Garbage bags feel like the fast, free option for packing clothes. In practice, they’re one of the more common ways clothes get creased, crushed, or damaged in a move.
Why garbage bags are a bad idea for clothes
Plastic doesn’t breathe, so clothes packed for any length of time can come out smelling musty or slightly damp. Bags also aren’t rigid — stack anything on top and everything inside gets crushed and creased. And once you’ve got six identical black bags in the truck, working out which one has what you need becomes guesswork.
What a wardrobe box actually does
A wardrobe box has a hanging rail built in, so clothes travel exactly as they hung in your wardrobe — no folding, no creasing, no refolding at the other end. The box itself is rigid, so it stacks safely without crushing what’s inside, and you can see and label the contents clearly.
When bags are actually fine
Bags aren’t useless — they’re a reasonable option for already-folded, off-season clothing, linen, or soft items like cushions and soft toys that won’t be damaged by a bit of crushing. The distinction is really about hanging garments versus folded ones.
How many wardrobe boxes you’ll need
This depends on how much hanging clothing you own rather than your home size generally — if you’re working out your box count for the rest of the move, treat wardrobe boxes as a separate line item based on what’s currently on hangers.
Getting them
We supply wardrobe boxes as part of our packing materials, available per unit if you’re packing yourself, or included as part of our full packing service. Ready to book? Get a quote for your move.
Frequently asked questions
Why shouldn’t I just use garbage bags for clothes?
Plastic traps moisture, so clothes can come out musty. Bags also aren’t rigid, so anything stacked on top crushes and creases the contents, and it’s hard to tell what’s in each bag.
What does a wardrobe box actually do differently?
It has a built-in hanging rail, so garments travel exactly as they hung in your wardrobe with no folding or creasing, and the rigid box stacks safely.
Are garbage bags ever fine to use?
Yes, for already-folded off-season clothing, linen, or soft items like cushions — anything that won’t be damaged by a bit of crushing.
Do I need a wardrobe box for every type of clothing?
No — wardrobe boxes are worth it specifically for hanging garments. Folded clothing packs fine into regular boxes or bags.
How many wardrobe boxes do I need?
It depends on how much hanging clothing you own rather than your home size — most households need somewhere between 2 and 5, but it’s worth a quick count of what’s currently on hangers.