Packing Bedding: Easy ways to move pillows, blankets, and duvets

Whether it’s your first move or your eighth, packing bedding can be a tricky and time-consuming task. If not done properly, beddings can absorb moisture, retain odors, or lose their shape. Here’s a tip: always wash and completely dry bedding before packing, as even slight dampness can cause mildew during transit. 

Keep on reading to learn more about other tips that could help you pack your beddings like a pro to ensure it arrives at your new home in great condition.

What are the proper packing materials for bedding?  

The good news is that linens such as comforters and duvets aren’t fragile items, so you won’t need a lot of padding materials! Before jumping into the actual packing process, create a checklist to make sure you have the following: 

• Sturdy and large boxes  

• Vacuum storage bags, large plastic bags, or trash bags  

• Kraft paper or acid-free packing paper to protect your bedding 

• Packing tape and marker for labelling boxes

• Silica gel packets

• Breathable cotton bags

How to pack pillows

Vacuum sealing is an effective method to pack bulky items like pillows. (Source: iStock)

Pillows are one of the frustratingly bulky items to pack. They not only take up a lot of space in boxes but can also end up flat or even develop mold if not packed properly. To ensure your pillows arrive fresh and fluffy, here are some simple yet effective packing tips.

Keep your pillows clean

When packing pillows for moving, make sure your pillows are clean and completely dry. Place them inside pillowcases or plastic bags to protect them from dirt and moisture. 

Vacuum seal to save space

Pillows can get bulky when packed, so use vacuum bags to compress them. Not only will you save space, but also you’ll only need a few boxes for packing. 

Pack pillows in a sealed box

Line your boxes with packing paper and stack the pillows inside. Add another layer of packing paper on top. Secure the moving boxes with packing tape and label them. 

Use pillows as space-saving padding

Place small pillows that you can fit inside drawers to save space. You can also set aside some pillows that can be used as padding to wrap fragile items in your home. This way, you’ll save space by using pillows as cushioning. If you'll do this, make sure to label your boxes with ‘bed linen’ and add a ‘fragile’ sign for a secure packaging. This will help you find your bedding faster when unpacking! 

How to pack blankets for moving

Packing folded blankets neatly into boxes helps save space during a move. (Source: iStock)

Remember: washing blankets before packing them can help prevent mould and mildew growth during transit. By cleaning your blankets and sheets, you can also ensure they’re ready for use once you get to your new place. 

Fold the blankets

The best way to pack blankets for moving is by flattening and folding them to save as much space as possible. This is also applicable to bed sheets!

Line the box

Place clean packing paper at the bottom of a box before packing blankets and sheets inside. Make sure to place another sheet of paper on the sheets to protect them from dirt. Wool blankets should be stored in breathable fabric bags, not plastic. 

Seal and label your boxes

You can colour code each type of bedding (e.g., blue for pillows, black for blankets) and label the boxes with their destination room to make it even easier to identify the contents inside. If you’re moving to a place with high humidity, add silica gel packets or moisture absorbers to the boxes before sealing them. 

How to pack comforters for moving

Store comforters in plastic bags to keep them clean and compact. (Source: iStock)

Comforters take up even more space than pillows and blankets, but the good news is there are several ways to pack them to keep them wrinkle-free, clean, and protected during the move. 

Option 1: Fold or roll 

If you’re only moving nearby, you could roll the comforters to keep them fluffy and easy to unpack. However, if it’s a long-distance move, folding and vacuum sealing the comforter is best to save packing space.  Just make sure to avoid keeping them vacuum-sealed for more than a few months, especially if they’re down, feather, or wool.

Option 2: Store in plastic bags

If you don’t have vacuum bags, you can place your comforters in regular plastic or garbage bags to protect them against dust and moisture during the move only for short-term protection. If you need to store them longer, repack comforters into breathable cotton bags once you’ve moved to avoid trapped moisture.

Compared to regular blankets, comforters will need large cardboard boxes. As usual, make sure to prepare boxes lined with packing paper. Seal, label, and set aside your boxes once all your comforters are safely packed.

Get help packing your beddings with Airtasker

Now that we’ve gone through the steps on how to pack bedding, it’s time to do the actual bed-stripping and packing! While it’s certainly possible to do everything yourself, if you're short on time or want to ensure your bedding stays spotless, consider booking a packing specialist. They’ll bring the right materials, handle vacuum sealing, and organize items room by room, helping you save hours on moving day.