How to Pack Toys for Moving Across the Country

August 24, 2023Moving Tips
Maya Brown

Born in Atlanta, Maya has called many places home in her lifetime. She's a content writer and moving expert who loves to help people relocate smoothly

The excitement of a new adventure and big changes ahead can be overwhelming, especially if you have children. When the little ones are mixed into the equation, one important aspect to consider is how to pack toys for moving. From proper storage to thoughtful organization strategies, here’s the ultimate guide to transporting your kids’ toys while maximizing space and efficiency.

Every move should start with sorting and decluttering; your kids’ toy collection is no exception. It’s necessary to prepare the items you’re bringing by cleaning them, disassembling the larger ones, and removing batteries if there are some. Plenty of different strategies for stuffed animals, board games, and delicate items exist, so let’s go over some of the most useful tips.

Start by Sorting and Decluttering

No matter if you’re relocating to the suburbs or to another state, it’s essential to tackle the task of decluttering before embarking on any move. It lightens the load, as simple as that. And really, this is the perfect opportunity to sort through your children’s toy collection and weed out items that are no longer used or age-appropriate.

But don’t just throw away the items you want to get rid of. For the playthings that are in good condition but no longer serve a purpose, donating them to local charities or organizations such as Goodwill can bring joy to other children in need. Additionally, selling some online or organizing a yard sale can not only help you in the decluttering process but also get you some extra cash for the relocation budget.

A list of things to do written on a napkin
Donating or selling the things you no longer need is a good way to lighten the load

Next Is Gathering Packing Supplies

When it comes to relocating your belongings from one place to another, having the right packing materials is crucial. But when you’re moving with kids, it’s even more important to take that extra step and ensure you have everything you could possibly need.

Here’s a list of essential packing supplies for toys that will help you get started:

  • Boxes in various sizes – consider using smaller boxes for heavier toys and larger boxes for bulkier items,
  • Packing paper – it’s best to provide an extra layer of protection to wrap the most delicate items,
  • Bubble wrap or foam padding – for extra cushioning, use bubble wrap or foam padding to wrap the most fragile or valuable playthings,
  • Sealable plastic bags – great for small parts or accessories that can easily get lost during a move,
  • Packing tape – for sealing the boxes securely and making sure nothing gets lost in the process,
  • Markers – labeling each box will make unpacking and organizing items at your new home much easier.

Finding these supplies shouldn’t be a hassle – office supply stores or reputable movers offer a wide selection of boxes, bubble wrap, and other packing materials. Just remember to stock up on these essentials and avoid last-minute moving, ensuring you have enough supplies to handle your kids’ toy collection.

A BETTER WAY FOR MOVING!

GET A QUOTE

How to Pack Toys for Moving – Prepare Everything

Packing for kids is no easy task, but with proper organization, it can be done smoothly and without any unnecessary stress. Taking the time to prepare and pack your children’s playthings properly will ensure that they arrive at your new home in excellent condition and are ready for playtime right away, so consider it an integral part of your relocation to-do list.

toys outside
If you prepare everything in advance, it will be easy to relocate

Step-By-Step Instructions for Preparing Toys Before Packing

Before you start packing up your kids’ toy collection, it’s essential to go through a few important steps to ensure their safety and maintain their longevity during the move. For the whole ordeal to go over smoothly, make sure to follow the guidelines:

Clean and Sanitize Toys, Especially Those That Are Frequently Handled or Used

Cleaning is a crucial part of relocation – there’s the move-out cleaning, which should also be incorporated into your new apartment checklist. But make sure you don’t skip over cleaning the items you’re bringing with you, especially the ones that your children handle or use often.

It’s best to wash plastic items with mild soap and water, while fabric playthings can be machine-washed or spot-cleaned as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Doing this not only keeps your kids’ most prized possessions hygienic but also removes dirt and grime that could potentially damage or stain other items during transport.

Disassemble Larger Toys and Separate Smaller Parts

For larger playthings with removable parts or accessories, disassemble them to make packing more efficient. Place small parts, such as screws or detachable components, in labeled plastic bags and securely tape them to the main toy or keep them together in a designated box. This will help prevent loss and make reassembly easier in your new home.

Remove Batteries From Electronic Toys to Prevent Corrosion or Damage

Some items might have batteries that can leak or corrode during transit, potentially causing damage. To avoid this, make sure to remove the batteries from all electronic playthings before you go ahead and pack them. It’s best to place these batteries in a separate sealed bag or container and pack them with other essentials for easy access when you arrive.

Go Over Different Packing Strategies

Chances are your kids’ toy collection comes in all different shapes and sizes, which means there are plenty of different strategies to employ when packing them for a move. Ensuring that each type of toy is packed properly will help protect them during transportation and make unpacking a breeze.

