Building good storage for a collection of stuffed animals or other plush toys can be a fun project for any zookeeper or plushie enthusiast. Proper storage will help keep your stuffed animals clean, prevent damage, and make it easy to access your collection. Here are some tips on how to design and build the perfect stuffed animal storage for your own “zoo” of plushies.
Page Contents
Assess Your Plushie Collection
First, take stock of your current stuffed animal collection. How many do you have? What sizes and shapes are they? Are they prone to dust and dirt or do they stay relatively clean? Making notes on the details of your collection will help you determine how much storage space you need and any special considerations for keeping them in good condition.
For example, if you have 50 medium-sized plush cats, bears and rabbits, you’ll need a different solution than someone with 10 giant 3-foot-tall stuffed giraffes. And if your plushies tend to attract a lot of dust and dirt, you may want to prioritize sealed containers or extra protection against grime compared to a cleaner collection.
Count and Categorize
Get an accurate count of how many stuffed animals need storage. Just a rough estimate can work, but an exact number will ensure you get containers and shelving sized appropriately for your collection. You may also want to categorize your plushies by size – small, medium, large, extra-large – as well as by type – cats, dogs, bears, etc.
This will allow you to organize your storage method and containers based on those categories. For example, medium and large teddy bears can go in one set of cubbies or bins while smaller bunnies and kitties can be stored separately in their own organizers.
Note Condition and Cleanliness
As you take stock of your plushie population, make notes on their general condition and cleanliness. Are some showing wear and tear or damage that needs special care? Do they tend to collect dust and dirt over time or stay relatively clean? This can impact how you store them.
For example, well-loved stuffed animals that are prone to rips or leaks from age may need special individual bags or containers to prevent further damage. Extra dirty or dusty plushies may need enclosed bins and weekly cleaning regimens compared to cleaner collections that can be stored open on shelves.
Choose Storage Location
Next, determine the best location to store your stuffed animal collection. This could be a bedroom closet, the basement, a hallway, or even customized built-ins depending on your space. Here are some factors to consider when selecting stuffed animal storage location:
Available Space
Measure available storage areas in your home to find spots large enough to accommodate your collection. Closets, basements, spare rooms and built-in nooks all make great potential plushie storage. Make sure to measure not just floor area but also shelf/vertical space for stacking containers or cubbies.
Accessibility
Pick a location that is conveniently accessible so you can easily rotate plushies in and out of storage. Easy access allows you to regularly clean and inspect them for damage. Harder to reach, cramped spaces or rooms far from main living areas make that tougher.
Visibility
Do you want your stuffed animal storage to be decorative and visible as part of a room’s design or hidden out of sight? Open shelving, built-ins and closet cabinets allow you to incorporate plushies into a room’s style. Boxes and rubbermaids in a closet or basement keep them tidy but out of view.
Climate Control
Stuffed animals are prone to mold, mildew and dust in humid, hot or damp environments. Choose a storage spot with good climate control and ventilation if possible. Basements and garages may require dehumidifiers to protect plushies while bedrooms and closets tend to have better air circulation.
Select Storage Method
With your plushie collection details and location sorted, it’s time to pick the right storage solutions. Here are some popular methods and furniture for organizing stuffed animal collections:
Shelving Units
Free-standing shelving units with adjustable shelves are a great foundation for stuffed animal storage. They come in a wide range of sizes, configurations and materials. Target basic bookcases or closet organizers that suit your space and collection’s needs.
Wall Racks & Cubbies
Wall-mounted racks with cubbies and compartments are ideal when floor space is limited. Choose cubbie sizes that fit your plushies – some even come with stuffed animal-shaped dividers. Opt for moisture-resistant wood, metal or plastic racks.
Hanging Bags
Clear vinyl hanging bags allow you to neatly store plushies while still displaying them. Look for thick, durable bags sized appropriately for your collection. They can be hung on hooks, the back of doors or even on specialty rack systems.
Trunks & Chests
Vintage-style wooden trunks, chests and crates lend a charming, decorative touch for plushie storage. Look for sealing options to protect contents from moisture and dust. Have fun stenciling or painting them to complement your room.
Baskets
Wicker baskets and fabric bins are cute, breathable solutions for small to medium stuffed animals. They come in tons of colors and styles to suit your space. Use baskets to categorize plushies in stacked shelving units.
Underbed Storage
Take advantage of the wasted space under beds for stuffed animal storage. Plastic underbed bins and roll-out drawer systems can neatly organize a plushie collection out of sight but within reach.
Best Materials for Stuffed Animal Storage
When shopping storage furniture and accessories for your plushies, look for these ideal materials:
Plastic
Clear plastic containers are great for visibility, affordability and protecting stuffed animals from moisture and dirt. Plastic resin shelving is also durable, lightweight and easy to clean.
