How To Pack Curtains for Moving

Step-by-Step: How To Prep and Pack Curtains for Moving

Tossing your curtains into a box may seem like the easiest way to pack them. But to prevent damage and stubborn wrinkles, it's better to take a more organized and intentional approach.

Pack your curtains last, so you're not left with bare windows before moving day. In the weeks leading up to your move, you may want to clean curtains room by room and rehang the ones that are essential for privacy, like in the bedrooms and bathrooms.

Step 1: Gather the Right Supplies

Gather the essential supplies for packing curtains early. You can organize your move by buying the right boxes and cardboard tubes and distributing them to each room ahead of time. Here's what to have on hand:

• Cleaning supplies: Cleaning your curtains before you pack them saves time when you're ready to start decorating your new home. Read the instructions on the tag — some only allow spot cleaning, while others can be laundered at home or dry cleaned.
• Wardrobe boxes or cardboard tubes: If you opt to use a wardrobe box, you'll also need padded hangers and pins to help secure the fabric. Tubes come in different sizes, so choose a length and width that fits your full or folded curtains.
• Acid-free paper: Acid-free paper safeguards fabric from color transfer, staining, and other types of damage. Use it to wrap your curtains before packing them.
• Packing tape: Curtains are heavy, so it's important to use sturdy tape to secure boxes and tubes.
• Labels: You'll need them to mark the outside of your boxes and tubes. That way, you'll know what's inside and which room the curtains should go in at your new home.

The materials and the number of boxes you need will depend on the type of curtains you have. For example, you might use wardrobe boxes for heavy velvet or brocade fabrics and acid-free paper and tubes for lacy curtains that need extra protection.

Step 2: Sort and Take Inventory of Curtains and Drapes

As you pack your curtains, note which room they come from and add each pair to your moving inventory list. Unless you already know that your current curtains perfectly fit your future home, you may want to record their measurements as well.

Are you downsizing or moving to a home with fewer windows? Don't waste time packing curtains you can't use — if they're in good shape, give them to friends or donate them to a local thrift store. Good curtains are expensive, so you might even be able to make some extra cash by selling high-end drapes on Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp.

Step 3: Clean and Iron Your Curtains

Take down your curtains and clean them according to the directions on the tag. This might mean running a few loads of laundry or heading to the dry cleaners. You may also be able to spot clean with mild soap and a lint-free cloth. At the very least, use a lint brush or vacuum with an upholstery attachment to remove dust and debris.

Consider ironing your curtains before packing to minimize creases and keep things looking tidy on arrival. Or, you can wait until after the move to get rid of wrinkles that form in transit.

Here are the pros and cons of ironing before the move:

• Pros: Saves time on unpacking day and keeps delicate fabrics looking fresh
• Cons: Takes time during move-in, and curtains may wrinkle in the box anyway

Whichever option you choose, make sure the curtains are thoroughly dry before folding and packing.

Step 4: Choose the Right Packing Method

Sort your curtains based on how you plan to pack them, whether that's hanging, folding, or rolling. If you want to prevent your curtains from wrinkling, hanging and rolling tend to be the most effective packing options.

Folding, on the other hand, is a good way to save money on supplies for standard curtains, since you can use regular packing boxes. You might need to iron or steam the curtains during unpacking, but you won't have to buy specialty boxes or tubes.

The Hanging Method

This method uses wardrobe boxes with built-in hanging bars. It's a great way to pack heavy or expensive curtains.

Here's how to hang curtains in wardrobe boxes:

1. Place a layer of acid-free paper on the bottom of the box to keep your curtains clean.
2. Fold each curtain in half lengthwise, and lay it over a padded hanger. Use fabric clips to prevent the curtains from sliding off the hangers.
3. Put the hangers on the horizontal bar that came with your wardrobe box.
4. Place a layer of acid-free paper between each panel, using tape or twist ties to keep everything in place.
5. Secure the box with tape and label the outside.

Add only as many curtains/hangers as you can comfortably fit in each box without bunching the fabric.

The Folding Method

For sturdy, inexpensive curtains, folding is often the most practical packing solution. Use these steps to keep your drapes safe:

1. Lay the curtains on a clean, flat space, and fold them until they fit neatly in your packing box.
2. Place folded curtains vertically in the box, making sure to keep panel pairs together.
3. Write the name and dimensions of each pair on a paper label, and attach it to the curtain with a pin.
4. Place a sheet of acid-free paper between each folded panel.
5. Take care not to overstuff the box to reduce wrinkles.
6. Tape the box closed and label it.

