How to Pack Purses for Moving With Ease

Posted How-to / October 27, 2025
Sunset International Shipping | How to Pack Purses for Moving With Ease
Daisy Wilson

Daisy was born in Salt Lake City and in her free time, she writes about moving and watches Charmed.

Transporting your favorite purses can feel like a balancing act – you want to keep them in perfect shape while making sure they don’t take up too much space. Knowing how to pack purses for moving can save you from that “Oh no!” moment when you unpack and find your prized bag squished or scratched. Let’s explore how you can keep your handbags safe, stylish, and ready for their new home!

To pack a purse for relocation, start by emptying the bag and stuffing it with soft items like scarves or bubble wrap to help maintain its shape. Then, wrap each purse individually in tissue paper or packing paper to protect it from scratches. For extra protection, place them in dust bags or pillowcases. Finally, arrange the purses upright in a sturdy box, using additional padding to fill gaps and keep them secure during the relocation.

Before You Learn How to Pack Purses for Moving, Decide What Is Worth Keeping

Shipping overseas and moving abroad demands a lot of organization, particularly when it comes to packing. Ensuring everything fits within weight limits, stays intact during transit, and doesn’t break the bank in shipping fees requires a solid plan.

One of the key steps to making this process smoother and less stressful is decluttering. Sorting through your belongings and deciding what’s truly worth bringing can lighten the load and give you a fresh start in a new destination. By tackling this task early, you can streamline packing and focus on what truly matters.

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Create Sell, Keep, and Toss-Away Piles

Downsizing for a relocation is the perfect opportunity to reassess your purse collection. Create three piles: keep, sell, and toss. For starters, keep purses you still love and often use and prepare them for packing. If you have gently used bags that don’t make the cut, consider selling them on platforms like Poshmark, Depop, or eBay for some extra cash.

You can also donate them to local charities or second-hand shops for a good cause. As for the purses that have seen better days, if they’re beyond repair or too worn out, don’t hesitate to toss them. Lightening the load now will make the entire relocation easier and less stressful.

Choose How You Are Going to Ship Everything 

One of the most important decisions when moving internationally is selecting the right shipping method for belongings, including purses. Knowing the shipping options will help you pack efficiently and determine how much you can bring.

For larger moves, international moving by sea offers flexibility. You can choose between FCL (Full Container Load), where the entire container is yours, or LCL (Less than Container Load), where you share space with other shipments, making it a more affordable option if you don’t have enough to fill a container. This method allows you to bring more items, but takes longer.

Alternatively, international moving by air is much faster, ideal if you need items quickly, but the downside is that you can only ship a limited number of items due to weight and size restrictions, and it tends to be more expensive. Deciding between these options early on will help you prioritize what’s essential and adjust packing accordingly.

Buy Some High-Quality Packaging Materials

When moving overseas, it’s essential to invest in high-quality packing materials to protect your belongings during the journey. Using sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, and paper ensures that delicate items remain safe from damage throughout the trip. Overseas shipping can be unpredictable, with items enduring various conditions, so it’s crucial to use materials that can withstand the bumps along the way.

If you choose an overseas moving company like Sunset International Shipping, you won’t need to worry about purchasing these materials separately. We offer professional packing services with all the necessary supplies included, giving you peace of mind that your belongings are packed securely for the move. Here’s a list of packing materials you’ll need to buy if you’re packing on your own for an overseas move:

  • Sturdy boxes (various sizes)
  • Bubble wrap for cushioning delicate items
  • Paper to wrap purses and fill empty spaces
  • Duct tape for securing boxes
  • Plastic wrap or stretch wrap to protect surfaces from scratches
  • Dust bags or pillowcases for additional protection for purses
  • Labels and markers to identify contents and fragile items
  • Peanuts or foam inserts to fill any gaps in boxes
  • Scissors or box cutters 

Do a Categorization of Purses for Easier Packing

Before you start packing, it’s helpful to categorize the purses. This step ensures you pack them appropriately based on size, material, and fragility, making the process more organized and efficient. Here are some suggested categories:

  • Everyday purses – These are the go-to bags that you use regularly. Pack these in a way that they’re easy to access when you arrive at a new destination.
  • Luxury/designer purses – These need extra care and protection. Wrap them individually in tissue paper and bubble wrap, and place them in dust bags before packing.
  • Evening clutches and small bags – Group these smaller items together. You can use packing cubes or smaller boxes to keep them organized and prevent damage.
  • Large totes and travel bags – These can be packed with smaller items inside to maximize space. Make sure to protect their structure by filling them with soft items.
  • Delicate or vintage purses – Handle these with extra caution. Use ample padding and pack them separately to avoid any potential damage during the move.

