How to Pack Linens and Towels

Safely move towels and other cloth household items

Linens and towels are among the things that help make a new place feel like home. Plus, while settling in, no one wants the discomfort of stepping out of a shower without their favorite fluffy bath towel. That’s why it’s important to keep your softest items clean and safe during a move.

You might think throwing everything into a garbage bag is the way to go, but that won’t offer the best protection for your fabrics. Let’s review the best ways to pack linens, towels and rugs so they are ready to use after moving.

Need advice for packing your wardrobe? Follow this clothing packing guide.

Packing supplies for soft items

You’ll need these things on hand to pack linens:

• A marker for labeling
• Medium and large moving boxes
• Packing paper
• Packing tape
• Paper padding and plastic stretch wrap (for rugs)
• Vacuum-seal bags (optional)

Steps for packing linens

Follow these steps to safely box and move bedding, curtains, tablecloths and towels:

1. Clean and dry the fabrics

Ensure that everything is clean and dry before packing to avoid mildew, odors and stains. 

Check out these tips for protecting belongings from heat and humidity.

2. Sort the linens by room

To help with labeling and unpacking later, organize the items by area. For example, you’ll want to box towels separately from bedding (sort by bedroom).

Note: It’s helpful to have “open-first” linen packages that include a set of bathroom towels and essential bedding for each person.

3. Prepare the boxes

Choose box sizes depending on what you’re moving. Medium boxes are best for towels and lightweight curtains, while large ones do well for bedding (blankets, pillows and sheets). Line the boxes with packing paper to keep fabrics clean during transit.

Note: You can use vacuum-seal bags to save space with comforters and pillows, as long as potential creasing won’t harm the bedding. Prepare the bags per the manufacturer’s instructions and then stack the flattened bundles inside a paper-lined moving box. 

Read more about moving beds and mattresses.

4. Label everything

Seal the boxes with packing tape and clearly label them according to best packing techniques to help you find things after unloading. 

5. Load safely

Practice care while loading your belongings. Heavier linen boxes can be at the bottom of stacks, while lighter ones are best placed near the top in the moving equipment. 

Transporting rugs while moving

The best way to move large rugs is to roll them, as folding can cause creases and permanent damage. Vacuum or clean carpets and ensure they are dry. 

Next, tightly roll the rug from one end, with the bottom facing out. Secure the roll with paper padding wrapped in plastic stretch wrap. Use packing tape to seal the stretch wrap and avoid placing tape directly on the rug backing.

Place rolled rugs on top of stacked boxes at the top of moving equipment. Avoid placing anything on top of the rugs. If you’re transporting multiple carpets, you can put the bundles inside a mattress bag for added protection against dust and moisture.

Packing heavy curtains

Lightweight drapes can be shipped like towels and sheets, but heavy curtains require extra care. As always, ensure the fabric is clean and dry first.

Fold curtains along existing seams and stack in paper-lined boxes. For thick draperies, you can roll them as you would a rug or hang them in a wardrobe box. 

Curtain rods and ties are best transported in separate boxes or wrapped bundles to avoid tearing fabrics during shipping.

Can I use linens and towels as packing material?

While towels and dishrags can be placed between plates and glassware to prevent scratches, cloth doesn’t offer the best protection for fragile items during transit. Packing paper and Bubble Wrap® paired with proper moving boxes are recommended for shipping breakables. 

Learn more about packing dishes.

Still planning your out-of-state move? Don’t miss out on your personalized U-Pack quote

If you’re still planning your long-distance move, don’t skip one of the most important steps — finding the best mover. Call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to speak to a helpful moving consultant or request your free, no-obligation quote online.

If you have questions about how U-Pack works or packing your linens for moving, let us know! We can help!