Moving a collection, long distance

[SkiDragon]

I will be moving across country in the next couple of weeks and I will have to take the majority of my collection with me. I have over a thousand games and several systems, and many in original boxes. I figured I should ask for any general tips to prevent damage as much as possible. I don't really have time to sell off excess stuff, and I have a few big items, like a Warlords cocktail and a Gamecube demo stand. The bigger stuff I might not take. Mostly I am concerned with the smaller, more breakable stuff.

[thetoxicone]

Plastic totes and just make sure you don't put too much weight on the fragile items

[Bassgrabber]

If you want to preserve the exterior of system boxes you can wrap them in plastic sheeting (like Saran Wrap). Wrap the boxes individually. Smaller ones can go inside a larger box, large boxes can "stand alone". As the boxes jostle together the surface is protected. A packing supply store might have easier-to-use rolls with an extended cardboard center tube that serves as a handle. May also be less expensive than the plastic wrap you get at the supermarket. Storing the boxes in wrapped in plastic also keeps dust and damp (within reason) out while still letting you identify them. Helps if you keep the systems out for display or use and stow their boxes in the attic or basement,

I'd think that the Warlords cocktail table could be moved as a heavy peice of furniture would be, usually well-wrapped in moving blankets. Just use extra caution/padding for it's top surface. Perhaps put boxes of blankets/bedding and clothing on top as they're relatively light compared to other household items. If any controls which protrude are a concern could they be removed for the move and reinstalled after?

Totes or sturdy cardboard boxes would probably be the best bet for games, although most totes have rounded corners and boxes are less expensive. Again, you could use the plastic wrap for your most treasured, or maybe bundle a few together to help prevent shifting.

Best of luck with the move!

[swlovinist]

I have moved twice in the last two years. My game collection at the time was about 4500 games, with about 80+ boxed systems and accessories. I used heavy cardboard, plastic totes and four leafed clover for good luck. Luckily, not much was damaged at all. I moved from California to Washington, Then I moved from Vancouver, Washington up the road about an hour. I wish you luck, as moving a game collection is stressful.

[erehwon]

I would recommend large cardboard boxes. I would recommend looking for large cardboard boxes to put around system boxes. I like cardboard boxes since you can't see through them. I wouldn't want to tempt any movers. When marking the boxes, use a system of identifying boxes that isn't really obvious. Boxes labeled nes or snes are quite obvious. The idea is to know what's in all the boxes and have a list of everything that goes onto the truck. That way you can check and make sure nothing disappeared enroute.

As far as packing material goes, there are several sources. You can get boxes of packing boxes of varying sizes from the USPS's online store for free. Some of that might be good for smaller items. You're supposed to use that for shipping through them, but it will work okay for your needs. Another thing I would check is the cardboard only dumpsters at book, computer, and other retail stores. I've found good packing material at near by book store that was in pretty good shape. Just make sure that you check when it hasn't rained in the last few days.

[sisko]

If you want to preserve the exterior of system boxes you can wrap them in plastic sheeting (like Saran Wrap). Wrap the boxes individually. Smaller ones can go inside a larger box, large boxes can "stand alone". As the boxes jostle together the surface is protected.

This works, just make sure you don't leave them wrapped up for too long after your move. Acid + Cardboard isn't a happy solution. If you need something more long term, I would suggest sheeted foam.

[heybtbm]

Zip-lock bags. Lots of them.

[ssjlance]

I usually package loose cartridges in plastic tubs that can be bought just about anywhere. As for CD based games, back when I didn't have many, I would take the games and keep them with me in a CD wallet, while their cases would be packaged as carefully as possible. As far as boxes went, I usually emptied their contents and placed them inside each other when I could, and packed them into plastic tubs as well. And wrapping the outermost box with Seran Wrap is a good idea.

[hades]

I put my entire collection in a ton of plastic totes. The items that I thought were more fragile ended up in some bankers boxes that I had lying around and packed between plush toys that I have. I had all of my totes packed in the back of a Penske truck and drove it from Pennsylvania to California. Didn't have any problems whatsoever, except the soreness after carrying the magazine packed boxes inside my new apartment.

[Barbarianoutkast85]

When I moved all my stuff (only 100 miles) I just put all my carts in plastic tote containers, and milk crates. All the more fragile stuff in plastic totes, and boxes on the top. Just make sure you dont put an intellivision console box on the bottom of the pile I guess.

[Funk Buddy]

I moved from Washington to Missouri and didn't break even a single cd or US Saturn case. I just used good cardboard boxes and wrapped systems and the like with a foam packing material.