Packing up a Toy Room

In the next couple of months, we are going to be moving AGAIN for the fourth time in four years! This time we are moving with two kids and the thought of packing all their toys is daunting to say the least. 

Not only do you have to physically pack up the room, but you have the added stress of having to do it in front of the kids. Children, especially toddlers, often find it difficult to adjust to change and the concept of packing up and moving house can be frightening to them. 

Here are a few tips to make packing up the toy room less stressful and more fun and efficient.

1. Start on the toy room sooner rather than later.

Even though it’s hard, this may also prove to be one of the slowest rooms to pack, especially if you are involving your kids in the packing. Starting on it sooner leaves more time to complete it and will allow the kids to ease into and familiarise themselves with the move.

2. Take your kids with you to the supply store.

Let them choose the tape, labels and stickers to pack their things with. Treating it more like a craft project than a chore will help take out the boring element and get them more involved.

3. Conduct an inventory of the toys.

It seems very time consuming, but the best way to avoid a temper tantrum at the other end is to log the toys you’ve decided to keep in an inventory. Smaller toys are easily lost during the move. As kids tend to grow attached to their toys, it’ll make finding their toys easier after the move.

4. Turn packing into a game. 

One of the simplest ways to get your kids on board is to create a categorical game out of packing the toys. Hiring boxes is often the easiest and cost effective ways to go and Hire a Box offers different sized boxes for almost any need. Matching the toy with the right box will help your child associate packing with fun and will make it less scary for them.

5. Use crumpled newspaper for extra padding in the boxes.

Kids’ toys are often fiddly and oddly shaped. To avoid rattling and damaging all the individual items, crumple old newspapers to fill in the gaps in the boxes.

6. Clean as you pack.

Who knows what’s been hiding under that cabinet stuffed with toys that have seen better days? Save time by keeping a vacuum, spray and wipe handy. Take advantage as spaces become clear and clean as you go.

7. Keep sharp objects away from the kids.

Absolutely a no brainer, but if you’ve got your kids on board with the packing, make sure the box cutters and scissors are out of range.

8. Pack the larger objects first.

That big doll house should be one of the first things to pack. All of the little figurines, balls and mini toy cars can go in last so they stay at the top of the box. In case of a tantrum, at least these little toys will be in reach.

9. Keep an essentials box.

Things your child can’t live without should be placed in an easily accessible box that should be brought in the car with you on moving day. Prioritise the items to include toiletries for your kids as well as their favourite stuffed animal that they absolutely love.

10. Let your kids tell you how they want their new toy room designed.

Getting them excited about their new home will, again, make the move less daunting for them. What colour walls do they want? Do they want a jungle theme? Do they want a princess theme? Giving them a choice will change their attitude to the move to a much more positive one.

This article was written in collaboration with box hire and packaging supply company – Hire A Box & Influencer Management Service – #AsSeenOn.