Moving fabric
 

We are moving to a one story house!?!? My question is how do you move the fabric? In boxes or plastic tubs? Do the tubs get broken? This moving is going to be an awful job as we have lived here for 43 yrs. I have 4 machines also, do the packer take care of that? I'm a little (big) overwhelmed with what needs to be done. Thanks for any suggestion you might have.

When I moved last year I did all the packing myself. My fabric went into cardboard boxes, lined with plastic bags. Everything was stored for about 3 months before it could be moved into the house. I had kept the original boxes for my Bernina and a middle-aged Singer, and the featherweight was in its case. The treadle and vintage Singer in a table were handled by the movers. I broke down my longarm stand, and warned the movers to pack the head very carefully in the moving van. It was wrapped in blankets and placed in a safe area. Everything came through the move okay.

If you use tubs, they shouldn't get broken, but boxes are more easily stacked and less expensive, if you don't already have the tubs.

All I can say is that if you use plastic tubs, buy the ones that have a locking lid on them with a handle, not just a snap on lid. I had to take everything out of my sewing room several years ago and put into storage, so I went to WalMart and bought maybe 10 of the cheaper, BIG, plastic storage totes. BIG MISTAKE. I loaded a very big one with fabric and my DH picked it up to move it and the lid came off first thing. Very heavy also. So, I had to take them all back and trade them in for a smaller size with locking handle lids on them - much better idea. I had colored totes the first time and the second batch were clear and my fabric is still in them and I can see what is in them without opening them or even taking them off the shelf that they are on. The fabric seems to be doing fine in them. HTH

I guess I would move my own machines -- wouldn't trust them to someone else. The last time I moved I didn't have that much fabric so putting it in boxes and unpacking right away wasn't an issue. I would hate to move it now though!

When the movers moved us overseas they packed my machines in boxes with a lot of padding, I had wrapped them in some of the quilts first, and since fabric can be washed I used for wrapping other things also. Enjoy your new home.

Buy the biggest plastic trash containers on wheels. It will hold tons of folded fabric and easy to move. No heavy lifting and easy to lay down and unload. We used them to move our DDs from apt. to apt many times. Rolled them right on the rented U Haul. The rolling bins are the only way to move a lot of books.

In 2014 we moved to a 2 story house that needed more work than I was anticipating so our stuff went into storage for 4 months and we lived in a residence inn. When we packed my fabric, DH did not want me to pack all of it in plastic bins (the ones you buy at Costco in groups of 2 or 3), so I packed half in plastic and half in book boxes from Home Depot with plastic liners. Then, last year I had both knees replaces do we left the boxes in the garage. If you use cardboard, don't use anything larger than book boxes (because of the weight) and label the boxes on the side as well as the top and make sure you label them so you know exactly what is in them. I had some grand children help and they just wrote "fabric" which does not help if you are looking for special fabric (like I am doing now). If I had it to do over, all of the fabric would be in plastic bins with good locking lids.

Good Tips.

I will be moving during the summer. I have lived in this house almost 19 years and have much purging to do.

Most my fabric is already in plastic totes and will be moved in them. I probably will be putting quite a bit of stuff into storage for a couple months while I find a new place.

We've moved at least 5 times - all using movers. If you've got movers packing for you, let them take care of most of it. They use a LOT of packing paper (even wrapping little things like night light bulbs with paper!), and your belongings will be fully covered. However, move your own machines and anything valuable such as jewelry. Also, pack a box (I used a suitcase) of a few pre-cut projects or bindings to do while you're setting up the new place (don't forget thread, scissors and needles!). You'll be surprised how long it will take to get things back in order, and it's always nice to have a small project to work on when you need a break.

