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Posted in How-to, Moving Tips&Tricks on July 21, 2021
Gemma Collins

Gemma is an NJ local that has explored all the US states, making her the perfect person to write about moving.

How to Keep Clothes From Wrinkling When Packing

We tend to wonder: “Why are my clothes always wrinkled,” especially when we’re out on an important meeting or date. While ironing is the best method on how to keep clothes from wrinkling, there are others you can try, too. They may not be as effective as using an iron, but they still do the trick in reducing wrinkles.

How to Keep Clothes from Wrinkling Before Packing

The first step in how to pack clothes wrinkle-free is to prepare them before packing. By this, we mean making them as even as possible before they’re in suitcases. While using an iron is a simple solution, you’ll also have to learn how to operate a washer and dryer, especially if you plan to live on your own when you move out.

Use the Washer and Dryer to Avoid Wrinkling

Using machines isn’t a foolproof way to avoid wrinkling, but they have different cycles to reduce it as much as possible. Did you know that washing fewer items at once reduces wrinkles on your laundry? It’ll also get cleaned thoroughly, and with added fabric softener, easier to iron later. Of course, there’s no need to wash only a couple of items at a time, but don’t overfill the machine, either. Washing your garments before packing them is a must for your relocation to-do list.

You can also choose between various drying cycles. For example, air-fluffing won’t dry the fabrics completely, so you’ll have to hang them on a clothesline before the old faithful iron comes out to save the day. On the other hand, the permanent press cycle makes clothing less wrinkled by drying it at very high temperatures. Note that cycles with less heat are better for the environment and your electricity bills, so they all have certain benefits and disadvantages.

a person off-screen setting up the washing machine
Learn how to prevent wrinkles in clothes by using a washer and dryer

Shake Out Excess Water After Washing Clothes to Reduce Wrinkles

Laundry typically gets tangled during washing, and we just take it out and shove it into the dryer immediately, which isn’t helpful when you want to learn how to keep clothes wrinkle-free. After you take the laundry out of the washer, give it a good shake to get rid of excess water and get fewer wrinkles while it dries. The question “Why are my clothes so wrinkled after drying” is usually asked when people forget to do this.

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Consider Air Drying Laundry to Reduce Wrinkles

How do I stop my clothes from wrinkling? The most eco-friendly and wrinkle-reducing way is to hang them on a clothesline. It reduces water and electrical bills, and hanging clothing on a line makes fabrics easier to handle while ironing. Some disadvantages are that it takes longer and if you live in an apartment, there may not be enough room to do it. However, there are loads of hacks for drying garments in small spaces, which are additional creative storage ideas for saving room, and maybe some things to add to the new apartment checklist.

washed linens hanging on a line, and one on a hanger
Each fabric dries differently, like linen and cotton, which can be put on hangers

Simple Steps for Wrinkle-Free Clothing While Packing

A few methods can help prevent any fabric from getting damaged while packing. Even someone who offers professional packing services, such as cross-country movers, would recommend these methods as a great way to protect your stuff in suitcases. Great relocation hacks can be lifesavers, especially if you’re relocating to another state alone and don’t have much help.

Roll Your Garments, Don’t Fold Them

One of the best packing tips is to roll each garment instead of folding it. Folding can get frustrating, and it’s the fastest way to get everything wrinkled. To avoid this, fold each garment across the middle, and roll it. You’ll see that, not only will there be more space in the suitcase for everything else, but they’ll stay pretty even. You may not even need an iron after unpacking the suitcase.

Use Plastic Bags for Wardrobe Items on Hangers

Plastic and trash bags should be on your relocation checklist, especially if you need to pack garments on hangers. The good news is that you don’t need to fold or roll them; just leave them on hangers and wrap a trash bag around them. If you use a trash bag, you can take advantage of the drawstring at its top by tightening it around the necks of the hangers. It’s a foolproof way on how to keep shirts from wrinkling, especially when packing fancier outfits.

Add Layers Between Each Folded Garment

Finally, this method could take up more space in your suitcase, but it’s a great way to pack fancier garments that you don’t want to see ruined. Before folding a shirt or pants in half, cover the bottom part with some cushioning and fold the top part. It will look like a sandwich, but it’ll keep the fancier pieces in your wardrobe even. Now, when you move to another city, you’ll be ready to go out and make new friends as soon as you arrive, with even and crisp garments to show off.

a man loading his clothes into a suitcase
Rolling clothing into a suitcase is the best way to pack

The Real Question Is: How Do You Keep Your Shirt from Wrinkling When Sitting?

There’s nothing worse than ironing your shirt and then sitting down in a chair to get it uneven within minutes. You can use some hacks before wearing your favorite shirt, such as buying an anti-wrinkle spray or letting excess water out before wearing it. However, while sitting, you can be careful what you do, too:

  • Pull the shirt down and out before sitting down to make it even,
  • Try not to cross your legs while sitting,
  • Don’t put any pressure on your shirt, like leaning over or folding your arms,
  • Avoid putting your backpack or bag over the shoulders.

You can also watch the video below to see how to iron a dress shirt.

YouTube video

Long-Distance Movers Near Me Will Help With the Move

Getting in touch with the nearest cross-country moving company will be great for you. After putting in the effort of packing your clothing, it’ll be too much for you to put all your boxes and suitcases into the moving truck, disassemble all of the furniture and drive to your destination. You can book long-distance movers for that packing service, as well as others like car shipping or even using free storage services for a month.

Hiring long-distance moving services is a great way to move efficiently and reduce the dreaded relocation anxiety. If you’re worried about relocation scams, there are ways to check how legitimate each long-distance moving company is by reading reviews and checking out their websites. That way, the only worry you’ll have is how to roll each garment and fit as many as possible into the suitcase.

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