How to Pack Board Games for Moving – Protecting Your Treasured Collection

July 3, 2024Moving Tips
Hannah Michaelson

Hannah is a freelance relocation writer from NYC that has become an expert on packing and unpacking.

Shipping a treasured collection of board games requires careful packaging to ensure they arrive safely at your new home. Proper wrapping techniques can prevent damage to game boxes, pieces, and boards. We’ll cover essential tips on how to pack board games for moving, from organizing and protecting individual components to choosing the right packaging materials. Keep your collection in pristine condition with our effective strategies.

How to Pack Board Games for Moving?

To pack board games for moving to a new state, start by securing each box with rubber bands to keep the lid in place. Be sure to place small pieces in resealable plastic bags and store them inside the box. Wrap the box in bubble wrap to protect it from damage.

Use packaging paper to fill any gaps inside the box to prevent movement. Stack all the wrapped games in a sturdy packaging box, placing heavier pieces at the bottom and lighter ones on top. Fill the remaining spaces with packing paper to keep the items inside from shifting. Label the box as “Fragile Items” to ensure careful handling by your movers from a moving and auto transport company.

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Assessing Your Board Game Collection – What to Pack for Your Upcoming Relocation

Before you start figuring out how to pack and move board games, it’s essential to assess them. Start by decluttering – decide what to keep and what to get rid of when relocating. Which games do you truly enjoy and play often? You can even donate or sell those you no longer need. This step reduces the volume of items to pack and lowers shipping costs.

Next up is organizing game collections – catalog your belongings for relocation inventory and insurance purposes.

Create a detailed packaging list, including the game’s title, condition, and any unique features. Take photos of valuables – this can provide help with any potential insurance claims if damage occurs during shipping.

 

The most popular board game in the US is chess (more than 3 million units sold yearly)

When deciding which boxes to wrap up together, be mindful of their size and fragility. Group similar-sized boxes to maximize space and prevent damage. Packing delicate items requires extra padding or placing them in separate boxes to ensure they remain safe.

Cleaning and Inspection Before Packing

Before packing, clean and inspect each box. Remove dust and debris from boards, pieces, and boxes using a soft cloth or brush. Check for missing pieces by counting components against the game’s inventory list. If you find any missing parts, note them and replace them before relocation day. By cataloging, cleaning, and inspecting your games, you can ensure your collection is well-prepared for the move and arrives safely at your new home.

Various game pieces, dice, and cards on a board
Check if something is missing and dust off your collection before wrapping it

Gathering the Necessary Wrapping Supplies

Proper packing supplies are essential to protect your belongings during shipping. Using the right materials ensures that your treasured collection arrives at its new home safely and in pristine condition. Here’s a list of essential packing materials you’ll need:

How to Pack Board Games for Shipping – Packing Techniques You Need to Know

Start with card games by placing the cards in plastic zip bags to prevent them from spilling. If the original box is flimsy, wrap it in bubble wrap for added protection and place the wrapped box in a small cardboard box or pack it with larger games. For other games, secure the box lids with rubber bands and wrap each box in bubble wrap to protect it from impact.

Place small game pieces in resealable plastic bags inside the game box and fill gaps with packaging paper to prevent movement. For oversized editions, use sturdy boxes that fit the dimensions well and wrap the game in bubble wrap, focusing on corners and edges. Use packaging paper to cushion the game inside the cardboard box.

Individual vs. Group Packaging Strategies

Decide whether to pack your belongings individually or group them based on size, weight, and fragility. Valuable or fragile ones should be packed individually to ensure maximum protection, while smaller or less fragile ones can be grouped to save space.

When grouping, place heavier boxes at the bottom and lighter ones on top, using bubble wrap and packing paper to separate and cushion each game. This strategy maximizes space and provides adequate protection within moving boxes.

Labeling for Easy Unpacking After Relocation

Labeling boxes correctly is crucial for efficient unpacking after relocation. Clearly mark each box with its contents, such as ” Cards” or “Boxed Games.” Include specific handling instructions like “Fragile” or “This Side Up” to ensure careful handling. Use color-coded labels or stickers to differentiate boxes by room or category, making it easier to organize and unpack your belongings at your new home. Proper labeling ensures that your collection is easily accessible and helps you settle in quickly after your move.

Box with the fragile sign
Be sure to label all boxes clearly, so your movers will handle them with extra care

Transporting and Storing Your Prized Possessions

When transporting board games, place them strategically in the moving truck for optimal protection. Position game boxes on top of heavier items to prevent them from being crushed. Ensure they are upright and not stacked too high to avoid toppling. Use blankets or padding around the boxes to minimize movement and impact during transit.

