Quality toys provide many kids tools to learn and expand their imaginations. These toys are designed and built so well that they can easily be handed down from one generation to the next and the next. If stored properly, your child's toys can be enjoyed by your grandkids and even your great-grandkids. Here, you'll learn a few tips to help you get those toys packed up and stored in a way that preserves them for the future generations.
Plush and Puppets
Some of the greatest toys are colorful, soft and playful hand puppets and plush. Before these toys can be stored, they must be cleaned and dried completely. The puppets should be wiped down to remove any spots. The plush can be sent through the gentle cycle of your washing machine as long as they are put in pillow cases prior to the wash. Once washed, hang them out in the sun to dry.
Now, get some boxes that have dividers in them. You don't want to just toss the puppets and plush into a box and seal it up. Doing so will result in misshaped plush when you unbox them. Slide each puppet or plush into a compartment in the box and seal it up tight.
Metal Playthings
You can find numerous playthings that are made of metal. Everything from the shopping cart to the metal pots and pans can be stored for many years without worrying about them getting damaged.
Clean every bit of debris off of the toys. Set them out in the sun to dry and then box them up. If you're storing multiple things in a single box, be sure to stuff some blank newspaper inside the box to keep things from shifting around while the boxes are being transported.
Wooden Playthings
Wooden castles, dollhouses, puzzles, and tools are not only beautiful but also durable and easy to clean and store.
Disassemble the big sets. If you don't have a copy of the instructions, go online and find the instructions and print them out. Store the instructions with the set so that when the time comes to rebuild them, you'll know exactly how to do it.
When storing multiple wooden playthings in a single box, be sure to place some paper or cardboard between each piece. This will keep them from sliding around and scratching the paint and gouging the wood.
After everything is clean and packed, store the boxes in a climate-controlled setting. You don't want to store these types of toys in an excessively hot attic or a cool, damp basement because they could rust, grow mold, and deteriorate. If you don't have a place within your home to safely store the boxes, contact a local facility like Elkhart Moving & Storage to inquire about leasing a unit for these toys and the other things you don't have space for around your home.