Game night is a cherished tradition, filled with laughter, strategy, and the occasional friendly competition. When it’s time to move, protecting these boxes isn’t a game anymore. Wondering how to pack board games for moving? From classics like Monopoly and Scrabble to the more intricate modern boards, here’s how to give each piece the attention it deserves.
How to Pack Board Games for Moving Abroad – A Quick Overview
The first thing you should do is assess the collection. What are the sizes? How many pieces are there? How fragile and valuable are they? If you’ve lost any original boxes, gather some sturdy replacements in similar sizes, along with plenty of bubble wrap and packing paper.
Make sure each board game is clean, and take apart the larger ones if necessary. Create a special relocation inventory just for them, and start packing one game at a time. Extreme temperatures and moisture are crucial considerations when shipping overseas. Here, working with an international moving company is invaluable – these pros will make sure even the tiniest piece is nice and safe.
First Things First, Prepare the Collection for the Globe-Trotting Journey
According to the Guinness World Record, Monopoly is the most popular board game of all time. Over 500 million people have battled it out on its colorful board – it might’ve even ended some friendships along the way.
Moreover, that record is over 20 years old. So, who knows how many more players have joined the fray since then? And that’s just scratching the surface of the wild and wonderful world of game nights. From quick and quirky party cards to epic strategy adventures, each one offers its own brand of fun.
As these boards get more complex and captivating, they become treasured parts of our collections. But when it’s time to start planning a move across the globe, the fun can quickly turn into a game of “Protect the Pieces”. Suddenly, you’re on a mission to keep every token, card, and board safe – but there’s no chance you’re not bringing them along for the journey. Just think of all the nights filled with fun in the new country!
Give Each Piece a Gentle Scrub
Dust, dirt, or those forgotten snack crumbs can take a toll. Because of that, a good scrub is essential. After all, no one wants to open a game in their new home to find it has turned into a critter condo.
So, take out each one, and gently wipe all the pieces with a soft, dry cloth. For stubborn grime, use a lightly damp cloth, but remember, moisture is the public enemy number one! That’s why you should make sure everything is completely dry before the packing party can start.
Take a Look at the Collection and Make a Detailed Inventory
A home inventory is super important, especially when you’re moving overseas. However, keeping a special inventory just for the game collection is also a good idea. Not only does it help you keep track of every board and piece, but it also ensures nothing gets lost in the shuffle. Plus, you’ll feel like a master strategist, organizing the move like a pro! Here’s how to do it:
- Grab a notebook, pen, or a favorite digital note-taking app,
- Lay out the whole collection to get a visual of what you have,
- Write down the name of each game and note the edition if you have multiple versions,
- List all the pieces, including boards, cards, tokens, dice, and others,
- Check each game for any existing damage or missing pieces and note down the condition,
- Snap pictures of each game and its components so you can refresh your memory if needed,
- As you pack each game, label the boxes clearly with the game’s name and contents.
With a Clearer Picture of What You’re Working With, You Can Create a Good Plan
With the inventory complete, you have a clear picture of what needs to be packed and protected. With this information, you can prioritize which games need extra protection and figure out the right order. This organized approach minimizes the risk of damage and makes unpacking at the new place so much easier.
Get Your Game on With the Right Packing Supplies
The right packing materials are the secret ingredient to moving safely. It’s not as simple as tossing everything into any old box. If the box is too large, the games will rattle around like marbles, risking damage with every turn and bump. Too small, and you might end up crushing the boxes or their precious contents. The trick? Finding sturdy boxes that fit just right.
Next, let’s talk about the wrapping – the true hero of the moving day. Bubble wrap is ideal for wrapping each box individually, giving it a cushioned shield against any knocks or drops. On the other hand, packing paper is perfect for filling in the gaps and preventing any movement. And don’t overlook plastic zip bags – they’re lifesavers for keeping all those tiny pieces together and protected from moisture.
Take Care of Games While an Overseas Shipping Company Handles the Rest
While you focus on the prized collection, you can always hand off the heavy lifting to the pros. Moving internationally is no small feat, and hiring movers can get you the help you need. But beyond just transporting your stuff, if you want to completely eliminate the stress of doing it all yourself, you can always go for full packing services.
And it’s not just about the fun game nights – for those days filled with endless road trips, shipping a car can be a wonderful addition. Companies such as Sunset International Shipping can handle that, too. The final point is exploring the new city far and wide from the comfort of your prized ride, and the right strategy is booking overseas vehicle shipping.
How to Pack and Move Board Games – Here’s the Game Plan
Whether you decide to tackle wrapping on your own or bring in the pros, it’s still good to know the right techniques. Not only does this protect the physical condition of the collection but it also makes unpacking a breeze. Here’s how to pack board games for shipping:
Give each game the attention it deserves by starting with the pieces inside. Carefully remove all components from the box. While this may seem tedious, it’s crucial for avoiding damage. Wrap individual pieces in soft materials or use small bags to keep them organized. If the original boxes are flimsy, you may want to upgrade to sturdier containers that can endure the move.
Got some high-value pieces in the collection? Custom solutions, like reinforced boxes or padded containers, ensure they’re safeguarded against any bumps or jostles. Also, use foam inserts or custom-cut padding to keep everything in place. All in all, treat prized games like the treasures they are, and they’ll arrive ready for many more game nights to come.
Moisture is the ultimate nemesis. To keep it at bay, use silica gel packs inside the boxes to absorb any stray humidity. Seal games in plastic bags or wrap them in moisture-resistant materials.
Stacking the collection into boxes requires a bit of Tetris-like skill. Place the heaviest games at the bottom and lighter ones on top to prevent crushing. Use packing paper or bubble wrap between each game to avoid scratches and shifting during transit. Fill any gaps with cushioning material to keep everything snug and secure.
Labeling boxes is a lifesaver when it’s time to unpack. Clearly mark each box with its contents and any special handling instructions. Consider color-coding or using a numbering system to make it even easier to find what you need. Once that’s done, the collection is all ready for international moving by sea.
It’s Time to Roll That First Dice on the Other Side of the Globe
If you’ve gone through the whole process meticulously, you’ve got nothing to worry about once you get to the final destination. It’s time to roll that first dice. Unpacking the collection will be like rediscovering old friends – when dealing with culture shock, it’s a nice thing that can remind you of home. Each box holds the promise of epic game nights and new memories, so it’s time to get your game on!
Take This as the Perfect Opportunity to Organize the Collection
This is the perfect chance to give the collection a fresh start. Once the overseas moving company delivers your stuff, you can organize it by game type, frequency of play, or even color! With everything neatly arranged, it’s time to let the games begin.
Ready, Set, Game Night – New Adventure Awaits
Just like your favorite game, protecting it during the move requires some strategy. From bubble wrap battles to labeling triumphs, you’re now equipped to protect the cherished collection like a true game master.
Need a hand with the heavy lifting? Sunset International Shipping is here to make your move as smooth as possible. Let us take care of the logistics, so you can focus on what matters most – setting up the game room and getting ready for the next big adventure. Contact us today, and let’s make the relocation a winning move!
Frequently Asked Questions
To protect the numerous small pieces, use resealable plastic bags to keep all the components together and prevent them from getting lost. Additionally, wrap the bags in bubble wrap or soft material to cushion them during the move.
Yes, you can pack multiple games into one box, but make sure to use plenty of padding between each game to prevent damage. Place heavier boards at the bottom and lighter ones on top, filling any gaps with paper to keep everything secure.
High-value games deserve extra care, such as using reinforced or padded boxes to protect them from damage. Consider using foam inserts or custom-cut padding, and keep a detailed inventory with photographs to document their condition before the move.
