Are you an avid Barbie collector? Do you want to make sure your dolls are stored safely and securely for years to come? Here are some tips to help you how to store barbie dolls.
For many children, Barbie dolls have been part of growing up and providing hours of imaginative play. As they start to age out of playing with dolls, it can be hard to know what to do with them. Stashing Barbie dolls in the attic might seem easy, but there may be more effective ways to store the beloved toy.
In this blog post, we will explore some clever ideas on how to best store your little one’s precious Barbie doll collection for long-term use or until they’re ready to pass it down (or take them back!)
What is the Importance of Properly Storing Barbie Dolls?
It’s important to know the proper way to store Barbie dolls because they are delicate and need a special environment in order to preserve their shape and details. If stored correctly, your beloved collection can last for years, possibly even decades! This is especially true if you invest in a few storage solutions that will give them the best possible protection from dust, dirt, and other elements.
Additionally, proper storage solutions will help maintain their resale value so that you can pass them on down the line or sell them for a good price if needed.
What Will You Need?
Before you start storing your Barbie dolls, you’ll need a few supplies to help keep them safe and secure. You will need:
- Clear plastic storage boxes with lids that snap or clip shut. The boxes should be stackable so they can easily be moved around.
- Acid-free tissue paper for wrapping the dolls and their clothing separately (if applicable).
- Clean, soft cloths or rags for wiping the dolls before storage.
- A vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment for collecting dust off of hard surfaces.
- Desiccant packs absorb humidity and prevent molding or rusting of metal parts on certain dolls (e.g., those with tin parts).
Once you have all the necessary supplies, you can start properly storing your Barbie dolls.
10 Easy Steps on How to Store Barbie Dolls
Step 1: Clean the Dolls
Before you store the dolls, be sure to give them a thorough cleaning with a soft cloth or rag. This will help get rid of dirt and dust that can accumulate over time. Additionally, you may want to use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment to clean off hard surfaces carefully.
Step 2: Wrap the Dolls in Tissue Paper
Once they’re clean, it’s time to wrap them up in acid-free tissue paper before placing them in storage boxes. This will help protect them from dust and dirt that may build up inside the box. You can use more than one layer of tissue paper if needed for added protection.
Step 3: Place the Dolls in Storage Boxes
Carefully place each doll inside a plastic storage box with a lid that snaps or clips shut. Be sure to cram only a few dolls into one box, as this could cause damage to their delicate parts and clothing. Try to put them in their own individual boxes for best results.
Step 4: Place Desiccant Packs in the Boxes
If applicable, add a desiccant pack to each box to absorb humidity and prevent molding or rusting of any metal parts on certain dolls. You can find these at most craft stores. It will also help slow down the aging process of fabric and plastic parts on dolls.
Step 5: Store Dolls in a Cool, Dry Place
Once you’ve placed all of your dolls in their boxes, store them away from sources of heat and moisture like attics or basements. A cool, dry closet is ideal for long-term storage. This will help to protect them from extreme temperatures and humidity, which can cause damage over time.
Step 6: Label Storage Boxes with Contents
Label each box with its contents so that you are able to identify what is inside easily. This will also help if you ever need to look for a particular doll among multiple boxes. Additionally, the labels will serve as a reminder of what was stored and when.
Step 7: Stack Boxes Carefully
When stacking the boxes, be sure to place heavier ones at the bottom and lighter ones on top. This will help prevent any damage from occurring due to unexpected movement or weight shifts. If you need to move the boxes, lift them from underneath rather than pick them up from the sides.
Step 8: Place Dolls Off the Floor
To avoid water damage, ensure all your stored dolls are kept off the floor by placing them on high shelves or in cabinets with doors. Be careful when moving them, as they can easily slip out of your hands. Alternatively, you can stack the boxes on a raised platform.
Step 9: Vacuum Regularly
Vacuuming regularly around the storage area will help reduce dust accumulation and keep your collection clean while in storage. Use an upholstery attachment for hard surfaces like floors and baseboards. Keep in mind that too much cleaning can cause damage, so try to limit your vacuuming to once a month or less.
