Moving to a new home can be both exciting and stressful, especially when it comes to packing up your belongings. One area that requires careful consideration is packing your children’s toys. Not only do you want to ensure that they are protected during the move, but you also want to make sure that they are easy to unpack and set up in their new play area.
When it comes to packing toys, there are several factors to consider, including the type of toy, its fragility, and the size of the toy. For example, stuffed animals may require different packing supplies than action figures or board games. Additionally, you may want to consider donating any toys that your child has outgrown or no longer plays with to make the move easier and declutter your home. In this guide, we will provide tips and tricks for packing different types of toys in moving boxes to make your move as smooth as possible.
Sorting Toys
When preparing to move, sorting your toys is an important step to ensure they are packed correctly and arrive at your new home safely. Sorting toys can be a fun activity for kids and adults alike. Here are some ways to sort your toys:
By Type
Sorting toys by type is a great way to ensure that similar items are packed together. This can make it easier to find specific toys when you arrive at your new home. Here are some common toy types to consider when sorting:
- Small toys: These toys can include items like Legos, action figures, and Barbie accessories. It’s important to pack small toys tightly to prevent them from shifting during the move.
- Stuffed animals: These toys can be packed together in a box, but it’s important to ensure that they are not too tightly packed. Overstuffed boxes can make it difficult to move and can damage the toys.
- Porcelain dolls: These delicate toys should be packed with extra care to prevent damage. Wrap each doll in bubble wrap and pack them in a box with plenty of packing material.
- Vintage toys: These toys may require special handling due to their age and value. Consider packing them separately or with extra padding to ensure they arrive safely.
- Children’s toys: These toys can include items like board games, puzzles, and building blocks. Pack them together in a box and label the box clearly.
By Age Range
Sorting toys by age range can be helpful if you have children of different ages. This can make it easier to unpack specific toys for each child. Here are some age ranges to consider when sorting:
- Infant toys: These toys can include items like rattles and teething toys. Pack them together in a box and label the box clearly.
- Toddler toys: These toys can include items like shape sorters and plush toys. Pack them together in a box and label the box clearly.
- Preschool toys: These toys can include items like play kitchens and dress-up clothes. Pack them together in a box and label the box clearly.
- School-age toys: These toys can include items like board games and sports equipment. Pack them together in a box and label the box clearly.
By sorting your toys by type and age range, you can ensure that they are packed correctly and arrive safely at your new home.
Preparing Toys for Packing
Before packing your toys, it’s important to prepare them properly to ensure they arrive at your new home in good condition. Here are some steps you can take to prepare your toys for packing:
Cleaning
Cleaning your toys before packing them is essential to prevent any dirt or grime from damaging them during transport. Use mild soap and water to clean plastic toys and a soft cloth to clean stuffed animals. For wooden toys, use a damp cloth and avoid using too much water to prevent warping.
Removing Batteries
Batteries can leak and damage toys during transport, so it’s important to remove them before packing. For toys with removable batteries, simply take them out and store them separately. For toys with built-in batteries, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions on how to remove them.
Disassembling Toys
Disassembling toys can make packing them easier and prevent them from getting damaged. For example, take apart building sets like LEGO or K’NEX and pack the pieces in separate bags. For porcelain dolls or other collector items, wrap them carefully in bubble wrap or towels and pack them separately.
Here are some additional tips for preparing specific types of toys:
- Board games: Remove any loose pieces and store them in a separate bag. Tape the bag to the bottom of the game board to keep everything together.
- Action figures: Remove any accessories and place them in a separate bag. Wrap the figure in bubble wrap and secure it with tape.
- Plush toys: Use a lint roller or vacuum to remove any dirt or hair. Place them in a plastic bag to keep them clean during transport.
By taking the time to properly prepare your toys for packing, you can ensure they arrive at your new home in good condition and are ready to be enjoyed once again.
Packing Supplies
When it comes to packing toys for a move, having the right packing supplies is crucial. Here are the essential packing supplies you will need:
Types of Boxes
There are different types of boxes available for packing toys. You can choose from small, medium, and large boxes depending on the size of your toys. It is recommended to use sturdy boxes that can handle the weight of your toys. You can also use plastic bins/boxes to pack toys that are fragile or valuable.
