Many people have fond memories of playing with Barbie dolls as children. As adults, they may want to pass down their Barbie collections to their own kids or grandkids. This leads to the question – what is the best way to store Barbies for years in between playtimes? Specifically, is the garage an appropriate place to keep Barbies? There are a few factors to consider when deciding where to store Barbie dolls.
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Temperature and Humidity
Barbies are made of plastic and fabric, materials that can be impacted by temperature and humidity fluctuations. Very high or very low temperatures can cause the plastic to become brittle and fade over time. High humidity can lead to mold growing on the dolls’ clothing and hair. The garage is prone to greater variability in temperature and humidity than indoor spaces. During summer, garages can easily surpass 100°F. In winter, they may drop below freezing at night. Humidity levels also tend to be higher, especially if the garage isn’t climate controlled.
These conditions make the garage a risky spot for long-term Barbie storage. It’s best to avoid keeping dolls in the garage through extreme seasons. At most, the garage may work for temporary storage during spring and fall when temperatures are moderate. Even then, make sure to keep the dolls in airtight plastic bins or boxes.
Sunlight Exposure
Sunlight shining into the garage can also damage Barbies over time. The plastic material is vulnerable to fading, discoloration, and brittling when exposed to UV rays. Direct sun can bleach the vibrant colors of Barbie clothes and hair. Place the dolls in opaque containers out of sunlight’s path. If you must store Barbies in the garage, find an area that doesn’t receive daylight like a dark corner or closet.
Pests and Dust
Garages tend to be less sealed off from the outdoor environment than other rooms. This means pests like bugs, rodents, or spiders can more easily enter and access stored items. Chewed plastic limbs or mouse nests built from Barbie clothes are a possibility. Bugs are especially drawn to the fabric elements of the dolls. Dust buildup can also be an issue as garages are rarely cleaned as regularly as living spaces.
Keeping Barbies tightly contained in plastic, lidded bins helps deter pests and dust. Be sure to check regularly for any signs of bugs or damage. Consider placing sticky traps around the storage area as an extra precaution.
Moisture and Flooding
Not only are humidity levels higher in the garage, liquid water is also a hazard. Leaks from rain or melted snow can create puddles. If Barbies are kept in cardboard boxes, they can be easily soaked through. Water causes more rapid mold growth. It can also stain and warp parts of the dolls. Any moisture in the garage needs to be avoided at all costs.
Plastic, waterproof storage containers are a must. Ensure they seal tightly and are placed up on shelves or tables, not directly on the concrete floor. Keep an eye out for leaks or flooding, and check for condensation inside of the containers. Consider putting desiccant packets in the bins to absorb excess moisture.
Accessibility for Play
When kids want to play with stored Barbies, are they able to easily access them in the garage? Containers would constantly need to be hauled in and out of the house. The space is also likely colder and dirtier than kids’ bedrooms or playrooms. Storing Barbies somewhere climate-controlled and convenient may be the better option if regular play is the goal.
The garage is fine for short stints of playtime with supervision and clean up afterward. For extended access, though, indoor storage is ideal. That way Barbies are protected yet still handy when it’s time for imaginative adventures.
Security Concerns
Valuable and vintage Barbies may be at greater risk of theft or damage if stored long-term in the garage. While indoor cabinets and closets can be locked, garage storage often can’t. Ensure shelving units are very sturdy if hosting heavy bins of dolls. An earthquake or someone bumping into them could cause a disastrous collapse.
Only keep collectible Barbies in the garage temporarily as you rotate items on display. For the most valuable pieces, consider investing in dedicated, locked display cabinets indoors instead.
Signs of Damage
Make sure to carefully inspect Barbies anytime they are removed from garage storage. Look for the following signs of damage:
– Brittle, dried out plastic that cracks easily
– Discolored, faded, or yellowed plastic
– Sticky, melted plastic features
– Mold growth on fabric clothing or hair
– Rust stains
– Chew marks or holes from bugs/rodents
– Missing pieces or limbs
– Broken elastic bands in the limbs
– Damp, musty odor
Discard any Barbies that show severe degradation. Mild issues can sometimes be fixed through cleaning. Prevent further damage by adjusting storage conditions as needed.