When I moved, I cut a corner off each piece of fabric that went into the box and taped it onto a sheet of paper. I gave a number to the paper and the box (not the lid). I did that with all the fabric, plus the yardage. Now with digital, I guess you could save the cutting part and just take a picture of the contents of the box. It was nice to also know the size of each piece. That way you can do virtual stash shopping as you are browsing a new magazine or book. Sometimes the piece you have is not enough for the pattern. You can check the list instead of going to storage, opening the box, etc. Most office supply stores will give you the empty computer paper boxes, if you ask nicely. I would not use anything bigger unless you are using a dolly, and unpacking right away. Speaking of using a dolly, you can buy the flat ones that you see large plants on, and use that for at least 50% of the moving, as well as office chairs, etc. They are small, and good for "us ladies" to handle without too much trouble, as long as you don't overload.

I'll give you the same advice I gave a friend who was moving from a house she'd lived in for almost 50 years. Get a dumpster and start pitching. We have moved six times and we get a dumpster. We've packed but then have movers come in. All these moves were in the same county! Certain things we move - my sewing machines, family china, etc. Didn't have much fabric till this last move. I packed most of it in the tubs but not the big ones and some in the medium moving boxes. I taped labels on the top of what each one contained. Did that with all the totes I packed and wrote right on boxes.

Helped a friend move just so I could spend more time with her. She had used some of her quilts to wrap her machines also that would be in storage for awhile. She used to belong to a guild so she had quite a bit of her guild kit to take with her so she would be able to still sew and quilt. They stayed temporarily in a month to month efficiency apartment. Her guild kit saved her mind as she called it. After 3 months they moved into their new home permanently. She used plastic storage with locking lids. Because they were clear she could see all of her stash and accessories.

I would say it will depend on how long you will have to store them that way.

8 years ago we moved north after 35 years in our home in Virginia. We moved ourselves so I did all the packing. Our old home was sold in January and when we arrived at our new home which was not finished everything we owned ended up if 3 rental storage units for over 5 months. I used large plastic tubs with locking lids and some of the tubs I bought also had wheels. Everything was fine even after the prolonged storage.

If you already have the totes without the locks, you can tape them shut by taking the tape the whole way around and then taping it over the top of the tape itself. If you can get the clear movers tape , it will peel right off the containers without letting any residue. Good luck with your move! If you are packing a lot yourself, try to get a friend or more then one to help you. Put the soup in the crock pot and make it fun.

I wrapped all my dishes and other breakables with my fabric, the last time we moved cross country. Did not add any weight with paper and got to keep most of my fabric.

Starbucks will give you coffee boxes. Bookstores will give you boxes. Those are perfect because they're heavy enough to protect your stuff and small enough so you don't overpack and not be able to lift them. Get all the same boxes so you can stack them easily.
I used fabric to wrap breakable a in some boxes. I also put fabric in kitchen garbage bags. Those bags can fit into the small areas of the truck between furniture.

A word of caution - keep an eye on the movers. The estimator they send out will assure you your stuff will be packed one way, but the people who actually do the work often have their own ideas, usually shortcuts. Guess how I know....

I put my sewing room into storage while my house was up for sale back in Florida. I didn't realize it would take 3 years to sale but it did. Anyway, I packed everything myself, machines in their original boxes and fabrics, etc in large plastic totes. I used a big name moving company that also advertised A/C storage but I can't say they did that great of a job though. 1st off I don't think they put my stuff in an A/C unit as some items came out yellowed as if in high heat for a long time. When I did finally get moved to Iowa I found some of my totes damaged.........either the lids were cracked or the container themselves were damaged. Luckily none of my items inside were damaged. I noticed one of my embroidery machine boxes at the bottom of a pile in the truck and I screamed but they stated they knew how to pack so not to worry. I'm sure the fact I still had the original boxes with the thick styrofoam inserts helped tremendously too. They weren't so nice with my furniture though as I found one antique endtable with its leg ripped off, gouges in my cherry wood armoire, etc.

But everything from my sewing room came out okay, no damage or mildew on the fabrics so I'm happy on that note. I had up to 50 large totes just in fabrics so that's saying something and they were in those totes for up to 5 years. I still have some apparel and fleece fabrics in totes yet today for lack of room to put them onto shelves.

