Key Takeaways
Choose the right packing method: Use vacuum-seal bags to save space, plastic bags to block dust, or boxes to protect pillow shapes.
Pack according to pillow type: Avoid overcompressing memory foam and down pillows, and protect delicate decorative cushions.
Clean and dry before packing: Keep pillows free from dirt, odors, and moisture to prevent mold and mildew.
Label and load with care: Keep pillows away from heavy or sharp objects, and pack your first-night essentials separately.
Make moving day easier: College HUNKS can handle packing and moving so you can focus on settling into your new home.
How To Pack Pillows for Moving: A Step-by-Step Guide
It’s easy to overlook pillows when you’re prepping for moving day. After all, they don’t break. You can throw them in the truck without thinking twice—right? Not if you want to keep them in good condition and maximize your packing space.
This guide explains how to pack pillows for moving so they arrive at your new home in tip-top shape.
But if you’d rather let the pros handle it, reach out to College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving today. From packing to full-service offerings, we’ve got everything you need for a stress-free move.
What’s the Best Way To Pack Pillows for Moving?
The best way to pack pillows depends on what each pillow is made of and how much room you have. Some fillings handle compression better than others, and certain packing methods naturally take up more space.
Vacuum-Seal Bags
Vacuum storage bags are thick, airtight plastic bags with a valve that lets you remove the air inside using a vacuum cleaner or hand pump. As the air leaves the bag, it contracts around the pillow and reduces the amount of space it takes up.
Vacuum-sealing pillows for moving is a great choice when you need to save room or keep them free of dust and allergens. It’s also the best method for packing a lot of pillows for moving day.
Plastic or Garbage Bags
Heavy-duty plastic bags are a great option if you want to create a lightweight outer covering around each pillow. Drawstring garbage bags are especially easy to close, especially if you don’t have tape lying around. They’re pretty cheap, too.
The downside is durability. Flexible, lightweight plastic doesn’t offer much against puncture or pressure, so keep bagged pillows away from sharp furniture and rough edges. Some professional moving companies won’t accept bagged items on their truck, so if you’ve hired a crew, make sure you know their policy before the big day.
Furniture Drawers
If you’re bringing a dresser or similar piece of furniture with you, drop a few pillows into the empty drawers. They’ll fit snugly, add relatively little weight, and free up boxes for other stuff.
If you go with this method, make sure to tape or bind the drawers shut so nothing flies around during transit.
Boxes
Boxes take up more space than bags but provide added structure. Their rigid sides keep pillows contained and make them easier to stack with the rest of your stuff.
If you’re wondering how to pack pillows in a box, start with picking out a properly sized container. Use a cardboard box that’s big enough for the pillows to sit comfortably so you don’t have to force the flaps closed. This method works best when protecting your pillows’ shape matters more than making them compact.
How To Pack Pillows by Material Type
Pillow materials react differently to pressure and moisture, so you may need to vary your packing technique.
Memory Foam Pillows
Memory foam is designed to compress under pressure and return to its original shape. But keeping it tightly compressed for too long can make it harder for the foam to fully bounce back. When you’re packing, make sure the memory foam pillows have enough room to hold their natural shape and avoid folding or crushing them more than necessary.
Down Pillows
Down is the soft, fluffy layer found beneath the outer feathers of duck or geese. Down pillows need lots of air to stay fluffy. Make sure they’re completely dry before packing, and avoid squeezing them into cramped spaces or containers.
Decorative Pillows
Decorative pillows often have embroidery, buttons, or other textured details that can easily snag on nearby objects. If the pillowcases are removable, take them off and pack them separately so you can protect both the covers and cushions. Kraft paper is a great tool to help pack decorative pillows for moving.
How To Pack Pillows for Moving: Step by Step
Make sure your pillows are clean before you start tossing cushions into boxes. This prevents dust, odors, and residual moisture from getting trapped in the fabric. And taking the time to set up everything you need will keep you from stopping midway through your packing schedule to hunt for supplies.
1. Gather the Right Supplies
Set out the containers or moving boxes you plan to use, and make sure you have packing supplies, including clean pillow protectors, packing tape, and labels.
2. Clean Pillows Before Packing
Check each pillow’s care label before washing or spot-cleaning it. There’s no one-size-fits-all cleaning method, so follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If the pillow’s care label allows it, wash and dry removable covers or pillowcases before packing it. Don’t pack anything while it’s still damp. Even a little bit of moisture can become a breeding ground of mold and mildew.
3. Choose a Packing Method
Group similar pillows together (by shape, firmness, or material) and consider your packing priority.
- If you want to make them compact: Try vacuum-seal bags. If you don’t have any on hand, roll the pillow as tightly as you can and secure it with a rubber band or luggage strap.
- If you want to protect them from dirt and dust: Keep the pillows in their cases, then wrap them in a plastic or vacuum-seal bag.
- If you want to keep their shape: Skip the vacuum-seal bags. Use breathable fabric bags or large containers so the cushions don’t get crushed in transit.
Taking a few minutes to think about your strategy can save you from unpacking and repacking later.
4. Label and Load the Boxes
Once everything’s packed, tape and label each box or bag with its contents and destination, such as ”primary bedroom” or “living room.”. Put the pillows you want to use on the first night in a box labeled “open first,” so you can get to them easily.
On moving day, separate the pillow boxes from heavy items that could crush them. Keep the bagged pillows clear of sharp-edged items that could puncture their covers.
Make Pillow Packing One Less Problem on Moving Day
Taking them to pack your pillows carefully can keep them intact and help you maximize your cargo space. But if you’d rather leave the guesswork of packing an entire household’s pillows and bedding to someone else, the pros at College HUNKS can take care of it. Contact us for a free, no-obligation estimate today.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Vacuum-Seal a Memory Foam Pillow?
Yes, but only if the pillow’s manufacturer allows it. A vacuum-seal bag can save room, but prolonged compression can prevent some of the foam from fully recovering. If the care label doesn’t give you enough information, it’s best to stow it in a box.
How Many Pillows Fit in a Box?
It depends on the pillow and box size. Large cardboard boxes can hold multiple lightweight pillows, but avoid overfilling the carton or you risk damaging them. Large or delicate decorative pillows may need their own containers.
Can You Use Pillows as Cushioning in Moving Boxes?
Pillows can provide light cushioning around other sturdy items, especially those with blunt edges. But don’t use them as a replacement for proper padding or packing materials for fragile items.
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