Packing Paper and Bubble Wrap
Packing paper and bubble wrap provide extra cushioning when packing toys. They help protect your toys from damage during transit. You can use crushed packing paper, bubble wrap, newspaper, or towels to wrap your toys. Make sure to wrap each toy individually and secure it with packing tape.
Packing Tape and Markers
Packing tape is an essential item for securing your boxes. Use strong packing tape to seal your boxes shut and prevent them from opening during transit. Markers are also important for labeling your boxes. Use a permanent marker to write the contents of the box and the room it belongs to. This will make it easier to unpack your toys when you arrive at your new home.
Peanuts and Foam Wrap
Peanuts and foam wrap are used to fill empty spaces in your boxes. They help prevent your toys from shifting during transit. You can also use them to provide extra cushioning for fragile toys. Make sure to fill any gaps in your boxes with peanuts or foam wrap to keep your toys safe.
Labels
Labels are an important part of packing toys for a move. They help you keep track of your boxes and make it easier to unpack when you arrive at your new home. Use labels to identify the contents of each box and the room it belongs to. You can also use “fragile” labels for boxes that contain delicate toys.
In summary, having the right packing supplies is essential for packing toys for a move. Use sturdy boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, packing tape, markers, peanuts, foam wrap, and labels to ensure your toys arrive at your new home safe and sound.
Packing Different Types of Toys
When it comes to packing toys for a move, it’s important to consider the type of toy you are packing. Different toys require different packing methods to ensure they arrive at your new home in good condition. Here’s a guide on how to pack different types of toys for moving.
Stuffed Toys
Stuffed toys are soft and cuddly, but they can also be fragile. To pack them, follow these steps:
- Wash the stuffed toys before packing them to remove any dirt or dust.
- Wrap each toy in packing paper or bubble wrap and secure the wrapping with tape.
- Place the wrapped toys in a sturdy cardboard box.
- Fill any gaps in the box with packing peanuts or crumpled packing paper to prevent the toys from shifting during transport.
Board Games and Puzzles
Board games and puzzles can be bulky and heavy, so it’s important to pack them carefully. Here’s how:
- Remove any loose pieces from the games or puzzles and place them in a resealable plastic bag.
- Wrap the game or puzzle box in packing paper or bubble wrap and secure the wrapping with tape.
- Place the wrapped box in a sturdy cardboard box.
- Fill any gaps in the box with packing peanuts or crumpled packing paper to prevent the box from shifting during transport.
Action Figures and Toy Trucks
Action figures and toy trucks are often made of plastic and can be fragile. Here’s how to pack them:
- Wrap each toy in packing paper or bubble wrap and secure the wrapping with tape.
- Place the wrapped toys in a sturdy cardboard box.
- Fill any gaps in the box with packing peanuts or crumpled packing paper to prevent the toys from shifting during transport.
Fragile Toys
Some toys are more fragile than others, such as porcelain dolls or model airplanes. To pack them, follow these steps:
- Wrap each toy in packing paper or bubble wrap and secure the wrapping with tape.
- Place the wrapped toys in a sturdy cardboard box.
- Fill any gaps in the box with packing peanuts or crumpled packing paper to prevent the toys from shifting during transport.
Soft Toys
Soft toys, such as teddy bears or blankets, can be packed in a similar way to stuffed toys. Here’s how:
- Wash the soft toys before packing them to remove any dirt or dust.
- Wrap each toy in packing paper or bubble wrap and secure the wrapping with tape.
- Place the wrapped toys in a sturdy cardboard box.
- Fill any gaps in the box with packing peanuts or crumpled packing paper to prevent the toys from shifting during transport.
Vintage Toys
Vintage toys, such as old-fashioned dolls or antique cars, require extra care when packing. Here’s how:
- Wrap each toy in packing paper or bubble wrap and secure the wrapping with tape.
- Place the wrapped toys in a sturdy cardboard box.
- Fill any gaps in the box with packing peanuts or crumpled packing paper to prevent the toys from shifting during transport.
- Consider getting insurance for your vintage toys in case they are damaged during transport.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your toys arrive at your new home safely and in good condition.
