How to Pack a Playroom

Where there are kids, there are lots of toys! When doing a DITY move, it can be overwhelming to pack your kid's playroom and/or toys. With a bit of planning, you'll be able to pack away all the toy pieces safely and securely! Here's how to pack toys with ease. 

Follow these 5 simple steps:

1. Gather the right packing materials 

2. Take time to sort out toys and donate or discard unused items

3. Pack toys by type, size and fragility 

4. Set aside a "toy care package" of must-have items

5. Label ALL boxes, bins and bags 

Step 1: Gather the right packing materials

The first step in successfully packing a playroom and/or kid's toys is to have the right materials. Take the time to purchase the best materials to make it a painless packing process. The types of toys you have in your home more than likely vary in size, shape, style, etc. based on your kids' hobbies, age and interests. Assess the overall quantity and how they are constructed. 

What you'll need for this step: 

-Small, medium and large packing boxes

-Packing tape to secure boxes

-Heavy paper for wrapping items and adding padding to the boxes

-Bubble wrap or foam for fragile toys

-Permanent markers to label

Step 2: Take time to sort out toys and donate or discard unused items

It's crazy how many toys you can accumulate over the years. Avoid moving unnecessary items by donating or discarding them. During sorting the toys, you'll likely find some that are missing parts, so have a trash bag or donation bag ready. 

What you'll need for this step: 

-Large bags to place sorted items ready for donation or discard 

-donation stickers to label bags that won't be moving with you

Step 3: Pack toys by type, size and fragility

Now that the toys have been sorted, it's time to focus on moving them efficiently. Many toys have odd shapes, so preparing them to be packed for moving is key. Keep like toys grouped together such as board games, arts and crafts, building blocks, trucks and cars, dress up clothes, etc. Avoid taking up box space by storing stuffed animals in clear bags. Place toys with small parts in ziplock bags to avoid being lost. Remember that moving boxes can sometimes be dropped, so be sure to wrap those fragile items. 

What you'll need for this step:

-Size-specific moving boxes

-Clear zippered storage bags

-Bubble wrap and/or foam wrap for fragile toys

-Ziplock bags 

-Marker to label 

Step 4: Set aside a "toy care package" of must-have items

This step is one that your kids can enjoy and help with. While most of their toys will be packed and loaded, certain toys should stay out of the box to help keep them entertained during your move. Have them pick a few must-have toys (or select them yourself depending on your child's age). Create a little care package using a backpack or small bag to store their selected toys. 

What you'll need for this step: 

-Designated bag for each child to store toys

-Age appropriate book about moving day and saying goodbye 

-A notebook that includes what toys have been packed and what toys will be staying out 

Step 5: Label ALL boxes, bins and bags 

Once the toys have been secured in their boxes, bins and/or bags, specifically label them to know what is in each. Take it to the next level by writing out the contents so you're not guessing which box contains board games and which one contains art supplies. It will ultimately save time and headaches of digging through boxes at your new home for that one specific toy. 

What you'll need for this step:

-Marker to label all boxes, bins and bags

-Room-specific moving box labels (EX. "Name's Bedroom", Playroom, etc.)

-Fragile stickers to place on boxes with delicate toys

#PCSPro Tips:

1. Leave the toy packing until as close to the end as possible. This keeps kids happy and occupied while you are busy packing the rest of your home. 

2. Double-check that toys have been drained of water (water guns, sprinklers, etc.).

3. Remove batteries to avoid damage.

4. Make packing fun. Include your kids by playing their favorite music and make a game out of selecting and moving toys.