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How to Organize Clothes With Cloth Storage Bins?

Saving space during moves is important when minimizing costs. See how you can keep better organized with cloth storage bins, and how to properly use them.
How to Organize Clothes With Cloth Storage Bins?

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Moving can often lead to excess waste thanks to cardboard moving boxes which are a popular storage option. These boxes are typically used once and they deteriorate quickly when wet, torn, or over-packed.

However, you can reduce waste and make moving easier using an alternative to cardboard boxes – cloth storage bins.

By using cloth storage containers, plastic bins, and other alternatives to cardboard moving boxes, you can feel secure if your items need to be put into storage due to delays and other problems that can occur while moving.

If you’re also concerned about saving money, pods storage costs are reasonable, though you will need to take temperature, pest control, and security into consideration.

So, why should you use cloth storage bins and what are some tips to make organizing clothing easier and more efficient?

The Best Storage Bins for Moving 2024

If you plan to use storage bins for a part or all your packing, be sure to choose the perfect type as it is very important, and packing of your clothes will require different bins than your Christmas decoration.

Continue reading this our guide to choosing a special storage bin to locate your move’s best storage. 

1. Sterilite Latching Storage Box

Overview

When moving bins that are worth an entire house, you need to balance affordability and secure storage. These bins offer you quality for your money and are perfect for most items, but we suggest you don’t use them for delicate items or goods that require protection from the elements.

If you need security and affordability, go with the 64-quart Latching Storage Box from Sterilite. The top of the latched lid protects your possessions.

Additionally, you can easily stack the totes (full or empty), making them a perfect choice if you are buying many and keep them after your move. 

Pros

Cons

2. Rubbermaid Brute Tote

Overview

Regardless of the items you are packing in your tote, you want to avoid a situation where you end up with broken valuable possessions. With these ultra-sturdy, weather-proof containers, you can move your delicate belongings with no worry.

This polyethylene Rubbermaid Brute Tote’s temperature resistant is higher than that of the polypropylene bins we recommend above.

In addition, you can easily carry it even when it is loaded with sets of dishes or power tools with its molded handles. However, you won’t be able to see your bins’ interior as this type is opaque.

Pros

Cons

3. HDX Tough Storage Tote

Overview

When you need several containers to transport your belongings, the HDX Tough Storage Tote is also an affordable, efficient option.

You can get it in five different sizes (12, 17, 27, and 55 gallons) at Home Depot; it can contain anything majorly and is easier to stack.

However, these polypropylene containers are not built to handle excessive temperature or major drops as they are fairly sturdy. 

Pros

Cons

4. IRIS Store-It-All Tote

Overview

This container type combines and stacks together with the clear plastic storage containers (starting from three gallons to nineteen gallons) from a similar brand. The Store-It-All is made a great choice for household goods, such as shoes, camping gear, and clothing because of the plastic construction’s durability and an airtight seal used to build it.

You can also make use of other IRIS containers to pack your other belongings. If you are packing your belongings into a trailer or open trailer bed, make use of the built-in channels on the lid to keep your containers with a strap or bungee cord.

You can lock these bins, but you will have to get it yourself as locks don’t come with the containers.  

Pros

Cons

5. IRIS Weathertight Tote

Overview

These bins are safe for your cloth if you’ve ever experienced pulling clothes from storage only to discover there is moth or mildew on them. Bins are protected by airtight and water-resistant seals, whether you are relocating or keeping your seasonal wardrobe.

You can get these bins in twelve sizes and are perfect for cloth arrangements. Pack your gloves and hats in small containers and large sweaters and coat in larger bins.

The strong latches, as well as the airtight and watertight foam gasket, make it easier to pack all of your expensive cloth and protect them from the elements.

Also, the straight sides internal space (good for clothing hoarders) and stack perfectly.

Pros

Cons

Go for a Storage Container Rental

If you’ve seen those large storage boxes on a neighbor’s property, you would be wondered if you can move with one of those without doing all the associated tedious work.

Well, you will have to pack up your belongings secure as possible in order to keep the items in good shape in a storage bin, whether you go for PODS, U-Pack’s ReloCubes, or U-Haul’s U-Box.

This is because most DIY movers use storage containers as it can hole from 1-3 rooms of household furnishings and belongings in order to avoid a short-but-expensive detour into a storage center when there is space in timing between their move-out and move-in dates.

Moving a single bedroom to New York City from Dallas with a ReloCube from U-Pack would cost about $1,750 per cube, while two cubes cost $2,600, and that is if you drop off and pick up your containers at U–Packs’ terminals.

A door-to-door move through a 7-ft trailer would cost about $2,850. Also, you will often work against a specific time to finish your move-out and move-in.

However, the major limitation of big containers is that you are responsible for the security of your possessions, whether you go with a trailer or a freestanding storage box.

Doing this the wrong way, especially in a container being hauled on the back of an 18-wheeler, can make you end up with broken items.

Why Use Cloth Bins? 

Cloth storage bins have a myriad of benefits that make them an increasingly popular option amongst homeowners that want to relocate their residence. These lightweight boxes can be used in a variety of ways but are also the perfect storage container to use when facilitating moves.

Let’s discuss some of the benefits of using cloth storage boxes, bins, and bags.

1. Durability 

In terms of durability, you can’t go wrong with cloth bins. These bins are very sturdy and flexible while retaining their storage capabilities. Some bins are made even more durable thanks to the addition of fiberboard, which adds strength.