The boxes I used for my clothing and houseware goods I bought in town and they came out pretty well. Think I'm still missing a few boxes so when you do go to putting them into storage or moving truck, somehow mark which are which and whats inside them as I didn't and regret it.

When my friend moved, she had an armoire family heirloom. Also cherry wood. Her husband said the movers knew what they were doing. She added more padding so there were no gouges. Told her husband she could add more to his "gun cabinet with the hand-carved front. He paid $15000.00 for it. It "was" beautiful. No that's ok, they know what they're doing. When they got to their destination and put things in storage guess what was damaged. His gun cabinet was a mess. He also didn't want her to pay for extra insurance. They knew what they were doing. She didn't listen to him. They filed a claim and reimbursed for all damages. Turns out they didn't pack the gun cabinet like they were suppose to. Because the cabinet was so large, it was placed at an angle.

I moved two years ago. I put the bolts of fabric in kitchen garbage bags (no scent) and the rest remained in the drawers they are stored in. My two Bernina and the important quilting notions where packed in a bag and I personally carried them to my new home.

Wow, talking about moving brought back memories. Dad was in the Marine Corps 30 years and husband was in 20 years. I still get antsy every three years. All suggestions given are good. What you need to know is what works for one does not always work for another. I always had the packers pack my stuff while in the military and some times it was a good move and sometimes not. We moved ourselves a few times and again, sometimes good and sometimes not. My suggestion is to look at the move in a positive light. Attitude is everything.

If you have a treadle machine make sure the movers don't cut/remove the belt. My movers took the machine out of the cabinet and cut the belt. Needless to say I still have not gotten over that and it's been 25 years ago. Good luck!

Interesting idea! never would have thought of that but it makes sense. may be moving in a year or so and will keep this on my list!

A word of caution: if it's in a trash container or bag, it could get mistaken for trash. I once was running errands: Goodwill, then JoAnn, then the cleaners. I had a bag of clothes for GW, a bag of 3 dresses ( my only 3, I might add) and 2 of hub's suits for the cleaners. They were both in white trash bags and I had packed them myself in the trunk.

But I didn't label them, I just said to myself, " I'll remember the good clothes are on the right. " Well, I made it to Goodwill, and hastily handed the collector the bag that was on the right in the trunk. Then I went to JOAnn. Naturally I lost track of time, and by the time I left, the cleaners was closed. I promptly put the bag out of my mind.

Two weeks later, he needs the grey suit for a business trip in two days.

I panic . I hadn't taken them to the cleaners!! Maybe I can get them to do a rush job. I run to the trunk, open the trash bag.....and it's Goodwill clothes!!!

The bags must have rolled around and switched places. Or I thought "the GoodWILL clothes are on the right". ... .?

I would only only "keep the things that spark joy" as Marie Kondo says. Discard everything else. You don't want to pay to move the fabric you no longer love, do you?

PS we are still married after that big woopsie, but I no longer put good stuff in trash bags!

We moved from our first home, 35 years worth of 'stuff'. Packed all my fabrics in plastic totes and it worked well. This will give you a chance to 'weed out' fabrics that you no longer want. It is a big job, but 'doable'.

I like your idea, yngldy, of using an office chair to move stuff with. I have moved many, many TVs that way!

I moved the first of Oct last year, and I put my fabric in the plastic tubs, used the packing tape to tape the lids on. For hanging clothes, you can tie wrap around about 15-20 hangers, then place garbagebag over, put hole for top of hangers to poke through, hang in closet, and tie the bag at the bottom, then you just re-hang em, cut tie wrap off, take bag off, and wah-lah, clothes hanging in new home!

