Moving with children often comes with a unique set of challenges, and packing their toys is one of them. Toys are more than just playthings—they hold sentimental value and provide comfort to your little ones during the transition. Properly packing toys is essential to keep them safe and organized throughout the move. This guide will walk you through how to pack toys for moving, ensuring they arrive at your new home in perfect condition and ready for play.
Declutter Before the Move
Decluttering before the move is a crucial step that can save time, space, and effort. Moving provides the perfect opportunity to evaluate which toys your children truly value and which ones are no longer needed. Sorting and organizing beforehand helps streamline the packing process, reduces the number of boxes, and ensures that only meaningful and useful items are taken to your new home.
Assess and Sort Toys
The first step in decluttering is to assess all the toys in your home. Go through every toy and determine its condition and relevance. Separate them into three categories – keep, donate, or discard. Items that are broken or missing parts can be discarded, while gently used toys can be donated to local charities or given to friends and family. This process ensures that your children only take their favorites and clear out unnecessary clutter.
Involve Your Children
Involving your children in the decluttering process makes it more effective and meaningful. Allow them to help decide which toys to keep and which to let go of. Explain why donating unused toys to other children is a kind and generous act. This can turn the activity into a teaching moment about sharing and organization while also helping them feel a sense of control during the long-distance moving process.
Make sure to declutter before the move
Gather Necessary Packing Supplies
Having the right supplies is essential for packing toys efficiently and securely. Proper materials help prevent damage to toys and make the unpacking process smoother. By investing in the right packing tools, you can ensure your children’s toys arrive safely at your new home. To pack toys, gather supplies such as sturdy cardboard boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, ziplock bags, packing tape, and markers for labeling. Each material has a specific purpose:
- Sturdy boxes: For holding various toy sizes without collapsing.
- Bubble wrap and packing paper: To cushion fragile or delicate items.
- Ziplock bags: Ideal for organizing small parts or accessories.
- Markers or labels: For clear identification of boxes during unpacking.
- Being prepared with these essentials simplifies the packing process and ensures every toy is protected.
Choose the Right Box Sizes
Choosing the right box sizes is critical when packing toys. Smaller boxes are best for heavy items like wooden blocks, while larger boxes can hold lightweight items like stuffed animals. Avoid overloading boxes, as they can become too heavy to lift and may break during transit. Properly sized boxes make packing and unpacking more manageable and reduce the risk of damage.
Having right packing supplies is important part of relocation
Clean and Prepare Toys
Before packing, it’s essential to clean and prepare toys to keep them in good condition. Proper cleaning prevents dirt and bacteria from spreading and ensures toys are fresh and ready to use once you unpack them.
Thoroughly clean all toys before packing. Use a mild disinfectant for plastic toys and wipe them with a damp cloth. Soft toys can often be machine-washed on a gentle cycle and air-dried completely. This step is especially important for toys that your children frequently handle, ensuring they remain hygienic and safe.
If your children have electronic toys, remove the batteries before packing. Batteries can corrode during a move, potentially damaging the toys or creating a mess in the box. Store batteries separately in labeled ziplock bags so they’re easy to find and reinstall once you’ve moved.
Make sure the batteries are out of the electronic toys
How to Pack Toys for Moving – Different Types Means Different Approach
Different toys require different packing methods to ensure they remain undamaged during the move. By tailoring your approach to each toy type, you can protect them and make unpacking easier.
Soft Toys and Stuffed Animals
Soft toys and stuffed animals are relatively easy to pack. Use large boxes or vacuum-sealed bags to save space. If you opt for vacuum-sealed bags, compress the air to reduce their volume. Make sure the toys are clean and dry before packing to avoid unpleasant odors or mildew.
Small Toys and Accessories
Small toys like action figures, building blocks, or doll accessories can easily get lost. Place these items in ziplock bags to keep them organized. Label each bag for easy identification. For items with many tiny pieces, group them together in a box and fill the empty spaces with packing paper to prevent movement.
Fragile and Collectible Toys
Fragile and collectible toys need extra care. Wrap each item individually with bubble wrap to provide cushioning. Place them in sturdy boxes labeled “Fragile.” If possible, use dividers within the box to separate the toys and prevent them from colliding during transit.
Large Toys and Playsets
Large toys and playsets often need to be disassembled for safe packing. Keep all parts together by placing them in labeled bags or boxes. Use clear labels to indicate which pieces belong to which toy, making reassembly easier. Wrap individual components with bubble wrap for added protection.
Toys should be cleaned and disassembled before putting them in boxes
Labeling and Organizing Boxes
Proper labeling and organization are crucial for a smooth unpacking process. Clearly marked boxes help movers place items in the correct rooms and make it easier to locate specific toys when needed. Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. For example, “Toys – Bedroom” or “Building Blocks – Playroom.” Use markers or pre-printed labels to ensure clarity. This step saves time when unpacking and helps prioritize which boxes to open first.
A color-coding system can simplify the unpacking process even further. Assign a specific color to each room (e.g., blue for the playroom, yellow for the bedroom). Use colored tape or stickers to mark boxes accordingly. This visual cue makes it easy for movers and family members to identify where each box belongs.
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Special Considerations
Some toys may require additional care or planning. By addressing these special considerations, you can ensure all items arrive at your new home safely and ready for use.
Packing Toys for Immediate Access
Set aside a box of toys your children can access immediately upon arriving at your new home. Include comfort items like their favorite stuffed animals, small puzzles, or books. This “essentials” box can help your children settle in and feel at ease during the first few days.
Handling Valuable or Sentimental Toys
Valuable or sentimental toys, such as heirlooms or limited-edition collectibles, should be packed with extra care. Consider transporting these items yourself rather than placing them with the movers. This ensures their safety and provides peace of mind.
Hiring Professional Long Distance Movers
If packing toys feels overwhelming, hiring professional cross-country movers who offer packing services can be a worthwhile investment. Experienced east coast movers movers know how to handle toys with care and efficiency.
For example, East Coast West Coast Movers offer a wide range of long-distance moving services. Our professional packing services save you time and stress. Our long-distance moving company has the expertise to handle delicate or bulky toys and ensure they’re packed securely. Not only that, we are a one stop shop for all of your relocation needs.
In need of an auto-shipping service? We got you covered. And not only that, if you need to put your things in modern storage units, all you have to do is say the word. We are here to make your relocation smooth and stress-free.
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East Coast West Coast Movers Are Your Partner in a Long Distance Move
Packing toys for a move may seem like a tiresome task, but with careful planning and the right approach, it can be a smooth and stress-free process. From decluttering and organizing to cleaning and labeling, every step plays a vital role in ensuring your children’s toys arrive safely at your new home.
If you want a hassle-free move, give East Coast West Coast Movers a call. Book our services and relax while our team handles everything from packing to storing.