They’re also resistant to tears and cuts and can absorb moisture, reducing the damage that could affect the contents of the items contained in the bin.

2. Portability 

Cloth storage containers have high capacity while remaining lightweight and completely portable. These boxes can be used to store numerous items, keeping them safe and organized simultaneously.

The weight that a cloth bin can hold far exceeds what can be transported in a cardboard box, and once you’re done using it you can store it or use the bin to hold other items.

3. Aesthetics 

When aesthetics are considered, cloth bins have an advantage – they’re attractive and vary in design, making them unique and useful in a variety of situations. Bin designs can include handles, binged lids, label holders, additional durability enhancements, and more.

They have the ability to be kept in plain sight without taking away from the aesthetics of the home – there are also collapsible designs that make storing bins easy.

4. Use Smaller Bins 

If there’s one thing to remember about your clothing is that it is heavy. The last thing you want to do is struggle with overweight moving boxes and plastic bins that due to the weight of your clothing items.

While you may be tempted to pack as much as you can into as large of a storage bin as possible, this may cause more work for you when it comes to loading, unloading, and unpacking belongings.

As a general rule of thumb, the heavier the items the smaller the box used should be. This rule can be used for items of all kinds – including clothing.

Consider cloth storage bins, woven baskets, totes, and other small storage items to keep your belongings from being a strain to transport.

5. Organize by Season 

The weather dictates the clothing you’ll be wearing, so consider the season before you begin packing clothing items. It’s also a good idea to organize items specifically by season, which will make it easier to go through belongings and find the items you need while unpacking.

Off-season clothing, which is clothing that won’t be worn during the current season, should be packed ahead of time to make the process faster and smoother.

Because you won’t need this clothing for quite some time, you can pack them sooner rather than later and won’t need to worry about having to unpack any boxes looking for items before getting to your new home.

6. Pack Shoes Separately 

While shoes are considered clothing items, they can cause damage to fabrics if they aren’t stored and transported properly. To retain the shape of the shoe, you can put socks, newspaper, or cardboard pieces inside the shoe.

You’ll also need to wrap any delicate fabrics, such as silk, in tissue paper to protect them from being damaged while on the road.

In some cases, a shoe organizer can be securely wrapped, taped, and packed, keeping all of your items neatly in place for the duration of the move.

If you’re not using a shoe organizer, you can still get sneakers, heels, sandals, and water shoes safely to your new home by keeping them stored in shoe boxes or another separate storage space.

7. Label All Boxes 

Labeling moving boxes is one of the most pivotal tips for individuals and families to have a smooth moving experience. However, this can be difficult if you’re using something other than traditional cardboard boxes to complete your move.

These boxes are temporary and can be written on, making labeling them easy.

Cloth and plastic storage bins can be a bit trickier if you’re planning on reusing them for other purposes. If you want to avoid writing on your cloth storage bins, use luggage tags to label each bin and keep them organized.

Another method would be to write labels on top of fabric tape, which will stick onto the bin and stay secure throughout the entirety of your move. Once you’re done, simply remove the luggage tags or tape and you’re good to go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Moving is stressful and there are numerous questions that people all over the world have asked their movers to get them prepared for moving day. Let’s explore several common questions that have been asked about completing a successful move.

How many bins are needed to complete a move? 

The amount of moving bins required to complete your move may depend on several factors, including what size home you have and how many items will need to be packed and loaded. You can use totes and other storage areas to pack belongings if you run out of bins or speak with your movers about adding boxes.

Where should jewels and other valuables be packed? 

If you’re worried about valuable items, such as antiques or collections, let your movers know ahead of time so that these items can be handled with special care.

Any irreplaceable belongings should be packed separately and carried with you during the move so that they are safe and sound. If you prefer your movers to handle these items, you should consider insuring these items and declare their value to your moving company.

Getting all of your items ready to go before the date of your move can be difficult. However, your move can go smoother than ever before by keeping these clothing storage tips and suggestions in mind. If you’d like to take some of the hard work out of packing and unpacking, use cloth storage bins and keep these guidelines in mind.

Will moving companies relocate plastic bins?

Most moving companies use dollies that are a perfect match for plastic moving bins. Cardboard boxes enable a perfect stack as they do not slide around in the moving vehicle. Fragile plastic containers can break, so you should find out the types of plastic containers that should not be stacked.

How do you keep clothes in storage bins?

Placing your clothes in plastic bins using clip-on lids is the most perfect way to store clothes. These will make sure that your clothes are protected from moisture, mildew, mold, and dust. Be sure to deep-clean your plastic containers and dry them thoroughly before you start storing clothes inside. 

How do I arrange my storage bins?

Use color coordination. Keeping your storage room simple is the best way to keep it organized. You will easily locate any cloth you are looking for when you use different colored bins to store similar items by season, holiday, or product type.

What are the things you can do with plastic storage bins?

If there are no lids present on your plastic containers or they are not in good shape, you might still be able to use them around the house.

Dani James

Dani James

Dani James is a copywriter and blogger with more than eight years of experience writing for movers, real estate, and anything to do with getting from point A to point B. When he’s not finding new ways to save on moving costs, he can be found at home with his cat, binge-watching Marvel movies, and looking for new apartments he can’t afford.
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