Storage Best Practices
If you do decide to store Barbies short-term in the garage, follow these tips to minimize risks:
– Use airtight, watertight plastic bins with a gasket seal
– Clean bins thoroughly before use to remove dirt, bugs, dust, etc
– Place several desiccant packets in each bin to control moisture
– Wrap each doll in tissue paper or plastic wrap as an extra layer of protection
– Face dolls inward so they don’t touch bin walls and transfer chemicals from plastic
– Place bins up on shelves or stacked on pallets, not directly on the floor
– Avoid areas with sunlight exposure or leaks
– Check regularly for pests, condensation, and signs of damage
– Bring dolls indoors if weather forecasts show extreme cold, heat, or storms
Short Term vs. Long Term Storage
The garage may work for short term Barbie storage needs for several months. Any longer than that, and the risks of light, temperature fluctuations, humidity, and pests increase. For multi-year storage, it is safest to keep Barbies in indoor closets, basements, or attics instead. These areas make access easier for play while still protecting the dolls when stored away.
Best Storage Locations
If the garage doesn’t seem like the ideal spot, what are some better options for Barbie storage?
Indoor Closets
Closets maintain fairly stable temperatures and humidity ranges year-round. They prevent light exposure and access from bugs. Choose closets in rooms with climate control for added stability. Use the top closet shelves to keep Barbies out of reach of pets and young kids.
Basements
Unfinished basements work well for Barbie storage since they are cool and dry. Avoid stacking bins directly on concrete floors. Place them on shelves or pallets for air circulation. Check for any moisture issues like flooding or leaks before using.
Attics
Well-insulated, properly ventilated attics also provide cooler, drier storage than garages. Make sure temperatures don’t get excessively hot in summer. Avoid direct sunlight by placing containers near the middle. Beware of critters like squirrels and mice that can access attics.
Spare Bedrooms
Barbies can be stored nicely in spare bedrooms that aren’t used daily. Closet shelving in these rooms work perfectly, especially if the space is air conditioned. Just use containers to keep dust at bay.
Displaying vs. Storing
For Barbies you want to enjoy viewing regularly, display them in indoor glass cabinets rather than packing them away in the garage. Curio cabinets with interior lighting keep dolls clean and visible. Rotate dolls on display to prevent light damage to any one Barbie. Store the majority in bins indoors and swap them into display cases periodically.
When to Discard Barbies
Over decades of storage, even in ideal conditions, Barbies will eventually show wear and damage. Here are some signs it’s time to discard dolls:
– Cannot stand upright anymore due to limb warping
– Hair has badly matted or fallen out
– Facial paint has completely faded or flaked away
– Obvious mildew odor and mold growth
– Severely discolored or cracked plastic
– Excessive bug/rodent chew damage
– Rust staining that cannot be removed
Discarding damaged Barbies protects the rest of the collection. It also makes room for new Barbies to be enjoyed by kids.
Alternative Storage Solutions
If the garage won’t work for Barbie storage, consider alternatives like:
Vacuum Sealer Bags
For space-efficient storage, vacuum seal individual dolls in plastic bags. This prevents dust and air reaching them. It also compresses them to take up less space. You can use hand vacuum sealers or a full-size appliance. Just avoid sucking out too much air from the bags and damaging delicate parts of the dolls.
Collector’s Cases
Clear plastic collector’s cases are made specifically for Barbies. They protect against dust while still displaying the dolls. Larger cases fit an entire series of dolls. Use them for convenient access without removing the Barbies each time.
Acid-Free Archival Boxes
Archival quality cardboard boxes with lids are designed for storing collectibles. Their acid-free construction helps papers and fabrics last longer. Line the boxes with tissue paper to prevent Barbies from touching the sides.
Fireproof Safes
For extremely rare and valuable Barbies, consider investing in a fireproof safe. This virtually eliminates the risks of temperature damage, pests, dust, thieves, and natural disasters. Storing them at a professional climate controlled storage facility is another option.
Conclusion
When it comes to the best storage methods for beloved Barbies, the garage has some distinct disadvantages. Temperature and humidity fluctuations, light exposure, dust, pests, leaks, and accessibility issues pose threats to Barbie integrity and enjoyment over time. For short stints, the garage may work. But for long-term Barbie storage, indoor spaces like bedrooms, attics, and basements are safer options. Invest in quality containers like airtight plastic bins and archive boxes. With careful storage, Barbies can be passed down and cherished by generations to come.