How to Pack Pillows for Moving Without Losing Your Fluff

Why can pillows be tricky to pack for moving?

Imagine trying to wrangle a cloud into a suitcase. That’s essentially what you’re dealing with when figuring out how to pack pillows for moving. These fluffy rebels of the bedding world refuse to conform to any standard packing rules. They’re bulky yet squashable, lightweight yet space-hogging, and they have an uncanny ability to expand the moment you turn your back.

We’re experienced movers, and we’ll tell you a secret. Here’s a real kicker: pillows represent secret hoarders. They collect dust, allergens, and memories like nobody’s business. So whenever you’re packing pillows for moving, you’re dealing with fabric or filling — you’re boxing up a time capsule of nightly drool sessions or questionable life choices. It’s like trying to bubble-wrap your dreams, only messier.

What you must do before bagging pillows

Take a moment to prepare before you dive headfirst into the pandemonium of bagging pillows. Think of it as a pre-game ritual, but instead of face paint and team chants, you’re arming yourself with cleaning supplies and a ruthless decluttering mindset.

First up we call: The Great Cushion Purge. Inspect your home for searching all pillows. Channel inner Marie Kondo, ask each one if it sparks joy. Keep in mind, quality pack pillows for moving make a great excuse to upgrade your sleep game.

Next, add a keeper cushion to the spa. Wash them according to their care labels — because yes, each pillow and pad has its own needs. It’s like a high-maintenance book club, but for bedding. Here’s a quick rundown:

Regular pillows: Machine wash, warm water, gentle cycle;
Memory foam: Spot clean only (water is their kryptonite);
Down pillows: Dry clean or hand wash gently;
Synthetic pillows: Machine wash, warm water, tumble dry low.

When you clean cushions, you energize them ahead of a big move.

Sorting and organizing bed pillows

Keeping all the pillows sorted can sound like an equally exciting endeavor as watching paint dry, but trust us, it’s crucial learning how to pack pillows when moving.

Group by type:

Memory foam (the ones that remember your head shape better than you remember your anniversary);
Down pillows (aka cloud impersonators);
Synthetic fill (the reliable workhorses of the pillow world);
Decorative pillows (the ones that exist solely to be thrown on the floor before bed);
That weird body pillow you won at a carnival (we don’t judge here).

Why bother with this pillow apartheid, you ask? Well, different pillows have different packing needs. Your memory foam pillow is about as flexible as a brick, while your down pillow can be squished into oblivion. Sorting now will save you headaches later. It’s like creating a hierarchy of pillows, but without fancy crowns.

Prepare packing materials

We’ll share in confidence when we talk about packing pillows for moving, holding becomes a secret weapon. That’s what you’re supposed to do:

Carton boxes (different dimensions, because one capacity definitely does not hold all the pillows);
Wrapping tape (the harder, the better – we’re not messing around here);
Plastic bags (think big, like “could fit a small elephant” big);
Vacuum bags (these are the superheroes of the relocation world);
Wrapping paper (because pillows deserve to feel fancy);
Black marker (for stamping, not for drawing mustaches on pillows… unless it’s your thing);
Scissors (for when the tape inevitably gets stuck to everything but the box).

Good tip: Don’t skimp on quality. Cheap supplies are about as useful as a chocolate teapot.

Put pillows in drawers

Here’s a useful hack that will make you think you’ve solved the Da Vinci Code: use drawers as ready-made moving boxes. Why not make them pull double duty? Just be sure to pack the pillows in polyethylene first to keep it clean. It’s like tucking them into a cozy journey to a new place.

It’s a win-win situation, folks, when you prevent box from being damaged. You’re not just learning how to pack pillows for moving, you’re becoming a real ninja.

Package the cushions in cartons

If we talk about the best way to pack pillows, then the classic option is cardboard boxes.

Nobody shouldn’t be afraid to compress pillows a bit. Our target is to fit as many pillows as possible.

Complete any empty spots using smaller objects like socks or underwear. It maximizes useful volume. It prevents pillows playing musical chairs during transit. Finally, tape the carton shut and apply a label clearly. “Cloud Storage” or “Dreamcatchers” are perfectly acceptable designations.

Pack cushions in dressing boxes

Clothes closets are the unsung heroes of relocating. They’re tall, sturdy, complete with a crossbar perfect for clothes, sure, but they’re ideal for pillow packing. The best part? They can be helped to transport both pillows and clothes in one go.

This method is particularly useful if you’re trying to figure out how to pack blankets and pillows for moving. You can create layers, alternating between pillows and folded blankets.

Pack pillows in plastic bags

We tell you how to wrap pillows for moving with plastic bags. They’re cheap and readily available. Plus, they’re see-through, so you won’t have to play guessing games when unpacking.

Large trash bags work well for this, but if you want to get fancy, invest in some extra-large Ziploc bags. Just make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing – it’s like giving your pillows a bear hug goodbye.

This method is particularly useful if you’re packing pillows for shipping. Just be sure to double-bag if you’re worried about tears or punctures.

Pack pillows in vacuum bags

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: “Can you put pillows in vacuum bags?” Our answer is just a resounding yes, and it’s arguably the best way to pack pillows.

Here’s how it works:

Put one pillow in the vacuum bag;
Lock it up (make sure it’s airtight!);
Attach your vacuum cleaner to the valve;
Turn on the vacuum and watch in amazement as your pillow shrinks;
Once all the air is out, seal the valve.

It’s like sending your pillows to pillow boot camp – they’ll come out looking lean and mean (but don’t worry, they’ll fluff right back up when you release them).

Pack pillows into boxes with other breakables

Here’s where things get interesting. Your pillows can do double duty as protective padding for your more fragile items. Start with a layer of pillows at the bottom of a box, then carefully place your breakables on top. Use more pillows to fill in any gaps and create a top layer.

This method is particularly useful for oddly shaped items that don’t fit well in standard wrapping materials. Your cushions can fit around these items, providing custom-fit protection.

In conclusion, packing pillows for moving is not necessarily a nightmare. Just remember: when in doubt, contact us, Octopus Moving in Boston.