How to Pack Toys for Moving: Arranging and Safeguarding Your Children’s Toys
Children’s moves most often involve a bulk collection of toys. With these items packed neatly in an organized manner, you will spend less time and effort setting up at the new place. This article provides direct procedures and pointers on how to pack toys with minimal effort while ensuring they are secure during transportation.
Step 1: De-clutter Prior to Packing
The Purpose of Decluttering
Packing toys can be a long and tedious process, and decluttering cuts down this process. It also gives room to give away toys that are no longer used to people who need them.
Tips on How to Declutter Kids’ Toys:
- Involve children in the process and explain the rationale behind it.
- Divide toys into three groups: Keep, Donate, and Discard.
- Throw away toys that are broken or incomplete.
Step 2: Gather Necessary Items for Packing
Selecting the appropriate materials ensures that toys are well-packed and remain undamaged.
Packing Supplies List:
- Heavy-duty boxes (various sizes)
- Tubs (for very delicate toys or toys with sentimental value)
- Bubble wrap or packing paper
- Zip-top bags (for loose tiny items)
- Packing tape
- Labeling items or markers
Step 3: Address the Issue of Packing Toys
Type Sorting
Classify toys into categories such as stuffed plush toys, action figures, board games, and outdoor toys.
Packing Instructions by Toy Type:
Stuffed Animals:
- Use vacuum-sealed bags to save space.
- Place stuffed toys in medium-sized boxes to avoid strain.
Board Games and Puzzles:
- Use tape to seal box openings to prevent loss of pieces.
- Store games and puzzles flat to ensure safety.
Small Toys (Action Figures, Building Blocks):
- Place small toys in zip-top bags for easier storage.
- Label bags to find what you need without hassle.
Outdoor Toys:
- Wash and dry outdoor toys such as scooters or plastic equipment before packing.
- Use stretch wrap to bundle larger outdoor items.
Step 4: Protect Fragile or Sentimental Toys
Take extra measures to carefully pack toys with sentimental or financial value.
Tips for Protecting Delicate Toys:
- Use bubble wrap to wrap each toy gently but firmly.
- Place toys in solid boxes with protective foam at the base.
- Fill any cavities inside the box with packing paper.
Step 5: Label and Organize
Proper labeling ensures a more organized unpacking experience.
How to Label Effectively:
- Write the child’s name and the contents on each box.
- Use labels such as “Fragile” where necessary.
- Use color-coded labels to make sorting through boxes easier.
Additional Tips for Packing Toys
- Keep Essential Toys Aside: Set aside one small box with a few of the child’s favorite toys.
- Distribute Weight Evenly: Avoid overloading any single box with too many toys.
- Use Transparent Bins: For ease of observation, especially for toys that are not frequently used.
Sample Packing Table
| Toy Type | Packing Material | Storage Position |
|---|---|---|
| Stuffed Animals | Vacuum bags | Box, medium |
| Board Games | Tape, plastic wrap | Boxed and held flat |
| Action Figures | Zip lock bags, bubble wrap | Placed in a number of boxes |
| Outdoor Toys | Stretch wrap, tape | Bundled and labeled |
Conclusion
Moving house with your kids’ toys does not have to be daunting. With proper sorting, packing materials, and organized packing, transporting them to the new house becomes simple. Unpacking will be just as easy as packing if some forethought is applied.