How to Pack Toys for Moving: A Step-by-Step Guide

22 December 2024

Moving to a new home is an exciting time, but the packing process can quickly become overwhelming — especially when it comes to packing toys. Toys can be tricky to pack due to their variety of sizes, shapes and materials, making it difficult to keep them organized and protected. By following these tips, you can create a smooth, organized packing process and ensure that your little one’s toys make it to your new home safely.

1. Sort and Declutter Before You Begin Packing Toys

The first step in packing toys is to sort through them. Over the years, kids accumulate toys that they may no longer use. Take some time to go through their collection, discarding broken or unused items. This will make the packing process easier and more efficient, and it can help minimize clutter in your new home. You can donate toys that are in good condition to make a positive impact.

Sorting toys also allows you to categorize them for easier packing later. Consider grouping toys by type (dolls, action figures, building blocks, stuffed animals, puzzles) — so you can handle each category according to its specific packaging needs.

2. Use the Right Packing Materials for Toy Packaging

Proper children’s toy packaging is essential to ensure that toys are protected during the move. Start by gathering the necessary packing supplies, including:

  • Small and Medium-Sized Boxes. These are ideal for most toys. You can use sturdy, regular-sized boxes for larger toys and more specialized items.
  • Bubble Wrap. For fragile toys or those with delicate parts, such as dolls with porcelain faces or intricate playsets, wrap them securely in bubble wrap.
  • Packing Peanuts. Fill any extra space in boxes to prevent toys from shifting and getting damaged during transit.
  • Plastic Bags or Ziplock Bags. Use these for small items like toy accessories, parts of playsets, or individual pieces of toys. This ensures that nothing gets lost or mixed up.

Using quality materials like bubble wrap, packing peanuts and sturdy boxes will help protect your toys and minimize the risk of breakage during transport. If you decide to hire professional moving services, they provide all the essential packing materials needed to ensure your toys are well-protected during the move.

3. Disassemble Large or Complex Toys

Many toys, such as large playsets, ride-on toys, or even complex LEGO structures, require some disassembly before packing. This not only makes the packing toys process more manageable but also reduces the risk of damage. Take apart any large pieces and store the smaller components in plastic bags or boxes with clear labels.

For children’s toy packaging, it’s important to keep all parts together so nothing gets misplaced. Tape screws, bolts, and small pieces to the corresponding parts of the toy, or store them in ziplock bags and tape the bags to the main part of the toy. This will save you time and frustration when reassembling the toys at your new home.

4. Label Your Boxes Clearly

To make packing toys more efficient, consider using reusable containers or items you already have at home.

  • Label each box with the type of toys inside (e.g., "Stuffed Animals," "Action Figures," or "Puzzles").
  • For extra clarity, you can add "Fragile" or "Keep Upright" to boxes containing delicate toys.
  • Also, consider labeling boxes with the names of your children or the room where the toys will go (e.g., "Emma's Bedroom"). This will help the movers know exactly where to place each box and will save you time when unpacking.


5. Consider the Right Containers for Different Types of Toys

For bulkier toys like plush animals or large dolls, consider using storage bins or oversized plastic containers with lids. These are sturdy and can protect soft toys from dust and dirt during the move. They are also reusable and can double as storage in your new home.

For smaller toys like action figures or board games, you can use medium-sized boxes or sturdy storage bags. If possible, keep original children’s toy packaging for high-value or collectible toys, as this can provide added protection during transport.

6. Pack Favorite Toys Last for Easy Access

Packing toys that your children like most after all other and ensuring they are easily accessible. This is especially helpful if you have young children who might want to play with their favorite toys in the final days before the move.

Also, prepare a moving day bag, as recommended in the moving with kids checklist. This bag should contain their most loved items, such as:

  • favorite toys;
  • books;
  • blankets.

Having these familiar objects easily accessible will help your children feel more secure and calm during the move.

7. Unpack Toys First to Settle Your Children In

Once you arrive at your new home, unpack your children's toys first. This will help them feel more settled and at ease during the moving process. Having familiar toys around can comfort them during a time of transition and help them adapt to the new environment faster.

All these 7 tips on how to pack toys for moving will help you ensure your children's toys are safely packed and easily accessible, making the move smoother and more organized. But you can also make the packing toys process easier.

8. Hire professional movers for efficiently children's toy packaging

Experienced movers have the right expertise and equipment to handle the delicate and often complicated process of packing toys. From plush dolls to intricate playsets, professionals know how to secure toys in a way that prevents damage during transit.

They use high-quality children’s toy packaging materials such as bubble wrap, padded boxes and shrink wrap to protect fragile or large items. With professional movers taking care of the packing, you can focus on other aspects of your move while ensuring that your children's toys are safely and securely transported to your new home.

Move4U packers and movers are experts in how to pack toys for moving, ensuring that your child’s favorite belongings are packed securely and protected during transit. With specialized packing materials and techniques, they take extra care to preserve the condition of toys, from delicate stuffed animals to complex playsets. Their attention to detail ensures that everything arrives at your new home in the same great condition, providing peace of mind during your move.


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