You would think that packing pillows is easier than falling off a log, which is surely one of the easiest tasks unless you’re a tightrope walker. Pillows are soft. They can’t break. But oddly enough, packing pillows is not as simple as many people believe, and we neglect to pack them properly because we focus on packing breakables carefully.
Packing pillows correctly also takes planning, time and care, as they are also as easy to damage as breakables without proper protection, especially if you have ornamental pillows with fine needlework or decorations. If packed without care, they get damaged, torn and misshapen. Let’s look at how to pack pillows the right way.
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Sort your pillows into two piles: keep and throw away
When we declutter to move, sorting your possessions into these groups is good practice. It makes packing easier, as you have less to pack. It saves you money and time, as you have fewer boxes. But in the case of pillows, and indeed, pillowcases, you’ll want to hang on to the pillows you plan to throw away, as they’re great packing materials.
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Use your old pillows to pack other items
Old pillows are excellent for packing breakables and protecting items. Instead of disposing of them, use them to save yourself a little money on other packing materials. Use your large pillows to protect pictures and mirrors. Use appropriately sized pillows on the bottom and top of boxes containing breakables, as they provide impact protection. You can also use pillows to protect furniture by taping them to the sides and legs of furniture to protect both the item and walls from knocks.
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Gather your packing materials for your good pillows
As we said above, packing pillows takes time and care. Never stuff as many as you can into a box and tape it shut. It’s the best way to ruin them. Here’s what you’ll need.
- Clean, dry pillowcases
- Breathable wrap
- Packing tape
- Boxes if you plan to pack pillows together
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Packing your pillows
Gather your packing materials and follow this process, wrapping and protecting each pillow individually.
- Clean your pillows to remove any dirt or dust. You can use a duster, a dry brush, a lint remover or your vacuum cleaner with the brush attachment.
- Put the pillow into a pillowcase that isn’t too small for it. It’s okay to apply gentle compression to your pillows, but sustained heavy compression over time can alter the pillow’s shape.
- Wrap the pillow with breathable wrap and secure the package with tape.
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Continue packing
Like your old pillows, you can now use your good pillows as packing materials as long as they won’t get compressed and lose shape. They’re ideal for the top layer of cushioning in boxes of breakables, as long as they fill the space with minimal compression.
Properly packed pillows are also excellent inside the drawers of furniture. They don’t add weight and can help to stop the drawer from sliding out during transport. You’ll find it easy to distribute them throughout your packing and can save on the expense of additional boxes.
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Don’t leave it to unpack pillows
All fabric and pillow fillers develop nasty smells if you leave them packed for too long. Nobody wants to go to bed and rest their head on a musty pillow. Unpack all your pillows as soon as you can after moving. If they have a smell, the best way to air them is outside in direct sunlight.
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What about those old pillows?
Yes, it’s now time to dispose of all the old pillows you planned to throw away, but they still have value. Instead of taking them to a landfill, put a listing on the local page of a social media site and offer them as free packing materials for anyone else who is packing to move. Someone will want them and take them away, making that job as easy as falling off a log!