It's the one thing many women (and men, thanks to the satchel) dare not leave the house without: a handbag (sometimes called a purse or clutch). Whether it's a designer or off-brand handbag, you'll want to make sure that these fashionable-yet functional accessories make it to your new home in one piece. It won't be a happy move-in day if you unpack your bags only to realize that your Louis Vuitton Neverfull has been scratched or creased.
Here are some simple tips and ideas on how to pack handbags, clutches, purses, satchels, and backpacks safely during the move.
Prepare your handbags, purses, and other fashion items
Before packing handbags, you'll need to prepare and protect them for the move. Here's how to prepare handbags:
- Empty and clean your bags
When you're packing handbags with other miscellaneous items for your move, you have to remember that your bags could end up being in a tightly wrapped cardboard box for days or even weeks. Anything that is inside your bag can cause a crease or dent to form in the fabric that may be permanent. It's best to completely empty your bag before packing.
- Stuff the bags to maintain its shape
Now that your bag is empty and clean, you must stuff it with unprinted packing paper or tissue paper in order to protect its shape.
- Close all zippers and buckles
Once your bags are cleaned and stuffed, close all its zippers and buckles and make sure they are wrapped with at least two layers of tissue paper then taped shut.
Protect and pack your handbags
Whether you are using a designer handbag or a purse, you'll need to protect its delicate leather from being torn or stained lest you find your bag ruined when you unpack at your new place. So, to avoid such damage, you'll need to get a little crafty when packing your bag for moving. Here are some inexpensive suggestions:
- If you're good with a sewing machine and have some extra time, you can always purchase a few yards of inexpensive cloth fabric to fashion your own storage bag for your purses or handbags.
- If you don't have the time to make your own bags, you can find lots of moderately priced bags like these on sites like eBay, which can be a good investment if you have multiple bags you will need to store.
- But if don't have the time to make your own bags and you're trying to save money; you could simply use appropriate household items like pillowcases or old sheets to gently wrap your bags before placing them into individual cardboard boxes.
Tip: It's always a good idea to keep these dust bags handy, so you'll be prepared to properly store your handbags when you aren't using them.
Pack your purses, clutches and other small bags separately
Of course, you'll have many delicate and fragile items need to be packed safely without any damage. So, in order to protect your belongings during transit, it is best to pack your purses, satchels, and other small bags separately from your household and other miscellaneous items. When packing purses and clutches, make sure they are stuffed and secure in dust bags.
In addition, you can use shoeboxes or any other small cardboard boxes to pack your handbags separately in a place where they won't shift around too much. And be sure to leave an inch or two of space between the handbag and side of the box it will be stored in to make room for light packing material like newspaper or tissue paper.
Put the small packed boxes into a larger box
Once you've emptied, stuffed, and securely wrapped your bags, you can place each of your packed item into its individual box (don't forget to use packing paper to fill any empty space in the box!). After a bag is placed in its own box, you should seal the top shut with a few layers of clear packing tape. If you are using shoe boxes, make sure you tape the lid at all four corners, then wrap a long piece of tape around the entire edge of the lid horizontally to ensure that it won't come off during the move.
After each box is sealed, take the smaller boxes and place them one by one into a larger moving box. Fill any empty space with newsprint, packing peanuts, or bubble wrap to minimize the movement of small boxes.
After placing small boxes into a large box, tape the top of the larger box shut in the same way you taped the smaller boxes, then label it "handle with care" so you can identify it when you reach your new place.