Securing Boxes
When packing toys for moving, it’s important to secure the boxes to prevent any damage during transport. Here are some tips on how to secure your boxes:
Ziploc Bags and Plastic Bags
For small toys or toys with small parts, consider using Ziploc bags or other plastic bags. This will keep the toys organized and prevent any pieces from getting lost during the move. Be sure to label the bags with the name of the toy or the contents of the bag.
Crushed Packing Paper
To provide extra cushioning for your toys, use crushed packing paper. Line the bottom of the box with a layer of packing paper, then wrap each toy individually in packing paper before placing it in the box. Fill any empty spaces with more packing paper to prevent the toys from shifting during transport.
Garbage Bags
For larger toys or stuffed animals, consider using garbage bags. Place the toy in the bag and tie it closed, then place the bag in the box. This will keep the toy clean and protected during the move.
Remember to label each box with the contents and indicate if the contents are fragile. Use packing tape to secure the box shut and reinforce the corners of the box with extra tape.
By using these tips, you can help ensure that your toys arrive at your new home safely and in good condition.
Donating, Selling, or Discarding Toys
When packing toys for a move, you may find that you have more toys than you want or need. Instead of packing them up and taking them with you, consider donating, selling, or discarding them. This can help declutter your home and make moving easier. Here are some tips for each option:
Donation
Donating toys is a great way to give back to your community and help children in need. There are many organizations that accept toy donations, including:
- Local charities: Check with your local charities to see if they accept toy donations. Some charities may have specific guidelines for the types of toys they accept.
- Hospitals: Many hospitals accept toy donations for their pediatric wards. Check with your local hospital to see if they have any specific needs or guidelines.
- Schools: Schools may accept toy donations for their classrooms or for children in need.
Before donating toys, make sure they are clean and in good condition. Check with the organization to see if they have any specific guidelines for donations.
Selling
If you have toys that are in good condition but you no longer need them, consider selling them. You can sell toys online or at a garage sale. Some options for selling toys include:
- eBay: eBay is a popular online marketplace for selling toys and other items. Make sure to take clear photos and provide accurate descriptions of your toys.
- Facebook Marketplace: Facebook Marketplace is another online marketplace where you can sell toys. You can list your items for sale and communicate with potential buyers through Facebook Messenger.
- Garage sale: If you prefer to sell your toys in person, consider having a garage sale. Make sure to price your toys competitively and advertise your sale in advance.
Discarding
If you have toys that are broken or in poor condition, you may need to discard them. Here are some options for discarding toys:
- Recycling: If your toys are made of plastic or other recyclable materials, check with your local recycling center to see if they accept them.
- Trash: If your toys are not recyclable, you may need to throw them away. Make sure to dispose of them properly.
- Donation centers: Some donation centers may accept broken toys for recycling or disposal.
In conclusion, donating, selling, or discarding toys can help declutter your home and make moving easier. Make sure to consider each option carefully and choose the one that is best for you and your toys.
Essential Tips for Moving with Kids’ Toys
Moving with kids can be a stressful experience, especially when it comes to packing their toys. Here are some essential tips to make the process easier and more organized.
Pack an Essentials Bag
Before you start packing the toys, make sure to pack an essentials bag with all the necessary items your kids may need during the moving process. This could include snacks, drinks, diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes. Keep this bag easily accessible during the move so that you can quickly access these items when needed.
Involve Kids in Packing Session
Involving your kids in the packing process can make them feel more comfortable and in control during the move. Let them help you pack their toys and ask them to choose which toys they want to bring with them. This can also be a great opportunity to declutter and donate any toys they no longer need or use.
Pack Toys in Smaller Boxes
When it comes to packing toys, it’s best to use smaller boxes. This will make it easier to carry and transport the boxes, and also prevent the toys from shifting around and getting damaged during the move. You can also use packing paper, bubble wrap, or towels to provide extra cushioning for fragile toys.
Remove Batteries and Securely Pack Accessories
Before packing any toys that require batteries, make sure to remove them to avoid any potential hazards during the move. Additionally, make sure to securely pack any accessories or small parts that may come loose during the move. You can use sealable plastic bags or small containers to keep them organized and prevent them from getting lost.
By following these essential tips, you can make the process of packing your kids’ toys for a move easier and less stressful. Remember to involve your kids in the process and keep their essentials bag easily accessible during the move to ensure a smoother transition.
