How do you store jumbo stuffed animals?

Jumbo stuffed animals can take up a lot of space, which can make storage a challenge. Proper storage is important to keep your stuffed animals clean, prevent damage, and allow you to easily access your collection. With some planning and creative solutions, you can effectively store even the largest stuffed animals.

Why is storage important for stuffed animals?

There are several reasons why properly storing stuffed animals is important:

• Prevents damage – Stuffed animals that are not properly stored can easily become dirty, dusty, or damaged. Exposure to sunlight can cause fading of colors. And if stuffed animals are cramped into too small of a space, their stuffing and seams can become compromised.
• Keeps them clean – Plush fabrics easily attract dirt, dust, and oils from skin contact. Keeping stuffed animals in a proper container or bag prevents soiling between uses or display.
• Controls allergens – For those with allergies to dust mites or pet dander, storing plush toys sealed in plastic bins or bags reduces allergen exposure.
• Preserves shape – Stuffing can lose its fluffiness over time. Storing in a slightly oversized space allows the stuffing to loft back up between uses.
• Convenience – Organized and properly labeled storage makes it easy to rotate through your plush collection or find a specific one you’re looking for.

Challenges of storing oversized stuffed animals

Jumbo stuffed animals, typically larger than 24 inches in size, present some unique storage challenges:

• Large size – Oversized plush toys take up a lot of floor space and volume, which can be hard to accommodate.
• Irregular shapes – Long limbs and large accessories like backpacks make some jumbo stuffed animals awkward to pack neatly.
• Weight – Larger stuffed animals are heavier and difficult to lift and move around during cleaning and reorganization.
• Perishable materials – Some jumbo sizes use costuming materials that are more prone to damage from moisture, light, or compression.
• Sentimental value – When a stuffed animal has special meaning, extra care must be taken to protect it.

But with some clever solutions, even the biggest stuffed animals can be properly stored and enjoyed for years to come.

Tips for choosing storage containers

The right storage containers are key to keeping oversized stuffed animals protected. Here are some tips for selecting quality storage options:

• Measure dimensions – Consider both length and width when measuring stuffed animals. Allow extra space so stuffing can fully loft.
• Get rigid sides – Collapsible containers and bags can compress stuffing. Look for plastic bins or canvas totes with rigid sides.
• Use sealable lids – Lids that fully enclose the container prevent dust buildup and keep plush fabrics cleaner.
• Waterproof material – Plastic bins or water-resistant canvas protect against moisture damage from leaks or flooding.
• Wheels for large bins – For heavy extra large stuffed animals, wheeled bins make moving and reorganizing easier.
• Handle with care – Even when using protective storage, gently arrange stuffed animals to avoid seam strain or squishing.

Storing stuffed animals on shelves

Displaying stuffed animals attractively on shelves is one approach for easy-access storage. Here are some tips for this method:

• Use sturdy, adjustable shelves. This allows customizing shelf height to fit different sized plush toys.
• Place plush toys neatly in rows, avoiding overcrowding. Leave some open space between for a tidy appearance.
• Rotate plushies to a different shelf location every 1-2 months. This helps preserve shape and evenly distributes wear.
• For the highest shelf, choose small or medium-sized plushies that are lighter in weight.
• Use bookends to securely hold plush animals upright and prevent toppling off shelves.
• Install child-safety brackets for securing shelving units to the wall to prevent tipping.

Protecting from dust

To keep shelf-displayed stuffed animals dust-free:

• Wipe down shelves regularly with a microfiber cloth.
• Use glass doors on display cabinets or plastic shelf covers.
• Spray plush toys with an anti-dust spray coating.

Maintaining shape

To help stuffed animals hold their shape on shelves:

• Fluff and gently reshape stuffed animals when rotating to a new shelf location.
• Every few months, place plush toys into a large bag and gently shake to redistribute stuffing.
• For slouchy toys, insert a tube of batting into limbs to add extra support.

Box and bin methods for storage

Using storage bins allows entire collections of stuffed animals to be neatly organized and protected. Some approaches include:

Plastic storage bins

• Clear bins allow viewing contents easily. Opaque bins better protect light-sensitive plush.
• Large 67-quart bins can fit multiple medium or small stuffed animals. Use even bigger 108-quart bins for large plushies.
• Line bins with acid-free tissue paper to cushion contents and absorb moisture.
• Face stuffed animals inward so seams and fabrics are not pressed against bin edges.

Underbed storage

• Slide underbed bins and use for larger floor space efficient storage.
• Use caster wheels for easy rolling access to contents.
• Install bed risers to increase height clearance if needed.

Suitcase and trunk storage

• Vintage-style steamer trunks have spacious storage and attractive appearance.
• Use hard-shell suitcases to protect contents when transporting stuffed animals.
• Pad bottom of cases with towels or cloth to avoid harsh edges contacting plush fabrics.

Garment and wardrobe storage

• Use expandable garment bags designed for suits and dresses. The long shape accommodates stuffed animal limbs.
• Install a tension rod or extra shelf in a closet for vertically storing oversized plush toys.
• For cabinet storage, add closet rods and use hanging shoe organizers for small plushies.

