Last Updated on April 10, 2025 by Kari-Ann Ryan
If you’ve ever moved before, you know one thing for sure: it’s not glamorous. It’s sweaty, awkward, and usually involves a lot of bumping into furniture and muttering under your breath. And what you wear that day? It matters. A lot more than you probably think.
Wear the wrong shoes and you’ll be limping before lunch. Too much fabric, and you’ll be tripping over yourself. Too little, and you’ll regret not wearing long sleeves when that bookshelf scrapes your arm for the third time.
So whether you’re moving across town or just across the hall, here’s what professionals recommend you wear—and what they wish they hadn’t.
Shoes First: Don’t Be That Person in Flip-Flops
Let’s just get this out of the way—flip-flops are a hard no. So are Crocs, ballet flats, and anything without toe protection or traction. You need real shoes for this real work. What works:
- Supportive sneakers (think gym shoes or hiking shoes)
- Work boots if you’re moving heavier furniture
- Something grippy and closed-toe, always
Clothes You Can Actually Move In
Think of moving day like going to the gym—but instead of lifting weights, you’re lifting your entire life. What you wear needs to move with you, not against you.
Here’s what actually works:
- Fitted athletic wear or stretchy jeans – you don’t want anything too baggy that could catch on handles or snag on doors
- Moisture-wicking shirts – because yes, you will sweat (a lot)
- Long sleeves or layers if you’re moving things with sharp corners (bookshelves, frames, etc.)
What not to wear:
- Clothes you care about
- Dresses or skirts (trust us, even if it’s hot out)
- Anything you’ll be tugging at all day
Gloves: The Unsung Hero of Moving Day
Nobody thinks of gloves until it’s too late. But the second your hands start sliding on a box or your knuckles brush a stucco wall, you’ll wish you had them. Best options:
- Work gloves with grip (rubber palms are great)
- Lightweight leather gloves if you’re hauling anything splintery or sharp
- Even gardening gloves are better than nothing
What to Wear for a Summer Move (Hint: It’s Not Just Shorts and a Tank)
Summer moves come with a whole new level of discomfort. It’s hot, you’re sweaty, and the sun doesn’t care if you’re mid-move.
Here’s what helps:
- Breathable cotton or moisture-wicking materials
- A hat – ball cap or wide-brim depending on your style
- Sunscreen, even if you think you’ll mostly be indoors
- Sunglasses for loading up outside
Stay away from:
- Tank tops (unless you want furniture-induced shoulder scrapes)
- Sandals (yes, again)
- Anything white—you will get dirty
Cold Weather Moves? Layer Like a Pro
If you’re moving in fall or winter, your outfit needs to do double duty: keep you warm outside and cool inside once you start hauling things up stairs.
Ideal outfit:
- T-shirt + long sleeve + hoodie (ditch the hoodie once you’re warm)
- Gloves with insulation but grip
- Thermal socks
- Boots or insulated sneakers with traction
Avoid wearing:
- Big puffy coats (you’ll overheat and get tangled)
- Scarves or anything that dangles
- Skinny jeans (hard to bend and squat in)
Little Extras That Make a Big Difference
- Hair ties or headbands – especially if your hair gets in the way while bending/lifting
- Pockets – trust us, it’s great to stash your phone, snacks, or keys without digging into a bag
- Belt bag or fanny pack – lifesaver for keeping essentials on hand
- Reusable water bottle – dehydration will sneak up on you
It’s Not About Fashion—It’s About Function
At the end of the day, what you wear on moving day isn’t about looking good—it’s about feeling good (and avoiding injuries). Keep it simple, keep it comfortable, and don’t wear anything you’d be sad to say goodbye to. And if you really want to make moving day easy? Let us handle it for you.
Work with a Professional Mover
If you want to take the hassle out of moving day, hand over the reins to a professional moving company that will effortlessly handle your move from start to finish. Mid-West Moving & Storage offers convenient, reliable relocation services to easily shift you from one home to your next one! Since 1983, our moving specialists have been moving customers to and from dorms, retirement homes, condos, houses, and apartments.
Mid-West Moving & Storage’s professional movers utilize proven practices that protect your belongings, including fragile items and sensitive documents, during the move. Our team of movers adhere to a detailed moving plan, offer constant communication and stay on track to get you moved on time and within the scope of the budget.
With over years of professional moving experience in the Chicagoland area, Mid-West Moving & Storage offers a free estimate and a dedicated team of moving specialists who are flexible enough to tackle any moving challenges on moving day.
Give us a call at 847.593.7201 or fill out a contact form to get a free estimate on your next move!
