Essential Packing Tips for Seasonal Items: Coats, Boots, and Holiday Décor

When planning a move in the fall or winter, packing up your seasonal belongings requires a little extra thought. Coats, boots, and holiday décor aren’t just bulky—they’re often delicate, expensive, or sentimental. Packing these items the wrong way can mean arriving at your new home with damaged clothing, crushed decorations, or tangled lights.

With the right strategy, you can ensure your seasonal items stay protected during transit and are easy to unpack when you arrive. Here are some essential packing tips to help you handle coats, boots, and holiday décor like a pro.

Why Seasonal Items Need Special Care

Unlike everyday household goods, seasonal belongings usually spend most of the year in storage. That means they’re more prone to wear, odors, or breakage if not packed correctly. Consider:

• Winter coats: Heavy fabrics like wool and down need proper protection to avoid moth damage, odors, and flattening.

• Boots: Leather, suede, and waterproof materials can crack or warp without care.

• Holiday décor: Ornaments, wreaths, and lights are fragile and often irreplaceable.

A little preparation now means your favorite seasonal items will be ready to use the moment you settle into your new home.

Packing Coats and Outerwear

1. Clean Before You Pack

Always wash or dry-clean coats before moving. Dirt, sweat, and body oils left in fabric can attract pests and cause permanent stains during long storage.

2. Use Wardrobe Boxes

For high-value coats—like wool overcoats or down jackets—wardrobe boxes are worth the investment. They allow you to hang items upright, preventing wrinkles and keeping fabrics breathable.

3. Vacuum-Seal for Bulk Reduction

If space is tight, vacuum-sealed bags are excellent for reducing volume. Just be mindful: use them for casual or synthetic coats, not delicate natural fabrics like wool or fur, which need air circulation.

4. Add Cedar or Lavender

Slip cedar blocks or lavender sachets into coat pockets or garment bags. They naturally repel moths and keep your coats smelling fresh.

Packing Boots and Winter Footwear

1. Clean and Dry Thoroughly

Make sure boots are completely clean and dry before packing. Even small amounts of moisture can cause mold, while dirt can crack leather during storage.

2. Maintain Shape With Inserts

Stuff boots with acid-free tissue paper, socks, or boot shapers. This keeps them from collapsing and developing creases.

3. Separate Pairs in Dust Bags

If you don’t have the original boxes, use cloth dust bags or pillowcases to wrap each pair. This prevents scuffs and scratches during the move.

4. Protect Soles and Heels

Wrap soles in plastic wrap or place boots in plastic bags before boxing them. This keeps dirt and moisture from transferring to other items.

Packing Holiday Décor

Holiday decorations are often the trickiest seasonal items to move because they come in odd shapes and are extremely fragile. Here’s how to keep them safe:

1. Ornaments

• Use divided ornament storage boxes, or repurpose wine boxes with cardboard dividers.

• Wrap delicate pieces in tissue paper or bubble wrap.

• Clearly mark boxes as Fragile.

2. Lights

• Wind string lights around a piece of cardboard, then slip the entire piece into a plastic bag. This prevents tangles and broken bulbs.

• Pack spare bulbs in a small, labeled container so they don’t get lost.

3. Wreaths and Garlands

• Store in wreath boxes or large plastic bins.

• Wrap in plastic to protect from dust and moisture.

• Label the container with its contents so you can quickly find it when decorating next year.

4. Inflatable or Outdoor Decorations

• Deflate fully and store in sealed plastic bins.

• Keep electrical components (fans, lights, cords) in separate labeled bags.

5. Candles

• Wrap candles individually in wax paper before boxing.

• Store upright in a cool, dry place to prevent melting and warping.

General Packing Tips for Seasonal Items

1. Label Everything Clearly: Write “Holiday Décor – Fragile” or “Winter Coats – Master Bedroom Closet” so you can prioritize unpacking.

2. Use Climate-Appropriate Storage: If your move involves long-term storage, make sure your unit is climate-controlled to protect fabrics, leather, and delicate decorations.

3. Pack Heaviest Items First: In each box, place heavy boots or decorations on the bottom, lighter items on top.

4. Don’t Overpack Boxes: Seasonal items are often bulky; spreading them across multiple boxes prevents damage and makes lifting safer.

When to Consider Professional Help

If you’re short on time or want peace of mind, professional packing services can handle seasonal items with expert care. At Alliance Relocation Services, our team specializes in packing and crating fragile, bulky, and valuable belongings. We ensure your coats, boots, and holiday décor arrive in perfect condition—ready for the season ahead.

Final Thoughts

Seasonal items may only come out once a year, but they’re often the belongings we treasure most. From cozy coats and sturdy boots to heirloom ornaments and holiday lights, protecting them during a move ensures they’ll bring warmth and joy for years to come.

By cleaning before packing, using the right containers, and labeling boxes clearly, you’ll make unpacking a breeze—and avoid the heartbreak of broken or damaged seasonal favorites. And if you’d rather leave the heavy lifting (and delicate wrapping) to the pros, Alliance Relocation Services is here to help.