Stuffed Animals and Soft Toys

When it comes to moving stuffed animals and other soft playthings, it’s a bit like packing clothes. Firstly, ensure they’re freshly laundered or cleaned according to their care instructions. Then, place them in sealable plastic bags to keep them protected from moisture or dirt during the move.

The good news is that there’s no need to figure out how to wrap a stuffed animal – a sealable plastic bag will do just fine. You can also use vacuum-sealed bags to compress them, saving space in your boxes. For those looking to hire a car shipping company and employ some ingenious relocating hacks along the way, you can also check with your chosen mover if some of those stuffed animals can be transported inside your prized ride.

Board Games and Puzzles

Board games and puzzles can be bulky, so keeping their components organized is crucial. Tape the boxes shut to prevent them from accidentally opening during transport. If some of them are damaged or not sturdy enough, it’s best to put the game components into sealable bags and label them clearly.

Small Toys and Action Figures

For small items and action figures, it’s best to use compartmentalized containers or small, sealable bags to keep them organized. Make sure to group similar items together, and consider using dividers or egg cartons so that all of them stay in place.

Delicate or Fragile Toys

When packing fragile items, extra care is obviously needed. So, wrap any delicate things from the toy collection individually in bubble wrap or packing paper and secure them with tape. For added protection, place them in smaller boxes with cushioning materials such as packing peanuts or foam padding. And last but definitely not least – label the boxes as “fragile.”

Family unpacking moving boxes in living room
Staying organized during the move will help you a lot once it's time to unpack

Don’t Forget About Organizing and Labeling

The whole ordeal is not done as soon as you get to the new state – there’s also a lot to do after the move. That’s why creating an inventory list and properly labeling the boxes can go a long way in making the unpacking process more efficient and helping you locate specific items easily.

Here are some helpful tips for organizing and labeling your packed toy boxes:

  • Before you start putting everything into boxes, create an inventory list of all the playthings you plan on bringing with you,
  • As you pack, label each box by category, making it easier to prioritize unpacking based on your children’s preferences,
  • Consider adding additional details to the labels, such as the age range or favorite characters associated with the toys,
  • If you prefer a visual system, you can assign different colors to different categories,
  • Make sure to label the boxes with fragile items, as this will remind you and anyone assisting the move to handle those boxes with added caution.

If you want some additional tips for organizing the whole ordeal, here’s a helpful video:

YouTube video

Hire Professional Long-Distance Movers to Assist You

When facing a life-altering event such as relocating, the thought of managing all the logistics and tasks involved can be overwhelming, especially if you have kids. That’s where professional movers come in to save the day – reliable professionals such as the USA Auto Transport company and their moving services can provide you with invaluable assistance and peace of mind.

In addition to hiring professional movers, you may also require the assistance of a car shipping company if you need to move your family vehicle. So, contact us and see for yourself – shipping cars in the USA has never been as easy. No matter if you’re in need of door-to-door auto transport or terminal-to-terminal car shipping, with either our enclosed auto transport or the open trailer shipping service, we’ll assist you every step of the way.

Enclosed Auto Transport

Read More

Open Carrier Auto Transport

Read More

With Our Guide, You’ll Bring the Toys to a New Home

With this ultimate guide, you’ll smoothly pack your children’s toys for a long-distance move. From sorting and decluttering to gathering the right supplies and employing various strategies, we’ve covered all the essential steps. All that’s left to do is embrace the adventure and create a joyful space for your family in your new home. Good luck and happy moving!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How Can I Protect Delicate or Valuable Toys During the Move?

Wrap delicate or valuable items individually in bubble wrap or packing paper. Place them in boxes with cushioning materials to prevent damage during transit.

Should I Disassemble Large Toys Completely or Partially?

It depends on the toy. Disassemble the larger ones partially, removing detachable parts or accessories and securing them separately.

What Precautions Should I Take for Toys with Electronic Components?

Remove batteries from electronic items to prevent corrosion or damage during the move. Consider storing the batteries in a separate sealed bag or container for easy access at your new home.

How Should I Pack and Transport Large Ride-On Toys or Play Structures?

Disassemble large ride-on toys or play structures to the extent possible. Wrap individual parts in bubble wrap or moving blankets and securely fasten them together for transportation. Consider using a truck or professional movers for larger items.

Is It Necessary to Individually Wrap Each Toy?

It’s not necessary to individually wrap every toy, but it’s recommended for delicate or valuable items. For small toys, consider grouping them together in sealable bags or compartments to keep them organized and prevent loss.

Get a Quote

    check mark
    Download as PDF

    Moving Checklist

    Get a Free Estimate 855.675.3451