I would have to buy more dishes.

my recommendation is: rip an old bed sheet in 3" strips then get sturdy boxes from book or liquor stores. Pack boxes and tie them shut with the sheet strips in this manner: drape a strip over closed box, criss cross on the underside, bring up from bottom and tie tight and secure. Like wrapping a present with a ribbon. All 4 sides will be secured. Now boxes can be carried by the ties with 1 hand and should stay closed, even if tipped over. Save the $$$$ you would spend on totes for more sewing things!

Other places to look for boxes.

Pharmacy, usually have dividers like wine boxes, only smaller, really handy for smaller Knick knacks.

Computer stores
Commercial bakeries
Industrial parks
Produce markets

When my mil moved 15 years ago I found most the boxes in the cardboard recycling bins in light industrial areas. They were clean dry and flattened, just needed to be tapes back together.

I would box everything, put fabric in plastic bags and then in the box. Stack the boxes on a plastic pallet and then wrap the pallet with plastic wrap. And yes only put stuff in a clear plastic bag.

I moved three weeks ago. I put my stash in large plastic bins sorted as I chose. The bins were not broken. The movers moved the bins. Absolutely no problems. I chose to move my two machines and my collection of rulers and mats in a private vehicle. The movers forgot my design wall but I got it later. I know that many fear potential damage from movers. I did not have any problems with my movers. They were young, strong, friendly and professional. They protected my antique furniture, pictures and protected my all of my possessions. Talk to your moving company, ask questions and firmly expect answers.

There are so many variations on how to move. From doing it all yourself to not lifting a finger and letting a moving company take care of it all. The latter is pretty stress free but expensive. On the occasions when we were footing the bill, I would do all the packing and rent a 'pod', put it into the driveway and over time load the boxes in. Then movers would come to load the heavy stuff in, move the pod and unload the heavy stuff. I've moved fabric in plastic tubs - no problem with breakage. Put your machines in the original boxes and move them in a car yourself.

I'm not moving-did so 18 months ago. But, I like the idea cite by 'yngldy' to take pictures of the fabric in the plastic boxes so she didn't have to open each one when looking for fabric. I guess I will have to go get the phone. I have most of my fabric (one yard and under) stored in 12 quart plastic boxes and labeled. When we moved we set those boxes into large moving boxes which were not to heavy. So easy to put back in place in the new house and start sewing again. We moved ourselves with a rental van and it went very smoothly and was cost efficient.

I don't envy you. Moving can be such a project. I would pack the fabric in plastic boxes. If you are having movers pack you usually have to pay them to do it but they normally do an excellent job. I've never had movers pack but they are much better at it than I am.

My suggestion, is to 'purge' what you don't need. This applies to the whole house. Sell it, give it away, or take it to
charities (Good Will) or just plain, trash it, if not worth giving. As for the fabric and machines. Call the moving company.
They can tell you if or what you need to do. If it is a 'whole house move' you are paying for. Let them do it all. You need
know what you are responsible for and what your moving company contracted is responsible for. Just be aware, that if you pack it and something happens in transit, the moving company is not responsible for replacing or reimburse you for it. It's your loss. How do I know this, husband worked for United Van Lines......some years ago but I'm sure this hasn't
changed...why would they insure something they didn't pack...

If you can get ahold of the boxes that WalMart bags come in, they are small enough that they aren't too heavy but sturdy enough to support fabric. Just a hint.

I had mine packed in totes, both Costco kind and the blue ones. Both have the overlapping lockable tops and everything went fine. As far as packing the machines, if you have the original boxes and packing, that would be best. Otherwise, ask them if they have packed sewing machines before. I found several videos on line about packing a sewing machine (just type in the phrase, "packing a sewing machine").

Using the rolling trash bins is such an excellent idea! Wish I had known this 8 moves ago! But now I know and will be using this for next time. Gosh, I hope that isn't for a good long while yet!

Every time I have moved (at least 15 times in 50 years) I have always done my own packing. Fabric is heavy and will not break so let the movers take it. Pack it in whatever you are going to store it in. if you are concerned about how they will be handled, take the machines yourself, if possible. I always took those things that I felt needed special handling or were not replaceable.