How to Pack Bedding and More

Packing your linens and bedding is not a complicated task. However, there are a few fundamental things you will need to know to help streamline the process. The key to ensuring your bedding and soft goods arrive clean, safe and ready for use is to plan ahead and make sure you have the right packing materials. That’s why we’ve created step-by-step instructions in the sections below that will make packing these items efficient and hassle-free.

Moving Tip: Use towels, bedding or blankets as packing material to pad boxes and wrap fragile items. Any extra bedding or soft goods should be packed last.

Interested in professional packing services? United can create a packing plan as personal as your possessions. We offer full and partial packing, custom-crating for more fragile or specialty items, as well as unpacking services. Learn more about packing and unpacking options offered by United.

Proper Packing Protects Bedding, Linens & More

Your linens and bedding may not be “fragile” goods, but they still need proper protection during your transit. Moisture, mold and insects can wreak havoc on bedding and natural linens packed without special preparation. Proper packing of these items will also ensure optimal use of space.

Watch this video to learn how to pack towels, linens and bedding! Soft goods include textiles such as blankets, towels, bedding, linens, drapes, curtains and rugs.

How to Pack Bedding for Moving

Here’s a few simple suggestions for the best way to pack bedding for a move:

1. Start by tackling one bedroom at a time. This will help keep you organized.
2. Use large boxes for your bedding. Be mindful of the weight; bedding can get heavy quickly.
3. Line the bottom of boxes with clean packing paper or newsprint.
4. Pack small pillows in bureau drawers. Make sure these are small pillows only; any other size will place undue pressure on the bottom of the drawer.
5. Fold packing paper over the top before closing the box. This provides an excellent shield against insects and moisture.
6. Seal the boxes with packing tape.
7. Label the box according to bedroom, or if you are using your bedding as cushioning for fragile items, be sure to label the boxes as such.

Moving Tip: Bedding and linens will take up more space in a box, so remember to compress the items by pressing down frequently and releasing any trapped air. It’s important to maximize space inside your boxes when packing your bedding for moving. At the same time, be careful not to over-pack the boxes; leave enough room at the top so you can create a tight seal with tape without items bulging out.

If you really want to maximize space inside your boxes, consider using vacuum storage bags to shrink the volume of your bedding.

How to Pack Drapes & Curtains

Did you know that wardrobe boxes are ideal for moving curtains and draperies? Take a look at the steps below for seamless packing of your curtains and draperies:

1. Clean your draperies prior to your move.
2. Fold drapes lengthwise and place over a padded hanger.
3. Pin securely to prevent wrinkling during your move.
4. Hang on the wardrobe bar.
5. Be careful not to overfill the carton. Draperies could wrinkle, and a heavy box is difficult to move.
6. Do not place items in the bottom of the box.
7. Tape and label the box, including what room the box should go in.

If wardrobe boxes are not an option, these items may also be ironed and folded before being packed in boxes lined with packing paper.

How to Pack Rugs

Area rugs should be vacuumed and cleaned prior to a move. Large rugs should be rolled and wrapped in plastic to protect them while in transit. If you don’t have the proper packing materials, leave rugs on the floor for the moving company to handle. If they’ve just been returned from the cleaners, leave them rolled.

When wrapping a rug, the most important thing is to protect the ends of the rug. For larger rugs, you may need two people to pack the rug. Follow these simple steps for safe transport of your rugs:

Roll from a short end of the rug and roll so that the back of the rug is on the outside.
Use a paper pad to wrap the end of the rug, leaving about 6 inches. A paper pad is a multilayered paper wrap used to protect larger fragile items.
Tape the paper pad to secure the rug and repeat on the other end.