How to Store Purses for International Shipping

When shipping by sea, purses may be stored in a shipping container for an extended period. The conditions inside the container can be harsh, with high humidity levels and fluctuating temperatures. To ensure your purses survive these extremes, proper storage is key. But before you store them, it is important to clean and dry them beforehand. 

Cleaning and Drying Are the Most Crucial Steps

Before storing them, make sure each purse is thoroughly cleaned and completely dry. Dirt or oils left on the surface can degrade the material over time, especially in humid conditions. Use a soft cloth and a gentle cleaner suited for your purse’s material, leather, fabric, or suede. 

After cleaning, let the purse air dry completely to avoid trapping any moisture inside, as this can lead to mold and mildew during shipping. Taking the time to properly clean and dry the purses will go a long way in preserving their condition during international shipping.

How to Protect Purses From Damage During the Move

Relocating across the world can expose purses to potential damage due to rough handling, temperature changes, and prolonged storage. To keep handbags safe, avoid overpacking them, as this can stretch the material or deform their structure.

Make sure they are kept upright whenever possible to maintain their shape. Use soft padding inside each bag to support its form during the journey. Additionally, keeping purses separate from heavier items will prevent them from being crushed. Lastly, ensure that the environment they’re packed in is dry to prevent moisture damage.

Use Proper Packing Materials for Fragile or Leather Bags

Leather and fragile designer bags require extra care. To prevent scratches and scuffs, start by stuffing these bags with soft materials like scarves or tissue paper to help them keep their shape. Avoid folding or stacking fragile bags to prevent creasing. 

If you have leather bags, be cautious of temperature changes during the move. High heat or cold can crack leather, so wrapping them in protective layers like cloth or bubble wrap is essential. Also, add silica gel packets to help absorb moisture, which can be especially damaging to leather during a long overseas move.

How to Pack Delicate or Designer Purses Safely

When it comes to delicate or designer purses, proper packaging is essential to preserve their beauty and value. To start, make sure each purse is stuffed with soft materials like tissue paper or fabric to maintain its shape. Next, wrap the exterior in a protective layer of bubble wrap or cloth to prevent scratches. Use sturdy boxes and avoid overpacking to ensure there’s no crushing. Layer the bottom of the box with soft padding, and place the purses upright for extra support.

For additional handbag packaging ideas, consider using specialty purse inserts or boxes designed for high-end bags. Label the boxes clearly as “fragile” and make sure they are among the first items to be unpacked when you reach your new home.

Hire an International Moving Company to Do the Packing for You

If you’re wondering how to move abroad smoothly or are dealing with last-minute moving, why not consider hiring professional movers? Sunset International Shipping handles all the fragile items with care, ensuring that every purse is packed according to the best industry standards. This can be a lifesaver, particularly if you’re following a checklist and juggling the complexities of overseas relocation.

Maximize Space in Your Moving Boxes Without Causing Damage

Making the most of the space in boxes is essential, especially when relocating abroad. By packing strategically, you can reduce the number of boxes you need while ensuring everything remains secure. For purses, start by using soft items like clothing to fill gaps and act as padding, maximizing the available space while providing extra protection.

Stack Purses Strategically to Avoid Crushing

When stacking purses in boxes, it’s important to think about their shape and material. Place larger, sturdier purses at the bottom, as they can handle more weight without losing their structure. Stack lighter, more delicate bags on top, and fill any spaces with softer items like scarves to prevent shifting. Avoid placing heavy items on top of delicate bags, and make sure each purse is supported to avoid crushing. 

Utilize Packing Cubes or Compartments for Smaller Bags

For smaller bags or clutches, using cubes or compartment dividers is a great way to keep them organized and safe. These cubes can fit neatly into boxes and prevent smaller purses from getting lost or damaged. Alternatively, placing them in shoe boxes or smaller compartments within larger boxes can help keep everything tidy while offering added protection. This method ensures that your smaller bags remain intact and easily accessible once you unpack.

Label Your Boxes for Easy Unpacking

Labeling boxes is crucial for a smooth unpacking experience, especially when you’re moving abroad. Clearly mark which boxes contain purses or other fragile items, and indicate the room they should go in at your new home. Adding labels like “fragile” or “open first” ensures that the movers handle these boxes with care and helps you find your most important items as soon as you arrive. This extra step can save you time and stress when unpacking after a big move.

Keep Your Purses Safe During Your Overseas Move

Taking the time to properly pack and protect each purse will ensure they arrive in perfect condition, no matter how far you’re moving. Whether you’re categorizing, stacking strategically, or using packing cubes, each step plays a crucial role in a smooth move.

If you’d rather leave the packing to the professionals, hiring an overseas shipping company like Sunset International Shipping can simplify the process. We can handle everything with care, ensuring your belongings are safe during the journey. Contact us to get a free quote and make your overseas move stress-free!

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