Moving can be a stressful time. We often wonder what we can leave in our furniture to make the process easier. When it comes to dressers, many people ask if they can keep their clothes inside during the move.
Most movers will move dressers with clothes inside, but there are some important things to consider. The weight of the dresser increases with clothes inside, which can make it harder to lift and move safely. It also raises the risk of damage to the dresser or your clothes.
We’ll explore the pros and cons of leaving clothes in dressers during a move. We’ll also share some tips to help you decide what’s best for your situation. This information will help you make the right choice for your next move.
Understanding the Movers’ Perspective
Moving dressers with clothes inside is a common question for people planning a move. Professional movers have specific approaches to handling furniture and its contents during the moving process.
Professional Movers’ Approach to Dressers
We know that movers often prefer empty dressers. This makes furniture lighter and easier to carry. Empty dressers are also less likely to get damaged during the move.
Many movers will ask clients to remove clothes from drawers before moving day. This saves time and helps protect both the dresser and the clothes.
Some moving companies may agree to move dressers with clothes inside, but with conditions. They might limit this to light items like socks or t-shirts.
For heavy dressers, movers usually insist on empty drawers. The extra weight can make these pieces unsafe to lift and transport.
Pros and Cons of Moving Dressers with Clothes Inside
Moving dressers with clothes can seem handy, but it has both good and bad points.
Pros:
- Saves time on packing and unpacking
- Keeps clothes organized
- Reduces the number of boxes needed
Cons:
- Makes dressers much heavier
- Increases risk of damage to the furniture
- Can lead to wrinkled or shifted clothes
We find that leaving clothes in drawers works best for local moves. For long-distance moves, it’s often better to pack clothes separately.
Some movers may charge extra for moving full dressers. This is due to the added weight and care needed.
It’s always smart to ask your moving company about their policy on packed dressers. This helps avoid surprises on moving day.
Preparation for Moving Day
Getting ready for moving day involves some key steps to protect your furniture and belongings. We’ll cover how to secure dresser drawers and handle fragile items properly.
Securing Dresser Drawers and Contents
We recommend wrapping dresser drawers with plastic wrap or moving blankets. This keeps them closed during transport. For extra safety, use tape to seal the drawers shut. Remove any items that might shift or break inside.
Pack loose items in boxes instead. Label each box clearly. This makes unpacking easier later. If drawers are removable, take them out and wrap them separately. This lightens the dresser and protects the drawer slides.
Protecting Fragile Items and Emptying Dressers
It’s best to empty dressers before moving. This prevents damage to both the furniture and your stuff. Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap or packing paper. Put them in sturdy boxes with padding.
Don’t leave heavy things in drawers. They can damage the dresser’s structure during the move. Light, soft items like clothes are usually okay to leave in. But remember – a full dresser is much heavier to lift and move.
If you decide to leave clothes in drawers, pack them tightly. This stops things from shifting around. Remove any valuables or breakables. Pack those separately and keep them with you during the move.
Best Practices for Packing Dressers
When moving dressers, we need to plan carefully. There are a few key things to think about, like what to do with clothes inside and how to keep everything safe.
Deciding Whether to Leave Clothes in Drawers
We can often leave clothes in dresser drawers when moving. This works well for sturdy dressers. It saves time and boxes. But for light dressers, it’s better to pack clothes separately. Heavy items in drawers can damage a dresser during the move. We should take out fragile or valuable items. It’s also smart to remove anything that might spill.
Tips to Minimize Wrinkles and Damage
To keep clothes neat, we can use plastic wrap on full drawers. This stops things from shifting. For empty drawers, we can stuff them with soft items to prevent damage. We should pad the dresser with blankets or moving pads. This protects it from bumps and scratches. It’s a good idea to tape drawers shut so they don’t slide open.
Utilizing Packing Services for Dressers
Professional movers can pack dressers for us. They have special materials to wrap and protect furniture. Movers know how to secure drawers and prevent damage. They can also help decide if clothes should stay in or come out. Using a packing service saves time and stress. It’s especially helpful for large or antique dressers that need extra care.
Special Considerations for Specific Moving Scenarios
Moving dressers with clothes inside requires careful planning. Different situations may call for unique approaches to ensure a smooth move.
Handling Long-Distance Moves Differently
Long-distance moves present extra challenges when moving dressers with clothes inside. We recommend emptying dressers for these trips. The longer travel time increases the risk of damage to both the furniture and clothes.
For unavoidable situations, secure drawers tightly. Use moving straps to keep drawers closed during transit. Pack clothes in sealed plastic bags inside drawers to protect from dust and moisture.
Consider the weight carefully. A fully loaded dresser may be too heavy for long trips. It could cause damage to the dresser or make it unsafe to move.
Adapting to Different Types of Dressers
The type of dresser affects how we approach moving it with clothes inside. Heavy dressers, like solid wood pieces, are often best emptied before moving. Their weight plus clothes can make them dangerously heavy.
Lightweight dressers, such as those made from particleboard, may allow for clothes to stay inside. Still, we suggest removing about half the contents. This reduces stress on the dresser’s structure.
For dressers with removable drawers, take them out and move separately. This method keeps clothes inside while making the dresser frame easier to carry.
Use moving boxes for extra clothes that don’t fit safely in the dresser. This ensures all items arrive safely at the new location.