Step 10: Enjoy Your Collection
Finally, don’t forget to enjoy your collection! Take out a few of the dolls every now and then for display or play. This will help keep them in tip-top shape and can add to your enjoyment of the Barbie doll hobby. Remember, proper storage and care are essential in preserving the condition of your beloved Barbie dolls for future generations.
By following these simple steps on storing barbie dolls, you can ensure that your collection is safe and secure while maintaining their beauty over time. Taking the proper precautions when it comes to storage can mean fewer headaches and more memories made with beloved childhood toys.
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- If you store Barbie Dolls in boxes, wrap them individually in tissue paper or bubble wrap to protect them against dust and dirt.
- Use acid-free paper to wrap each Barbie Doll before placing them in a box.
- Place the wrapped dolls in an airtight container like a plastic bin or wooden crate with lid, if you have room, and seal it tightly.
- If space is limited, you can store Barbie Dolls on shelves lined with fabric, such as velvet or felt. This protects them from dust and dirt while maintaining their shape and style.
- Finally, avoid storing your Barbie Dolls where there may be large amounts of direct sunlight or extreme temperatures, which can cause damage over time. Storing them in a cool and dry place is recommended for optimal preservation!
With these tips and tricks, you can ensure that your Barbie Dolls are securely stored and well-preserved for years to come!
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Avoid exposing your Barbie dolls to wet conditions, as this can damage the fabric and metal components.
- Avoid storing your Barbie dolls in damp or humid areas. This can cause mold and mildew to form on your dolls, putting them at risk for damage.
- Avoid storing your Barbie Dolls in cardboard boxes, as the acids in the material can cause discoloration over time.
- Avoid placing any heavy objects on top of your Barbie Dolls while they are stored away, as this can cause deformation and damage.
- Finally, avoid storing multiple Barbie Dolls together, as their accessories may become tangled and break during storage. It’s best to store Barbie Dolls individually, wrapped up for additional protection!
By following these tips and tricks, you can ensure that your Barbie Dolls will stay in perfect condition for years! Be sure to keep these tips in mind when storing your Barbie Dolls away!
How Do You Keep Dolls Dust Free?
- Use a soft, lint-free cloth to dust your dolls, taking care not to rub too hard and damage the delicate fabric of their clothing.
- Place them in an airtight container like a plastic bin or wooden crate with a lid, if possible, and seal them tightly. This will keep out dust and dirt while maintaining the original shape of your dolls.
- You can also use acid-free paper to wrap each Barbie Doll before placing them in an airtight container for extra protection from dust.
- If you are storing multiple Barbie Dolls together, wrap each one individually in tissue paper or bubble wrap to protect against dirt and tangling of accessories when stored away.
- Finally, storing your dolls away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures is best, as this can cause discoloration over time.
By following these tips, you can keep your Barbie Dolls dust free and preserved for many years. With the right storage solutions, you’ll be able to enjoy playing with them for years to come!
Why Do Dolls Get Sticky?
Dolls can become sticky due to a variety of factors. Dust, sweat, and even oils from your skin can all cause dolls to become sticky over time. The longer the doll is exposed to these elements, the stickier it will become. It’s important to clean them regularly with a soft cloth and use an airtight container whenever possible for storage.
If you notice that your Barbie Dolls have started to feel sticky or are covered in dirt, take some time to follow the tips beforehand for the best care results!
Keeping Barbie Dolls dust-free is essential for preserving their original colors and condition and ensuring they look their best when you want to play with them! With proper storage solutions and regular cleaning, you can ensure your dolls keep their original shine!
Conclusion
After looking at all the steps discussed above, it’s obvious that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for how to store barbie dolls. Each collector should consider their living space, how many dolls they have, and the type of accessories (if any) that come with them when determining what solution is best for them.
Ultimately, by developing a storage system focused on accessibility and organization from the beginning, you can keep your collection out of danger and up to date for years.
Whether you choose open shelves or hidden away containers, use drawers and zip ties or minimalistic boxes – your Barbie doll collection can remain attractive and well-organized so you can enjoy it now and for generations to come.