The Rolling Method

If you have delicate or lightweight curtains, you can roll them and pack them in linen tubes for safe transport. You might also use this method when you need to figure out how to pack linen so it doesn't wrinkle.

Here's how it works:

1. Fold the curtain panel in half or in thirds vertically, keeping the pleats intact. The folded width should be slightly less than the length of the tube.
2. Lay each curtain on a flat, clean surface, cover it with acid-free paper, and roll it until the diameter is just a bit smaller than your linen packing tube.
3. Slide the roll into the tube.
4. Seal the tube with the included stopper and, if needed, packing tape.
5. Label each tube, and put it into a box or plastic bin.

How To Pack Curtain Rods for Moving

Once your curtains are all boxed up, you'll probably be left with a pile of curtain rods. It can be tempting to slip them between boxes in the moving truck, but it's better to pack them properly — rods can easily bend or break if something shifts.

Use these steps to pack your curtain rods safely:

1. Remove hardware and finials, and place them into a labeled plastic bag so nothing gets lost.
2. Break the curtain rods into individual sections.
3. Wrap each section in bubble wrap and secure with tape.
4. Bundle the rod sections together, and use tape or stretch wrap to keep them together.
5. Label each bundle, and tape the hardware bag to the outside.
6. Place curtain rod bundles in a sturdy plastic bin to stop them from moving.
7. Label the bin.

Do you leave curtain rods when moving? If you're renting, and the curtain rods were in the property when you moved in, you should leave them behind when you move.

And if you're selling, you can leave them if you don't need them in your new home — the new owners might appreciate the convenience.

How To Pack Other Linens for Moving

Curtains often need special attention when you're packing, but other household linens have a more straightforward process. The right packing method depends on the type of linen.

Best Packing Methods for Different Types of Linen

Regardless of what you're packing, make sure it's clean and completely dry. This helps prevent mold and bacteria buildup.

Here are more details on how to pack different linen types:

• Bedding: Fold sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers, and place them in a cardboard box or plastic tote. Sheets can be heavy, so try to use smaller boxes if possible. If your comforters, blankets, and duvet inserts are too bulky to fit in standard boxes, put them in vacuum-seal bags to save space.
• Towels and washcloths: Fold or roll towels and washcloths, and pack them in boxes.
• Table linens and delicate fabrics: Lay the linen on a flat surface, and fold it in half. Lay a long piece of acid-free paper along the fabric, and roll it gently. Place the rolls into a plastic bin to keep out dust and moisture.

Alternatively, you can save a few boxes by using towels, blankets, and sheets to wrap breakables and fill empty spaces in other boxes.

Common Mistakes When Packing Curtains

Curtains can be an investment, especially if they're made from quality materials or designed to fit floor-to-ceiling windows. Help them get to your new home safely by avoiding these common packing mistakes:

• Forgetting to clean curtains first: This step might seem like one you can skip to save time, but if you do, it could lead to a buildup of dust, bacteria, and oils. These substances can create unpleasant smells, damage the fabric, and even attract bugs.
• Packing damp fabric: Give your curtains plenty of time to dry after cleaning. If the fabric has even a little moisture in it, you might end up with moldy or mildewed curtains at your new home. Curtains are often thick, so let them hang and dry for a couple of days.
• Overstuffing boxes: Stuffing curtains into boxes might save a little space, but it can also crush the fabric and create wrinkles that are hard to get out. And for delicate fabrics like velvet, overstuffing can flatten the fibers and make the surface look dull or patchy. Plus, overflowing boxes can be heavy and hard to lift.
• Not labeling curtains, rods, and hardware: Labeling is one of the most important parts of knowing how to pack linens for moving. When everything has a clear label, you don't have to test different screws on different curtain rods or hunt through boxes looking for matching curtain panels.
• Choosing the wrong materials: Avoid tossing curtains into plastic bags — without airflow, the plastic can prevent moisture from escaping, causing mold growth.

If you have curtains you love, it's important to learn how to pack them correctly. The right packing methods and curtain packaging can protect the fabric, prevent wrinkles, and help you keep track of panels, rods, and hardware.