Moving often creates a whirlwind of emotions, especially when it involves sorting through cherished belongings such as your child’s toys. Whether you’re relocating or looking to reorganizing your home, learning how to efficiently pack toys for moving and storage will help you keep these treasures in great condition for years.
This guide will walk you through the steps needed to safeguard your toys, making the process a comforting journey with as little stress as possible.
Take an Inventory of the Toys
Begin by taking a thorough inventory of your toys. This step is crucial, as it helps you understand what you have, making the subsequent steps more manageable.
Next, lay out all your toys and categorize them. Creating distinct categories will help simplify the packing and unpacking process. It also allows you to reminisce and share moments with your family, creating a warm and comforting atmosphere during the move.
Decide Which Toys Are Going Into Storage
Once you take stock of all your toys, decide which ones will accompany you to your new home and which ones will go into storage. Involve your children in the decision-making process to remain respectful of their feelings and make moving feel like a family project.
This step is about making thoughtful choices that help you avoid cluttering your new home. You can keep the toys that continue to bring joy and comfort and send the remaining toys to a new temporary home in storage.
Prepare Your Toys for the Move
Preparation is essential when trying to keep items safe during a move. You should clean each toy according to its material. For example, plush toys may require a gentle wash, while plastic toys are safe to wipe down.
It’s important to dry your toys before packing them to prevent mold and mildew growth. For toys with multiple parts, consider disassembling them for more efficient packing and to prevent damage. This care and attention for your toys will help them remain in good working condition and protect the memories attached to each one.
Gather Your Moving Supplies
With your toys sorted and prepared, it’s time to gather your moving supplies. You’ll need sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, and tape. Choosing high-quality packing materials is an investment in the safety of your toys.
Additionally, consider using specialty containers for unique or fragile items to ensure they receive the protection they deserve during the move.
Assemble the Moving/Storage Containers
Before packing, assemble your moving and storage containers. Reinforce the bottom of the boxes with tape for added security. If you’re using plastic bins, make sure they’re clean and dry.
Labeling each container with its contents will streamline the unpacking process, helping each toy find its way back into the arms of its owner or safely into storage.
Carefully Pack the Toys Inside the Containers
Packing the toys requires patience and care. Wrap fragile items individually in bubble wrap or packing paper. For plush toys, consider using vacuum-seal bags to save space while protecting them from dirt and moisture.
Arrange the toys in the containers by size and fragility, placing heavier items at the bottom and lighter ones on top. Fill any gaps with packing peanuts or crumpled paper to prevent the toys from shifting during the move.
Don’t Overpack Your Containers
One common mistake when packing toys is to overpack containers or boxes. While it might seem like a space-saving solution, cramming too many toys into one box can lead to damage and breakage.
Instead, opt for sturdy boxes or containers that fit the size of the toys you need to pack. This strategy will prevent items from shifting around during transit and minimize the risk of damage.
Tips for Packing Stuffed Animals
Most children have a favorite stuffed animal that’s the star of their toy collection. It’s important to protect these items and preserve the memories attached to them.
While packing stuffed animals appears easy, it does have its challenges. For example, a stuffed bear is easy to crush or tear during transit. Because of the potential for damage, it’s best to pack these items with extreme care.
Start by sorting through your collection and donating any toys that your child no longer wants or needs. Then, pack the remaining stuffed animals in sturdy boxes, padding the bottom and sides with soft materials such as blankets or towels. You can also use vacuum-sealed bags to compress larger stuffed animals and save space.
Tips for Packing Fragile Toys
If you have fragile toys or collectibles that need packing, it’s essential to pack these items carefully. Doing so will keep them intact during transit and ensure they arrive at their destination in prime condition.
Start by wrapping each item individually in bubble wrap or packing paper, paying special attention to any delicate parts or pieces. Then, place the wrapped toys in sturdy boxes, filling any empty space with packing peanuts or crumpled paper to prevent shifting during transit.
Disassembling Larger Toys
When dealing with larger toys or playsets, consider disassembling them before packing to save space and prevent damage. Start by taking photos of the toy or playset before you disassemble it. These photos will give you a reference for how to put it back together later.
Then, carefully disassemble the toy, keeping track of any screws or small parts in a labeled bag or container. Once disassembled, pack each part securely in a sturdy box, wrapping any delicate pieces in bubble wrap or packing paper for added protection.
How To Pack a Giant Playroom
Packing a giant playroom can seem completely overwhelming and anxiety-inducing. However, it’s possible to complete the task efficiently and effectively. You can start by sorting through the toys and separating them into categories, such as stuffed animals, action figures, and building blocks.
Then, pack each category of toys in separate boxes, clearly labeling each box with its contents. Having distinct categories and clear labels will make it easier to unpack and organize your toys once you reach your new home or storage facility.
Capitol North American: Protector of the Toys
Efficiently packing toys for moving and storage requires thoughtful care and consideration. The advice above will help you protect your family’s cherished items and allow them to remain part of your family’s story.
For the toys moving to storage, consider the professional warehouse storage services of Capitol North American. Our storage facilities will protect your toys from the outside elements and give you peace of mind knowing they remain within reach.
With our help, you can feel confident that your toys will arrive safely at their new home or storage unit, ready for the next adventure.
