Moving- best way to move bolts of fabric
 

We will be moving in a few weeks. All my mini bolts are packed in boxes. But how on earth should I “pack” my full bolts of fabric? I have about 50 full size bolts to move.

Don't know if they will fit in a plastic tote or not - But - do not make anything too heavy if you are moving yourself. We made the mistake of buying huge plastic totes a few years ago and I loaded a shelf of fabric into a couple of them and then my DH picked them up with great strain on his back and then most of the lids popped off. So, unloaded them, took the totes back to WMart and got smaller ones with locking lids. Must have locking lids.

Try a big moving box... standing them up on end. Then use a hand truck to move the box! It will be really heavy.

Good luck with your move.

You could ask your local quilt shop if they have any empty boxes. But I do believe the bolts are shrink wrapped together and not boxed. I personally would get a moving box - much easier.

You could use large trash bags. Double wrap them and then use shipping tape around the bundle. Mark them "FABRIC" so they aren't accidentally tossed.

I would wrap 5 bolts into each bundle.

I just moved, am currently unpacking fabric, household items and fabric. The mover we used suggested a stack of boldts 15 to 18 inch tall, wrapped in heavy duty (lawn bags) taped and tied with heavy string. One bag cut open wrapped two stacks nicely. We had no problems moving them, except for a little slipping when stacked on the moving dolly.

You can buy 2 feet long shrink wrap on a long roll, roll is long enough past the wrap. you hold onto the empty part of roll and just wrap it around several bolts, cover completely. Check Office Depot and such, Walmart may have some. If you cover all the fabric it will stay clean.

That is my suggestion too, shrink wrap a manageable number of them together and make sure they are “air-tight”

When I moved, the movers put them in lg garbage bags and then into lg moving boxes on end.

I purchased these in preparation of moving my bolts this summer. I plan on wrapping bolts in plastic to ward of getting wet. These will be great quilt storage bags or for whatever I can think of when I settle, too.

https://www.ltdcommodities.com/catal...questid=502030

Teen, in the summer, don't forget that you can get moisture in-between the fabric and the plastic. It would probably be better not to plastic wrap them. Of course, if this is going to be un-packed right after you move, they should be okay.

The temperature in the back of a moving van during the summer can get upto several 100 degrees.

Also, don't pack flammables or anything combustible. Have seen too many moving vans burning along the highway during the summer. Would hate to see your fabric go up in flames.

D- Regular bolts of fabric should fit into a 4.5" box. Are you packing and moving them yourself? Or, are you packing them and having a moving company move you? Because, yes, these boxes are going to be heavy. But, the oblong size will fit the size of the bolts. Try not to overload them, but, pack them so the bolts are snug. And, don't forget to fill out the tops of your boxes or they will crush in shipping.

My husband moves household furniture for a living. I used to help him not only move the smaller loads, but, help him pack house's for moving as well. He works for Wheaton/Bekins Van Lines. He hauls the furniture under Bekins, but, the central dispatch is out of Wheaton Van Lines.

Oh, and if your moving by a professional company, But, packing it yourself. Moving things, like fabric bolts by the hand full will not win you any perks. It's best if they are packed. They will stay cleaner and together. Moving pads are not exactly dust free. (Think of all the household moves they've seen.)

I am packing my sewing room to move too. I bought the long bins, made for gift wrap and bolts fit perfectly in those. I found a lot of them at Walmart. I am using laundry baskets for my folded fabric. Never had a problems lifting a full laundry basket of folded clothes. And the rolling baskets are great, they have a handle now so no bending down at all. Walmart has them for $12. If I have to store the full baskets for a while then I will put the whole thing in a big yard trash bag. I put my books in 18 gallon bins, 1/4 full of books and then fill in with pre cuts, patterns, and other light items. If I can lift it then no one should have a problem.

For about a year, in preparation for a move, I saved all the long narrow boxes I received from ordering stuff from Allstitch and Walmart. About 5-8 bolts fit perfectly in each box.

Cari

Thank you for your suggestions, Judith. I'll be in temporary quarters while the house is getting done so I'll remove the plastic right away.