Climate control and cleaning

Proper climate and occasional cleaning keeps stored stuffed animals in mint condition. Here are some tips:

Temperature and humidity

• Store plush toys in a controlled climate of 60-75°F and 35-55% relative humidity.
• Avoid temperature extremes like attics or garages which can damage fabrics and stuffing.
• In basements, use a dehumidifier to prevent mold growth.

Cleaning

• Surface clean stuffed animals every 2-3 months using the vacuum hose on low suction.
• Check seams for dust accumulation and use a tweezer to remove.
• For spot washing, use a gentle cleaner like woolite and cool water.
• Allow plush toys to fully air dry before returning to storage containers.

Pest prevention

• Inspect regularly for signs of insects or rodents that can damage fabrics and stuffing.
• Use cedar blocks or lavender sachets as a natural deterrent of pests.
• Keep food and other attractants away from storage areas.

Odor removal

To keep stuffed animals smelling fresh:

• Use containers and tissue papers treated with an odor absorber.
• Place a mini box of baking soda inside bins and bags to manage odors.
• For musty smells, place plush toys in a sealed bin with odor absorbers for 1-2 weeks.
• Freshen up stuffed animals between uses by storing with clean tennis balls.

Displaying and rotating stuffed animal collections

For large collections, storing the entirety together can cause hoarding clutter. A better approach is thoughtfully rotating display:

Set aside favorites

• Select 20-50 of your very favorite stuffed animals to keep out on permanent display.
• Curate these into an appealing arrangement on beds, shelves, chairs, etc.

Seasonal rotation

• Box up themed plushies like Christmas characters and only display during those holiday seasons.
• Rotate summer and winter seasonal stuffed animals every 6 months.

New additions

• When purchasing new stuffed animals, retire an equal number to bins so display areas don’t get too crowded.
• Set a yearly maximum number of plushies to prevent going overboard.

Donating and gifting

• Evaluate your collection once a year and donate gently used stuffed animals to charity.
• Consider gifting special stuffed animals to family or friends that would appreciate them.

Safe stuffed animal storage for kids’ rooms

Storing a kids’ stuffed animal collection brings additional considerations:

Open bins or shelving

• Kids like easy access to their plushies. Opt for open bins and low shelving they can reach.
• Install shelving joiners and tip restraints to prevent accidental falling.

Separate favorite stuffed animals

• Have a small laundry basket or bin for 5-10 favorite plushies to keep in the bedroom.
• Store the remainder of the collection in a closet or under bed storage bin.

Regular cleaning

• Wash kids’ plushies more frequently – every 1-2 months as needed.
• Having multiples of favorite characters allows one to stay in use while the other is being cleaned.

Teach children organizing habits

• Train kids early on how to properly sort and store their stuffed animal collection.
• Use child-size hangers, shelves, and bins they can manage to put away toys.
• Make a visible storage chart showing alphabet letters or pictures indicating where specific plushies belong.

Safe storing for delicate collectibles

For extra valuable stuffed animals, additional care should be taken:

Archive quality materials

• Store in archival plastic boxes instead of cardboard which can harbor pests.
• Use acid-free tissue or unbuffered paper to avoid chemical damage to fabrics.
• Cotton gloves prevent oils from bare hands causing stains.

Climate monitoring

• Use a thermometer and hygrometer to monitor temperature and humidity in real time.
• Maintain an ideal consistent climate between 68-72°F and 40-50% humidity.

Support loose joints

• Wrap loose limb joints with unbuffered tissue to hold in place.
• Fill hollow plush parts with acid-free stuffing to prevent seam collapse.

Handle with care

• Pick up collectible plushies under back and head to avoid strain on limbs.
• Transport in archival bags and avoid piling other items on top during moving.

Restore when needed

• Have valued stuffed animals professionally appraised every few years to assess condition.
• Perform needed restoration or repairs promptly to avoid further damage.

Creative stuffed animal storage solutions

For fun and unique storage, get creative with these ideas:

Repurposed furniture

• An old dresser converted into plushie drawers with custom painted finish.
• Bookcase turned on its back with dowels to hold and display stuffed animals.
• Armoire storage with removable cubbies added inside.

Unexpected containers

• Vintage suitcases lined up holding plushies.
• Oversize terracotta pots with rope handles for whimsical storage.
• Set of plastic drawers on casters from office supply stores.

Display as art

• Group stuffed animals by color onto wall mounted floating shelves.
• Arrange a wall pattern alternating plushies in size order using museum wax to hold in place.
• Suspend stuffed animals from the ceiling with fishing line at varying heights.

Key takeaways

Storing oversized and jumbo stuffed animals presents unique challenges. But with the right organizational strategies and storage solutions, they can be maintained in ideal condition for years of enjoyment. Keep these tips in mind:

• Select rigid containers sized slightly larger than stuffed animals allow stuffing to re-fluff.
• Use sealable bins to protect from dust and pests. Store at consistent cool room temperature.
• Clean plush toys regularly and check for damage. Repair promptly to avoid further issues.
• Rotate displays seasonally to keep favorites accessible and box up off-season plushies.
• Kids’ stuffed animals require more cleaning and open storage for easy access.
• For collectibles, archive quality materials and professional care is ideal.
• Get creative with solutions like repurposed furniture, unexpected containers, and aesthetic displays.

With some thought and effort, giant stuffed animals can be properly cared for and enjoyed while also keeping your space organized and clutter-free.