How do you declutter Barbies?

Barbies have been a popular toy for children for over 60 years. Over time, it’s easy for Barbie collections to get out of control and become cluttered. Barbies and their accessories can take up a lot of space, and decluttering them can seem like a daunting task. However, with some time and effort, it is possible to organize and declutter Barbies in a few simple steps.

Why is it important to declutter Barbies?

There are several benefits to decluttering an overflowing Barbie collection:

– Saves space – Barbies and their clothes, shoes, furniture and other accessories can take up a lot of room very quickly. Decluttering helps free up living space for other purposes.

– Easy access to toys – It’s frustrating for kids when they can’t find the Barbie outfit or accessory they want because their collection is a jumbled mess. Organizing Barbies makes it easier to find what you need.

– Teaches responsibility – Maintaining an organized Barbie collection encourages kids to take responsibility for keeping their toys tidy. This is an important life skill.

– Allows you to appreciate what you have – When Barbies are cluttered in a giant pile, it’s hard to appreciate each individual doll and accessory. Organizing them helps you take stock of what you actually have.

– Safer play – Barbie shoes and small accessories can get lost in a disorganized toy box and become a choking hazard for younger kids. Proper storage helps avoid this danger.

– Easier clean-up – Cleaning up Barbies takes a fraction of the time when they are organized versus loosely piled in bins or boxes.

Tips for decluttering Barbies

Decluttering a large, messy Barbie collection can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Follow these tips to make the process more manageable:

1. Start by gathering all your Barbies in one place.

– Pull Barbies off shelves, out of closets, from under beds and out of toy boxes. Get the whole collection into one centralized area so you can see what you’re working with.

– Only focus on one area at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

2. Inspect each Barbie and get rid of any that are broken or incomplete.

– Check Barbies for broken limbs, cracked torsos, and missing hands or feet. Discard any that are beyond repair.

– Toss any with hacked-off hair or permanent marker stains that won’t come off.

– Get rid of any dolls missing significant clothing pieces or accessories.

3. Categorize your accessories.

– Separate shoes, hats, purses, pets and playsets into their own piles.

– Toss any pieces that are broken or incomplete.

4. Sort your remaining good condition Barbies.

– Group together based on themes like occupational Barbies (teacher, doctor, scientist), friendship groups (cheerleader, band, prom), fantasy roles (mermaid, fairy, princess), etc.

– Alternately, you can sort by body type like Original, Petite, Tall/Model Muse, and Curvy.

5. Prune unnecessary duplicates.

– If you have multiple copies of the same Barbie in good condition, keep just 1 or 2 of your favorites. Give away extras.

– For truly unique collector’s edition Barbies, consider keeping more copies.

6. Organize the accessories.

– Use compartmentalized plastic organizers to separate shoes, jewelry, sunglasses, brushes, playset pieces etc.

– Place petite clothing and accessories in one drawer/bin and average size in another.

– Store any accessories without a home in clearly labeled Ziploc bags.

7. Find storage solutions that work for your space.

– Clear plastic bins or fabric totes can hold Barbies and clothing for kids to access easily. Use labels.

– For a library look, store dolls standing upright on adjustable shelves sized for Barbies.

– Mount a pegboard to arrange and display favorite Barbies.

– Store playsets whole in clear plastic sealed bins to keep pieces together.

8. Inventory your collection.

– Count and write down how many of each Barbie you own, including doll name and type.

– Add up all clothing pieces, shoes, accessories, and playsets.

– Take photos of your organized collection for insurance purposes.

– Update your inventory any time you acquire new Barbies or accessories.

9. Purge again as needed.

– Reassess your Barbie collection every 6 months. Get rid of any additional dolls or pieces you no longer need.

– Donate duplicate dolls in excellent condition to charity programs that give Barbies to less fortunate children.

– Sell particularly valuable collector’s edition Barbies through specialty doll sales sites or stores.

Best storage ideas for organized Barbies

Proper storage for your newly decluttered Barbie collection will keep it organized. Here are some clever storage ideas:

Clear plastic bins

– Stackable for saving space. Label bins for quick identification of contents.

– Allows you to see contents easily. Lets in airflow to prevent mildew smells.

– Can store Barbies, clothing, shoes and accessories separately.

Hanging fabric shoe organizers

– Perfect for storing Barbie-sized shoes upright and visible.

– Portable over-the-door design doesn’t take up room.

– Some have Clear plastic windows so you can ID shoe types easily.