Wood
Solid wood or engineered wood shelving and trunks have classic appeal while being moisture-resistant and durable. Unfinished wood can be painted or stained to match room décor.
Wicker
Breathable, natural wicker baskets allow air circulation to prevent moisture buildup but may not fully protect from dust. Best used for cleaner plushie collections stored in clean, climate controlled spaces.
Fabric
Cloth bags and hammocks made from natural cotton or synthetic materials provide soft, breathable stuffed animal storage. Not ideal for dusty environments or plushies prone to leaks or damage.
Metal
Steel, powder-coated wire shelving units are sturdy, industrial options for large or heavy collections. The open mesh design provides visibility and ventilation. Polymer coated metal is also moisture resistant.
Storage and Display Tips
Follow these best practices for safely storing your stuffed animals while keeping them cute and dust-free:
Natural Air Circulation
Allow for air circulation around plushies to prevent moisture buildup by using open bins, shelving and hanging bags. Dehumidifiers and desiccant packets also help in humid environments.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
Bright, direct sunlight can fade and damage plushie materials over time. Store them out of sunny spots in cool, dry locations.
Dust Regularly
Gently vacuum stuffed animals once a month using the soft brush attachment. Also wipe down storage surfaces and containers to prevent dust buildup.
Wash Occasionally
Based on manufacturer guidelines, gently machine or hand wash plushies as needed to remove grime, stains and allergens. Let air dry completely before re-storing.
Maintain Support
Cubbies, organizers and shelving should provide ample support underneath stuffed animals to prevent sagging and damage to parts over time.
Avoid Overcrowding
Do not overstuff containers or shelves which can lead to tearing, crushed parts or moisture retention. Allow each plushie to “breathe”.
Spot Clean Smudges
For minor dirt or dust buildup between regular cleanings, spot clean marks using a gentle cleaner and microfiber cloth.
Check for Damage
When rotating plushies in/out of storage, inspect for any rips, holes or staining so they can be repaired before getting worse.
Mothball Stuffed Toys
Cedar balls or lavender sachets can help fend off moths and other insects that may be attracted to natural fibers in plushies.
Have Fun Organizing!
Get creative with your storage solutions and displays featuring your favorite plushies. Add personalized labels, fun baskets, or custom built-ins to show off your collection.
Building Custom Stuffed Animal Storage
For the ultimate stuffed animal sanctuary, consider building custom storage and displays. Here are some DIY ideas to try:
Wall Niches & Built-Ins
Recessed shelving built seamlessly into a wall makes an impactful feature for displaying prized plushies. Surround them with framing, lighting and decor.
Themed Bookshelves
Paint and customize basic bookcases to coordinate with your plushie collection – for example, zoo animals or underwater creatures. Add fun touches like wall decals.
Picture Ledges
Mount sturdy wooden picture rails fitted with organization boxes to create tiered plushie displays along a wall, staircase or room divider.
Suspended Racks
Hang a metal utility rack or wire grid on cables from the ceiling for an artful, airy way to show off hanging stuffed animal storage bags.
Display Cabinets
Multi-tier, glass-front display cabinets are the gold standard for gracefully showcasing prized stuffed animals like collectibles in a museum.
Fun Display Ideas
Once your plushie storage solutions are built, have fun styling stuffed animals creatively on the shelves and displays. Some ideas:
Themed Vignettes
Create mini themed “habitats” or scenes with appropriate plushies, backgrounds and props. Ideas: tropical jungle, arctic ice cave, enchanted forest glade.
Color Coordination
Organize white plushies on one shelf, black on another, brown on a third, etc. for an eye-catching colorblock effect.
Size Gradient
Arrange plushies from smallest to largest across shelving units for a visually pleasing flow. The varying heights add interest.
Group by Species
Devoted a shelf each for your dogs, horses, cats, bunnies, teddy bears and other plushie “species” to make a cohesive menagerie.
Seasonal Rotation
Swap out plushies seasonally – snowmen and reindeer for winter holidays, pastels for spring, red/white/blue for summer, black cats for Halloween, etc.
Name Tags
Add custom name tags or blank “exhibit” tags to identify special keepsake plushies when displaying them.
Table: Stuffed Animal Storage Options
| Storage Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Shelving Units |
|
|
| Wall Racks |
|
|
| Hanging Bags |
|
|
| Trunks & Chests |
|
|
| Baskets |
|
|
| Underbed Storage |
|
|
Conclusion
Building custom storage is the ideal way to neatly organize large stuffed animal collections while showcasing the plushies in fun, creative displays. Use quality shelving units, bins, and display furniture suited for the number and type of plushies you own. The right storage solutions help preserve, protect and highlight your beloved plushie zoo for years to come!