Professional movers handle fragile items like these with care, using high-quality packing materials and techniques to secure each box. Movers can ensure proper placement in the truck and use cushioning to protect against vibrations and jolts.

Temporary Storage Solutions

For temporary storage solutions, use storage units from USA Auto Transport – this is a part of our standard moving service. Our storage units provide a safe and secure environment for your valuable belongings. Climate-controlled units will protect your games from extreme temperatures and humidity, which can cause warping, mold, and other damage.

Our units maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level, ensuring your board games remain in excellent condition. Additionally, they are equipped with security features like surveillance cameras and access controls, giving you peace of mind that your collection is protected. By choosing a climate-controlled storage unit, you ensure your belongings are stored in optimal conditions until you’re ready to unpack and enjoy them again.

Movers carrying boxes
Not ready to move in? Worry not - our movers can ship your items to a storage unit

Setting Up a Game Collection in Your New Home

When setting up your game collection in your new home, organize and display your favorite pieces to enhance both accessibility and aesthetics. Use sturdy shelving units to accommodate various game sizes, ensuring they are easily reachable. Arrange boxes by category, such as family, strategy, and party games, or alphabetically for easy identification.

To maintain the condition of your precious possessions post-move, store them in a cool, dry room away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and warping. Keep small pieces organized in plastic containers or zip bags inside their boxes to avoid loss. Regularly dust and clean your shelves and boxes to keep everything in top condition. By organizing thoughtfully and taking preventive measures, you can enjoy game nights for years to come.

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How to Safely Transport Your Belongings? Hire a Moving and Car Shipping Company to Take Care of Everything

Hiring movers from a reliable relocation company ensures the safe transport of your belongings – from the smallest household items to shipping cars in the USA. Experienced movers use high-quality packaging materials and techniques to protect your items during transit. They can handle all moving services, from packing and loading to unloading and setting up at your new home, saving you time and effort.

Additionally, a reliable car shipping service – whether open or enclosed auto transport – takes care of transporting your vehicle, ensuring it arrives safely and on time. This comprehensive service minimizes the risk of damage and loss, providing peace of mind throughout your move. Choose between door-to-door auto transport and terminal-to-terminal car shipping and trust professionals to handle your move. This will allow you to focus on settling into your new home without much relocation stress.

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Having reliable movers by your side can take the stress out of your relocation

Reach Out to USA Auto Transport – We Offer Expert Moving Services for Collectors

USA Auto Transport specializes in moving services, perfectly tailored for moving collectibles safely. Whether you have a prized game collection, rare antiques, or delicate artwork, our experienced team ensures safe and secure transport. Trust us to handle your cherished belongings with the utmost care and professionalism. Contact us today to learn how we can make your relocation smooth and stress-free, giving your items the attention they deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving Board Games

What Are the Best Materials to Use for Packing Board Games?

The best materials for packing board games include sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, plastic zip bags, and packing paper. Sturdy boxes provide support during transit, while bubble wrap protects game boxes from impact. Plastic zip bags secure small game pieces, ensuring they don’t get lost. Packing paper fills gaps in boxes to prevent shifting.

How Do I Prevent My Board Games From Getting Damaged During a Move?

To prevent board games from getting damaged during a move, secure all game pieces in plastic zip bags and place them inside the game boxes. Wrap each game box in bubble wrap to protect against impact. Use sturdy boxes and fill empty spaces with packaging paper to prevent movement. Position game boxes upright and place them on top of heavier items in the moving truck to avoid crushing. Label boxes as “Fragile” and “This Side Up” to ensure careful handling.

Is It Better to Pack Board Games Individually or Together?

Whether to pack board games individually or together depends on their size, weight, and fragility. Valuable or fragile games should be packed individually for maximum protection. Smaller or less fragile games can be grouped together to save space. When grouping, place heavier games at the bottom and lighter ones on top, using bubble wrap and packing paper to separate and cushion each game.

What Should I Do if a Board Game Has Many Loose Pieces?

If a board game has many loose pieces, place all pieces in plastic zip bags to prevent loss. Secure the bags inside the game box and fill the gaps with packing paper. Wrap the game box in bubble wrap for additional protection. This ensures all pieces are kept together and the game box is protected from damage during the move.

How Can I Ensure Easy Access to My Board Games After Moving?

To ensure easy access to your board games after moving, label each box clearly with the contents and the room it goes to. Use color-coded labels or stickers to differentiate between boxes. Organize the boxes by room or category when unloading them from the truck. Place the labeled boxes in their designated rooms to make unpacking more efficient.

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