When it comes to preparing to move, the thought of packing up all of your children's toys can be a daunting one. Here are some helpful tips you can use to pack and organize their toys.

Consolidate Board Games

Instead of packing each board game away in its own box, consider consolidating them instead. Find a large plastic storage container you can fit the boards into, and cut the instructions off of each box. Place the instructions and game pieces for each game into a separate zippered plastic bag, and place the bags inside the plastic bin. This idea also helps to keep the games organized and neatly stored together after your move too.

Use Vacuum Storage Bags For Stuffed Animals

Stuffed animals can take up a lot of space in moving boxes, so consider using vacuum storage bags to save space and pack more toys into each box. You can purchase jumbo-sized bags, or you can select bags made especially for stuffed animals. You can use your vacuum cleaner hose to remove air from each bag before sealing them. Place the bags in a large moving box, and you're all set. You can even prioritize the stuffed animals by how often they are used, and keep the less frequently used toys in your basement or storage area after you move.

Use Fishing Tackle Boxes

Fishing tackle boxes are great for organizing small toys so they don't get lost in the move. Use them to sort brick building blocks, small doll accessories, or tiny toys, and simply tape each tackle box securely closed for the move. With their small size, these containers also make it easy for your little ones to "help" move their toys into their new rooms. You can also use tackle boxes to move some of your stuff too. Put one to use organizing makeup or jewelry, and use another to make quick work of any junk drawers you have in the kitchen.

Store Books In Crates

Whether your children have a collection of board books or young adult novels, crates can be a great way to pack them away. You can secure cardboard to the open end of the crates to keep the books in place during the move, or you can simply stack them in the trunk of your car. When you are unpacking in your new home, simply arrange the crates on top of each other with the open side facing out and secure them in place with zip ties. You'll have an instant bookshelf in each child's room that requires minimal assembly.

Your local moving company may have other suggestions for how to pack your children's toys, and they may even be able to sell packing supplies that can help. Enlist the help of your children while you are packing so they feel like they are a part of the process.