Are you getting ready to move and trying to figure out how to make sure all of your family’s toys make it safely from Point A to Point B? It can be daunting, especially if you’ve got young children who have accumulated a seemingly endless array of stuffed animals, action figures, vehicles, and other necessary accouterments for the playroom.
Moving day is an incredibly stressful experience as it is, so having to worry about packing up all the toys your children have accumulated throughout the years can be overwhelming.
Between books and games, dress-up clothes, and stuffed animals, figuring out how best to transport these items without losing important pieces or breaking them during transit can make organizing a move even more challenging. In this article, you’ll find some easy tips on how to pack toys for moving!
What Will You Need?
When packing toys for moving, you’ll need some supplies. Gather together:
- Plastic bins/boxes
- Packing materials (bubble wrap or packing paper).
- Stickers and markers for labeling.
- Box cutters or scissors.
Once you’ve gathered your supplies, it’s time to start packing!
10 Easy Steps on How to Pack Toys for Moving
Step 1: Sort and Purge
The first step is to sort and purge. This will help make the packing process a lot easier for you. Sort toys into two piles: ‘moving’ and ‘donating/throwing away.’
Step 2: Clean Up
Once you’ve sorted, it’s time to clean up. Put all pieces that belong together in one spot so they don’t get lost during your move. Wipe down any plastic or metal items to ensure they are free of dust before packing.
Step 3: Pack Large Toys First
Start with large toys such as train sets, playhouses, riding toys, etc. If possible, disassemble them so they can fit more snugly in their boxes or bins. You can also use bubble wrap and packing paper to cushion them in the box.
Step 4: Wrap and Pack Dolls and Stuffed Animals
Wrap dolls and stuffed animals in packing paper or bubble wrap to protect them from scratches or tears during the move. Put each item in its own bag, box, or plastic bin. Label these containers, so you know what’s inside them for easy unpacking at your new home.
Step 5: Use Large Plastic Bins for Small Toys
Gather all of your small toys, such as action figures, cars, trucks, etc., and place them in large plastic bins with lids. This will keep them safe and sound during transit. Label the bins with a permanent marker, so you’ll know exactly where each one goes when it’s time to unpack.
Step 6: Use Bins for Storing Art Supplies
Place all art supplies, such as markers, crayons, and paints in separate plastic bins with lids. Label the bins accordingly, so you know what’s inside. Be sure to wrap any glass items in packing paper or bubble wrap before putting them in a box or bin.
Step 7: Pack Books with Bubble Wrap
If you are moving books, be sure to include some bubble wrap and packing paper when packing them. Wrap each book individually, so it is protected during transit and placed in its sealed container. This will help prevent damage from moisture or other elements during your move.
Step 8: Place Games in Plastic Bags
Place games such as puzzles and board games in plastic bags or boxes. Wrap each piece individually with packing paper or bubble wrap and label the bag/box accordingly so you know what’s inside. This will make it much easier to unpack.
Step 9: Utilize Toy Chests for Transporting Toys
Toy chests are a great way to transport toys without having to worry about pieces getting lost during transit. Suppose you can, try to fit all of your smaller items into one toy chest before moving day. This will save time and energy on both ends.
Step 10: Label Everything Clearly
Label each box/bin with a permanent marker, listing the contents of the box, how many pieces it contains, and where it will be going in the new home. This will make unpacking a breeze! Additionally, if you are hiring movers, labeling each box according to how you want them placed in the moving van may make their jobs much easier.
By following these simple steps to pack toys for moving, you’ll be able to move your toys safely and securely! With the right supplies, planning, and a little bit of elbow grease, you can ensure all your beloved toys arrive at their destination in one piece. Good luck – we know you’ve got this!
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Label each box clearly, using a permanent marker. This will help you track how many boxes contain toys and make it easier to unpack when you arrive at your new home.
- Consider how fragile the toy is before packing it up. Wrap delicate items in bubble wrap or other cushioning material for additional protection during transit.
- Separate small pieces from large ones by placing them into separate containers, such as resealable plastic bags or clear storage bins with lids.
- If possible, store toys in their original packaging for extra protection and easy organization once unpacked.
- Place heavier toys on the bottom of the box and lighter items on top for safe stacking while moving them around. Utilize tissue paper or packing peanuts to add extra cushioning and keep the items from shifting.
Packing toys for moving can be a breeze with the right preparation. With these simple tips and tricks, you’ll have your toys packed up and ready for a smooth transition in no time!
5 Things You Should Avoid
1. Not Labeling Boxes: Labeling your boxes is important when packing toys so that you know where they are and how to reassemble them properly. Without proper labeling, you may find yourself struggling to figure out how to put the toys back together once you’re done moving.
2. Not Wrapping Fragile Items: Fragile items should always be wrapped in bubble wrap or packing paper, which will help protect them from damage during the move. Ensure all your breakable pieces are well-wrapped before placing them into boxes.
3. Leaving Small Parts Unattended: If you have any pieces that could easily get lost, make sure they’re placed safely into a Ziploc bag and taped onto the item itself – this will ensure none of those small parts end up getting lost while in transit.
4. Relying on Tape Alone: When packing toys, use both tape and bubble wrap or packing paper. Tape alone won’t be enough to keep your items safe during a move.
5. Overloading Boxes: Don’t try to cram too many items into one box – that can cause the box to become too heavy and liable to tear open in transit. Instead, spread out your items across multiple boxes and make sure each one is packed safely with plenty of cushioning around each item.
Follow these simple tips for packing toys for moving, and you’ll have no problem getting them safely from point A to point B!
When Should You Start Packing to Move?
When it comes to packing toys for moving, the earlier you begin packing, the better. This will give you more time to prepare and ensure that your items are packed properly and safely. Start at least two weeks before your move-out date so that everything is ready on time.
Also, get any necessary supplies like boxes, tape, bubble wrap, or packing paper in advance. Knowing how to pack toys for moving can help make your transition smoother and less stressful!
Overall, packing toys for moving is not as difficult as it may seem. With the right supplies, planning, and a little bit of elbow grease, you can ensure that all your beloved items arrive at their destination in one piece.
Just remember to label each box clearly, wrap fragile items properly, separate small pieces from larger ones, and don’t overload boxes – and you’ll be ready to go!
Conclusion
Ultimately, packing toys for moving doesn’t have to be a chore. With the right supplies and some creativity, you can make it an enjoyable task that brings you peace of mind knowing that everything is properly stored for transit. Not only does it help keep your home tidy, but it also helps avoid potential damage to any beloved toys.
Additionally, consider donating or selling any items that no longer bring joy – this will relieve some of the stress from having too much clutter in your new place.
From the moment you start packing to when you eventually unpack, these steps should provide you with a consistent and familiar feeling of home that can ensure your transition into a new place is as smooth and comforting as possible.
Hopefully, the article on how to pack toys for moving has been useful in helping you plan and prepare for your move. Good luck!
