How to Pack Toys for Moving

Protecting toys during a long-distance move 

Relocating to another state is an adventure for the whole family, especially when you’re moving with kids. While traveling to your new home is exciting, it’s only natural for kids to worry about their toys during the trip. Will everything make it there safely? 

It’s easy to transport toys if you know the right steps for packing them, and the moving experts at U-Pack have gathered all the best tips to get you started. 

Check out this video for a quick overview: 

Steps for packing toys
 

1. Gather these packing materials  

Here’s what you’ll need to protect toys: 

• Quart-size and gallon-size zip-top bags 
• Bubble Wrap® or packing paper 
• Packing tape 
• Small and medium moving boxes 

2. Sort and declutter 

Moving is an excellent time to declutter belongings, and toys are no exception. Start by sorting everything into separate categories. You can start broadly with “Keep” and “Donate” piles and work your way toward placing similar items together.  

You might end up with piles of dolls, plush toys, blocks, cars, etc. If possible, get your children involved by letting them select a few favorite toys to travel with them. 

Note: To avoid corrosion and damage to items, be sure to remove batteries from toys that will be placed in storage or might be exposed to extreme temperatures. 

3. Prepare and line boxes 

Set up small and medium boxes by reinforcing the seams with packing tape and lining the bottoms with crushed packing paper or Bubble Wrap.  

4. Bundle and pack smaller toys 

You don’t want building blocks or doll shoes getting lost during the move, so it’s helpful to bundle any loose items before packing. Put items in zip-top bags or create bundles with packing paper or Bubble Wrap.  

Pro Tip: If you already store small toys in plastic containers, you can transport the items inside those. Just fill in any gaps with packing paper or Bubble Wrap before sealing the container lid with packing tape. You can wrap the containers in packing materials or pack them all in a box for extra protection if needed. 

5. Pack larger items 

Most big toys can be placed directly in a lined moving box, but if you’re concerned about damage, wrap them in packing materials or pack them with plush toys for extra cushioning.  

Learn more about packing outdoor toys, like swimming pools and sports equipment. 

6. Pack delicate toys separately 

Anything delicate should be packed separately in a box marked “Fragile.” Take special care when packing anything with easily breakable parts, like model cars, remote-controlled helicopters or porcelain dolls.  

Learn more about packing and moving collectibles.  

7. Keep an inventory

If you don’t want to have to unpack every box at once to find a toy your child wants at the new home, keep an inventory list of what’s packed in each box. You can write details directly on the box or keep a written or digital spreadsheet to keep track of everything.  

8. Fill gaps 

Before closing your moving boxes, fill in any gaps with extra packing materials to keep toys from shifting during the move. 

9. Seal and label the boxes 

Seal the boxes with packing tape and label them for the move. Now you’re all done!  

Want to pack everything else like a pro? Check out our packing tips to keep belongings safe during transit. 

Choose U-Pack for a family-friendly move 

If you haven’t booked your out-of-state move yet, U-Pack can help. We’re a family-friendly DIY moving solution where you pack and load, and then we handle the driving, so you’re free to travel in a personal vehicle.  

Request a free, no-obligation quote online or call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to speak to a moving consultant.  

What’s your child’s favorite toy? Let us know in the comments!