips and tricks on how to pack clothes for moving and have a successful moving day. Check out our blog to learn more! If you have questions or want a free moving quote, contact us today!
