Wardrobe boxes are a relatively new trend, but they became the moving equipment of choice for many people who move on short or long distances. It’s easy to see why: They are the most comfortable way to move clothes from one place to another hassle-free. However, they are far from perfect. This article will help you decide if these boxes are worth spending money on or if you’re better off without them.
Wardrobe Boxes: Are They Really Useful?
A wardrobe box, or dresser box, is a regular cardboard box that has an extra clothes hanger bar attached to its top. Some more expensive products can also have reinforced handles, to allow transportation of heavier clothing items like winter jackets.
Pros & Cons of Wardrobe Boxes
Wardrobe moving boxes are innovative and can be extremely useful when relocating, but they also have disadvantages. Here are some highlights that will help you decide if packing your clothes in wardrobe boxes makes sense:
Wardrobe Boxes Pros:
- They keep the clothes neatly packed. When arriving at your destination, they will be wrinkle-free.
- They save time. You just need to take your clothes from your wardrobe and place them on the designated bar.
Wardrobe Boxes Cons:
- They are costly. Depending on its size, a single wardrobe box can cost up to $30.
- They take up space. If you are moving internationally or across the country, packing as tightly as possible is a must to reduce costs and carry everything on a single trip.
- They usually are no more resistant than regular boxes.
So When Does Buying Wardrobe Boxes Make Sense?
Generally, it is advised to acquire wardrobe boxes for moving delicate clothing items. Anything from a wedding dress to a tuxedo can go in a wardrobe box. However, if you have items that do not require special storage conditions like plain t-shirts, it makes little sense to use a wardrobe box.
These boxes can also be useful for those who do not have a lot of time to pack and unpack. You don’t have to fold your clothes and place them in regular boxes only to unpack them. If you only have one or two days to pack, move, and then unpack, you definitely need wardrobe boxes.
Where Can I Find Wardrobe Boxes?
Most moving or mover’s supplies companies offer clothes hanger boxes for sale. Prices and sizes differ from supplier to supplier. U-Haul wardrobe boxes, for example, start off at about $8 for a smaller box designed for shirts or skirts. However, a U-Haul wardrobe box designed for long dresses or winter coats can surpass $20.
Home Depot wardrobe boxes start off at under $1 per piece – a very convenient price when compared to other suppliers. If you are looking to purchase boxes with hanger bars in bulk, the 48-pack from Home Depot might be just for you.
You can also find moving boxes at Walmart, Lowes, Office Depot, or online on Amazon, eBay, and any other major retailer.
What to Use Instead of Wardrobe Boxes
If you have little space in your moving van or truck, using wardrobe boxes might not be the best idea. Here’s how you can move the contents of your dresser using as little space as possible:
Car Clothes Bars
If you have few delicate items that cannot be folded without permanently damaging them, you can hang them in your car. If your hangers wouldn’t fit on the specially-designed hooks, you can use a car clothes bar. They can be attached to the car’s interior grab handles. Given they are as long as your car’s width, they can fit 2 or even 3 wardrobe boxes’ worth of clothes. You can pack the rest of your clothes in regular boxes.
There might be cases where the car clothes bar cannot fit all your delicate wardrobe items that need to be stored on hangers at all times. If this is your case, you can carefully lie them on the back seats of your car or in your trunk, on top of your other luggage.
On the other hand, if you have fewer items that need to be transported on hangers, you can use 2 smaller car clothes bars that attach to the grab handles. Although they give some extra space on the back seat, they can be a safety hazard for anyone who sits on the back seat.
No matter what you choose, always use dust covers to protect your clothes from getting dirty or damaged during transportation. If you do not have specially designed dust protectors, you can use regular trash bags instead.
Suitcases
It should go without saying that any box, suitcase, and bag you take with you should be used to store something. This will reduce the space inside the moving van and offer extra protection for your clothes. If you have one or more hard-shell or hard-side suitcases, you can even use them to store clothes directly on their hangers. Just hang them from the inside of your suitcase and store it upright to create a resistant wardrobe box. You can use plastic wrap for extra protection.
Vacuum Sealed Bags
Vacuum sealers are a great way to efficiently use space while moving. You can place them in boxes, suitcases, or directly in the trunk of your car. However, you should never use a vacuum sealer for clothes that are stored on hangers, because the wrinkles might be impossible to get rid of later on.
Boxes
Anything that isn’t regularly stored on clothes hangers should go into boxes, neatly folded and carefully packed. However, you can also place hangers in larger boxes. Just keep in mind to leave them last so they won’t get squished and wrinkled under the weight of your other clothes. A few wrinkles here and there are more than likely, but you can easily remove them by steaming the item as soon as possible. If you choose this space saving method, keep in mind to take them out as soon as possible to reduce damage.
Now, you should be able to decide if you need wardrobe boxes to move the contents of your dresser. By following our tips, you will easily and smartly store and transport your clothes on short or long distances.
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