What is the best storage for a lot of stuffed animals?

Having a lot of stuffed animals can be fun, but it can also present storage challenges. Stuffed animals take up a lot of space, so finding an efficient way to store them is important. In this article, we will go over some quick answers to common questions about storing stuffed animals, and provide detailed solutions on the best storage options. Whether you have 50 or 500 stuffed animals, we have ideas to help keep them organized, protected, and easy to enjoy.

Quick Answers

How should I store stuffed animals?

Use containers or shelving designed for plush toys. Plastic bins, fabric boxes, and wall-mounted shelves work well. Make sure they are breathable and allow stuffed animals to retain their shape.

What are the best containers for stuffed animal storage?

Plastic bins and fabric boxes or bags are ideal. Look for big enough containers with sturdy construction. Clear plastic lets you easily see contents.

Should stuffed animals be stored in plastic bins?

Yes, plastic bins are a great choice. Opt for large bins with ventilation holes to prevent moisture buildup.Bins on shelves utilize vertical space efficiently. Label bins to organize collections.

How do you neatly organize stuffed animals?

Use matching storage bins by size or color. Shelves and hanging bags neatly corral collections. Rotate plushies into “active” bins for regular enjoyment. Keep favorite stuffed animals out on beds or chairs.

Is it OK to store stuffed animals in garbage bags?

No, garbage bags aren’t suitable long-term homes for stuffed critters. Plastic doesn’t allow airflow,so items could get damaged by trapped moisture. Use breathable plastic bins or fabric boxes instead.

Should you store stuffed animals in their original packaging?

Not for permanent storage. Boxes and tags take up more space. Remove original packaging to maximize storage area. Keep tags in a special keepsake box for collectibles.

Factors to Consider for Stuffed Animal Storage

When choosing the best storage solutions for a stuffed animal collection, there are a few important factors to consider:

Amount of Space Needed

Assess the size of your collection and how much room it takes up. Large groups will require bigger storage containers and more shelf space. Measure available storage areas before shopping.

Visibility

Clear plastic bins let you view contents easily. Use photos or labels to identify opaque containers. Open shelving makes plushies accessible.

Breathability

Proper airflow prevents moisture buildup that could damage stuffed animals. Look for bins and shelves with ventilation. Avoid airtight containers like garbage bags.

Accessibility

Will storage be for rotation or more permanent? Easily accessible bins and shelves make it simpler to enjoy different plushies regularly.

Protection

Storage solutions should shield stuffed animals from dust, pests, sunlight, and other elements that could degrade them over time. Durable bins protect from compression damage.

Organization

Grouping animals by size, color, or theme makes it easier to find a particular one. Labeling helps identify bin contents at a glance.

Ease of Use

Storage that’s simple for kids to use helps them maintain their own collections. Bright colors and clear labeling aid organization. Sturdy containers withstand use.

Available Space

Make the most of available closet space, shelving, under bed areas, etc. Stackable storage maximizes smaller footprints. Hanging bags utilize wall space.

Cost

Inexpensive solutions like canvas bags and basic shelves get the job done on a budget. Splurge on higher quality bins and specialty storage pieces for collectibles.

Storage Solutions for Stuffed Animal Collections

Here are some recommended storage solutions for organizing small to large stuffed animal collections:

Plastic Storage Bins

Plastic bins are a popular stuffed animal storage choice. Look for bins at least 15 inches wide and 6 inches deep for medium plushies. Get stackable bins with secure lids and handles for easy access. Clear bins allow you to view contents. Add ventilation holes to prevent moisture issues. Label bins to distinguish types of plushies.

Bin Size	Plushie Size
Small (12″L x 6″W x 6″D)	Beanie Babies, finger puppets, miniature plush
Medium (16″L x 12″W x 6″D)	Small to medium-sized stuffed animals (6″-16″)
Large (18″L x 14″W x 10″D)	Large stuffed animals (16″+), piled horizontally
Extra Large (24″L x 18″W x 12″D)	Oversize plushies, piled vertically

Stack bins on closet shelves, bookcases, utility shelves, or garage storage solutions. This vertical storage method is great for optimizing space.

Fabric Storage Cubes

Cubes made of canvas or other breathable fabric are ideal for stuffies. The six-sided boxes come in stackable sets, with dividers and removable shelves for organization. They fold down for compact storage when not in use. Label cube sides or shelves for identification.

Fabric cubes come in 3-12 cube sets, with each cube between 12-16 inches wide. Look for sturdy handles and strong Velcro, zipper, or snap closures. The collapsible design makes these great for attics, under beds, and apartments.

Hanging Stuffed Animal Storage

Hanging stuffed animal organizers provide easy access to plush collections. Canvas hanging cubes have outside pockets to hold several medium stuffed animals. Removable dividers allow you to customize the interior space.

For larger collections, use over-the-door shoe organizers. The roomy clear vinyl or mesh pockets securely hold multiple plushies while allowing you to see each one. Wide pockets accommodate bigger stuffed critters. Install a couple organizers to double your hanging storage.

Collapsible laundry bags also work for hanging stuffed animal storage. Mesh bags ventilate while preventing dust. Sturdy grommets along the top edge reinforce the holes for hooks or shower rod hanging.

Wall Mounted Shelves

Wall-mounted shelving creates vertical storage ideal for stuffed animals. Floating shelves lined with plushies become an endearing wall display. Opt for sturdy powder coated metal or solid wood shelves that can handle the weight of multiple stuffed critters.

Use shelves in small groupings that allow each plushie to be visible. Angle shelves diagonally across the wall for a fun arrangement. Shelves mounted above beds or play spaces keep favorite stuffed pals within reach.