Craft storage cabinets

– Cabinets with shallow drawers are ideal for storing petite Barbie clothes and accessories.

– Drawers neatly organize everything while keeping dust out.

– Mount cabinets to walls or stack on top of each other to save space.

Adjustable bookshelves

– Lets you stand Barbies upright visible on display.

– Adjustable shelves accommodate different Barbie doll heights.

– Looks neat and tidy. Perfect for collectors who keep dolls in original boxes.

Hanging shoe organizers

– Use over-the-door clear vinyl pockets to store Barbie shoes.

– Easy to see entire shoe collection at a glance. Keeps pairs together.

– Hang multiple organizers side-by-side to multiply your storage capacity.

Plastic trunks

– Useful for storing entire Barbie playsets or collections of loose clothing/accessories.

– Typically offer ample storage space. Locking lids keep contents secure.

– Great for storing Barbies when traveling. Hard shells prevent crushing.

Top tips for maintaining organization

Once you’ve decluttered your Barbie collection, keeping it tidy requires some maintenance. Follow these tips:

Store Barbies properly after playtime

– Have kids designate a storage bin or shelf space for Barbies when done playing each day.

– Teach them to handle carefully by feet and torso when changing clothes.

– Return all pieces to correct accessory storage bins or organizers.

Do inspections and purges regularly

– Set reminders to go through Barbies every few months, pruning as needed.

– Evaluate storage solutions seasonally and adjust to fit your space and needs.

Limit new doll acquisitions

– Discourage excessive Barbie purchases. Set a reasonable limit for birthdays/holidays.

– Remind kids of decluttering efforts when they request new dolls and accessories.

– Suggest experiential gifts over Barbies, like zoo visits or dance lessons.

Take inventory before major gifting occasions

– Before birthdays and holidays, take stock of what a child already owns to avoid duplicate gifts.

– Share the inventory list with family when asked for gift suggestions.

– Remind kids to do the same for friends to prevent duplicate presents.

Donate regularly

– Whenever you declutter, set aside donation piles immediately to avoid recluttering.

– Find local charities, hospitals, shelters etc. that accept Barbie donations year-round.

– Drop off donation boxes or schedule pick-ups right away.

FAQs about decluttering Barbies

How long does it take to organize a large Barbie collection?

Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours minimum on the initial decluttering process for a large collection. Factor in more time if you plan to thoroughly clean the dolls and accessories as well. Allow extra time for sorting old collections accumulated over many years.

Should I wash used Barbies before storing?

Gently wipe each Barbie with a damp cloth to remove surface dirt and grime. For a deeper clean, use a small amount of mild soap and water. Thoroughly air dry dolls before storage. Disinfect wipe accessories. Follow manufacturer guidelines on cleaning. Never machine wash or submerge dolls in water.

What’s the best way to store Barbie clothes?

Use acid-free tissue paper to wrap delicate clothing and prevent creasing. Place each outfit in a labeled resealable plastic bag. For easier access, install hooks or shelves sized for Barbie clothes. Mini foldable garment racks work too. Store clothes upright, not stacked.

How can I inventory my Barbie collection?

Create a spreadsheet or use a collectors app to catalog your collection. Note doll name, description, condition, original value and any other details. Add rows for clothing, shoes, accessories etc. Update with new acquisitions. Take photos for insurance records.

What’s the safest way to store Barbie accessories?

Mini plastic tackle boxes, compartmentalized craft storage organizers and small drawstring bags work great. Divided clear organizer trays help locate small pieces quickly. Store any hazardous accessories like skates out of reach of younger kids.

Where can I donate used Barbies and clothes?

Check local hospitals, children’s homes, family shelters, social services, charities, churches and daycares to see if they accept Barbie donations. Organizations like Goodwill and the Salvation Army also take Barbies in good condition.

Is it worth money to sell my old Barbies?

Common Barbies from the 1990s onward have minimal resale value. But rare collector’s edition Barbies in pristine shape could sell for $50-$100 apiece or more. Limited edition Barbies still boxed can top $500. Consult a doll collector price guide to assess potential value before selling.

Conclusion

Decluttering a large, messy Barbie collection takes effort but yields wonderful rewards like saving space, reducing clutter and simplifying playtime. Start by thoroughly sorting and purging broken and extra dolls/accessories. Maintain organization through proper daily storage, regular decluttering sessions and inventory tracking. With some diligence, you can keep beloved Barbies tidy so kids get maximum enjoyment from playtime while you enjoy neat, clutter-free rooms.