Though it may be tempting to just throw your linens at the bottom of a random moving box and be done with it, doing so is unhygienic and may damage the linens if there are sharp objects in the way.
Ideally, you want to be able to use your linens immediately after your move and not worry about washing them or stitching them up for tears and rips. Knowing how to pack linens for moving will help streamline this process and make the move as smooth sailing as possible.
To help you with your move, we’ll show you how to perfectly pack lines (and other soft items, like bedding and towels) for moving. The process takes no more than 10 minutes, so let’s get right into it!
Table of Contents
How to Pack Linens for Moving In 6 Easy Steps
Packing linens for moving is as easy as can be. Here’s how:
You’ll Need
- Packing tape
- Moving boxes (medium to large)
- Packing paper or plastic wrap
- Permanent marker
- Vacuum bags (optional)
- Vacuum sealer (optional)
Step 1: Fold the Linens
Start the packing process by neatly folding your linens. You can use whatever folding technique you prefer, but make sure they’re folded to a small square or rectangle to prevent wrinkles. The linens should be folded in a way that allows them to easily fit in the moving box. If you have a lot of linens, roll them after folding them.
Step 2: Wrap the Linens in Packing paper or Plastic Wrap
Place the neatly folded linens in plastic wrap, plastic bag, or vacuum. Do this carefully so the linens don’t lose their shape.
If you don’t have a plastic bag or wrap, use regular packing paper and seal the ends with packing tape. Avoid newspaper as newspaper ink can “bleed” on the sheets and stain them.
Wrapping your linens in plastic bags or packing paper protects them from dust, dirt, and moisture, so don’t skip this step! Whether it’s expensive sheets or DIY Pillow Covers
that you worked really hard on, the last thing anyone wants is to have to replace damaged items during a move!
Step 3: Compress as Much as Possible
This step is optional but recommended if you want to save some space in the box.
Place the plastic in the vacuum sealer and turn it on. If you don’t have a vacuum sealer, you can use a regular vacuum and put it on reverse, but make sure it’s clean to prevent dust particles from entering the bag. The vacuum would suck all the air out of the bag, reducing it in size.
Step 4: Place the Wrapped Linens in a Packing Box
Once your linens are all wrapped up, you’re ready to pack them up! Place the linens in the box from biggest to smallest. Don’t place other items in the box, especially if they’re spillable (creams, serums, perfume, etc.).
If possible, pack the linens by themselves or with other soft materials, like clothes, bedding, pillows, and the like.
Step 5: Seal the Box
You’re almost done!
Using high-quality packing tape, seal the bottom and the top of the box.
Most people end up using way too much tape to seal their boxes. The best way to tape a moving box is with two strips of packing tape. One across the seam and another running diagonally across the seam.
Yes, you can tape the outer seams as well to make an “H”, but that’s most likely not necessary. I’ve found with quality tape and boxes a single strip of tape can hold well over 100 pounds.
Step 6: Label the Box
Grab a permanent marker and label the box accordingly. This will help you and/or the movers identify the contents of the box and place them in the right room for unpacking.
Tips to Follow When Packing Linens for Moving
To make your move a seamless one, follow these linen packing tips:
- Wash the linens according to the manufacturer’s directions a day or two before the move so they’re ready to use as soon as possible.
- Be mindful of the weight of your linens and other bedding. The heavier the items, the bigger the box should be.
- If the linens are unique to each room, tackle one bedroom at a time to keep you organized. Label the box according to the bedroom’s owner.
- Put aside some clean linens for the first night in your new home. Place them on top of the box or in a separate box with all your bedroom dailies.
- Before sealing the box, place a sheet of clean packing paper on top of the linens to prevent liquid, dust, and insects from entering the box.
- Use extra linens to pad the bottom and the sides of other boxes. Since they’re soft, they can protect fragile appliances and household items.
- Place the linens you won’t use or rarely use at the bottom of the box. Smaller items, like sheets and pillows, should go at the top of the box.
- Before folding the linens, spray them with a bit of body mist or perfume to give your linens a nice, freshly cleaned feel.
What to Pack With Linens
Though it’s better to pack linens in a separate box, you can place them alongside other items to save some packing space. Here are the best items to pack with linens:
- Glassware and stemware
- Glass jars
- Plates and bowls
- Flatware and serving utensils
- Knives
- Small appliances and kitchen gadgets (cleaned and wrapped in bubble wrap)
- Clothes and other soft materials (comforters, pillows, quilts, afghans, etc.)
- Electronics
- Books
Note that these items must be placed on top of the linens. The linens will act as cushioning to prevent them from getting damaged or scratched during the move.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, packing your linens for moving is super simple!
It’s much easier than packing large appliances and fragile items since you don’t really need to be careful with them.
All you need to do is to fold your linens, place them inside a plastic bag, and put them in the box from biggest to smallest.
If you’ve got a lot of linens, use a vacuum-sealed bag to maximize your space. Vacuum sealing your linens will also preserve their freshness, which is beneficial when you’re not planning to use the linens straight away after your move.
Finally, if you found this guide helpful you may also want to check out our guide on how to pack your entire bedroom for a move.