Under Bed Storage

The space under a bed is prime real estate for stuffed animal storage. Use the entire area, or divide it into sections using under-bed dividers or cubbies.

Plastic underbed bins on rollers make it easy to access plushies in the back. Label bins to identify contents. Look for lidded bins to keep out dust.

For large collections, utilize oversized sweater boxes, which typically measure 18″-30″ long. Plushies can pile horizontally to maximize the storage space inside the clear plastic or cardboard boxes.

Closet Storage Solutions

Inside closets, mount rods or shelves high enough for bins or baskets of plushies. Consider these options:

– Wall mounted baskets or canvas cubbies

– Utility wire shelves for bin stacking

– Over-the-door storage with mesh or canvas pockets

– Sturdy shelves anchored to the back wall for bin stacking

Divide closet space for non-plushie items too like clothes, toys, games, etc. Utilize all vertical storage space from floor to ceiling.

Bookcases

Bookshelves provide great stuffed animal storage, especially models with adjustable shelves. Use large plastic bins across each shelf, labeling by category. Or, arrange plushies directly on open shelves for a decorative bookcase display.

Look for sturdy wood or steel bookcases at least 36-48 inches high. Securing the bookcase safely to a wall is recommended to prevent tipping hazards. Then customize the shelves to hold both books and stuffed pals.

Toy Organizers & Storage Units

Multi- compartment toy organizers are designed with kid storage needs in mind. Models with sturdy canvas or mesh bins are ideal for holding plushies of all sizes. Bins stack, pivot, or drop down for easy access.

Plastic storage cubbies also work well for organizing stuffed animal collections. Look for units sized at least 36″ wide and 12″ deep per cubby for medium plushies. Labels or photos identify bin contents.

Trunks & Chests

Vintage-style storage trunks and chests offer timeless and decorative solutions for stuffed animals. Large plastic trunks have ventilation slots for airflow. Opt for cedar chests to protect against moths in fabric toys. Have fun stashing plushies away like prized treasures.

Look for storage chests sized at least 36 inches wide and long. Arrange medium stuffed animals sitting or lying horizontally. Add padded liners to prevent compression damage from piling.

Specialized Plush Toy Storage

If space and budget allow, specialty storage designed just for plushies is ideal. For example:

– Corner stuffed animal shelves corral collections in unused corners.

– Wall mounted stuffed animal organizers with shelves, ladders, and hammocks maximize space.

– Jumbo canvas storage cubes designed specifically for oversized plushies.

– Plush nests or cubes for storing stuffed animals on beds.

These tailored storage items showcase stuffed animal collections while keeping them contained and dust-free.

Displaying vs. Storing Stuffed Animals

Stuffed animals spark joy, so it’s understandable to want to display them proudly. But leaving them out permanently can expose plushies to damage. Here are some guidelines for display vs. storage:

Good for Displaying:

– A small rotation of favorite stuffed animals

– Plushies in protective display cases or shadowboxes

– Tough, washable plushies resistant to dust and grime

– Plushies that coordinate with room decor

Better for Storing:

– Large plush and prize plushies easily dirtied or damaged

– Collectible plushies susceptible to dust or sunlight damage

– Plushies that don’t match decor of rooms on display

– Souvenir plushies with sentimental value but not for regular cuddling

– Older vintage stuffed animals that need preservation

By thoughtfully choosing some special stuffed pals for display and keeping the rest in proper storage, you can both enjoy and protect your collection. Rotate plushies in and out of storage so all get a turn being adored.

Cleaning and Maintaining Stuffed Animals

To keep stuffed animals looking their best after years in storage, practice regular maintenance. Here are some tips:

– Wash machine-safe plushies once per year, or spot clean as needed. Air dry completely.

– Vacuum plushies in sensitive areas like faces before storing.

– Check for pest damage like moth holes or mildew periodically. Discard damaged items.

– Use cedar blocks or sachets to deter moths naturally.

– Remove batteries from electronic plushies before storing to prevent corrosion.

– Ensure seams, buttons, and accessories are secure so they don’t detach in storage.

With proper care, most high-quality stuffed animals can remain in great condition for many years in the right storage environment.

Preserving Sentimental Stuffed Animals

Some extra special stuffed animals need permanent preservation, like:

– Baby’s first plushie

– Plushies won at major events

– Super expensive collectibles

– Irreplaceable objects of emotional value

For these sentimental stuffed animals, consider archival preservation methods:

Acid-Free Tissue Paper

Gently wrap plushies in a layer of acid-free tissue paper before box storage. This protects the fibers from environmental damage. Always use clean, white paper only.

Archival Plastic Bags

Clear, acid-free plastic bags create a protective barrier against contaminants. Avoid common plastic bags that can turn brittle over time.

Muslin Bags

Gentle, breathable muslin bags allow airflow while preventing dust buildup. White muslin is ideal for visibility.

Acid-Free Boxes

Store wrapped stuffed animals in acid-free cardboard boxes, available at museum supply stores. Label boxes clearly.

With archival preservation packing,sentimental stuffed animals can stay pristine for future generations to cherish.

Conclusion

Stuffed animals bring joy to kids and adults alike. But as collections grow, proper storage is essential to keep plushies clean, organized, and easy to access. Plastic bins, hanging organizers, shelves, under-bed storage, and toy chests all make great stuffed animal solutions. Choose options that suit your space and needs. Proper storage keeps special stuffed friends safe so you can treasure them for years to come. With a little planning, even the largest stuffed animal collection can be neatly contained and ready to spark smiles.