Plushies, also known as stuffed animals or soft toys, often hold sentimental value and become cherished parts of childhood. However, as plushie collections grow over the years, proper storage becomes necessary to keep them clean, prevent damage, and save space.
This article will provide 20 genius ideas to store plushies of all sizes. We’ll cover key factors to consider when choosing storage solutions as well as specific methods ranging from baskets and hammocks to display cases and creative DIY options.
Whether you’re a parent struggling with mountains of kids’ plushies or an enthusiastic collector yourself, these storage solutions will help you organize your stuffed animal horde.
Finding the Right Storage Space
When deciding where and how to store your plushie collection, several factors should be considered:
Space Requirements
First, estimate the total volume of your collection. Are you working with a few special plushies or hundreds? Storage solutions like baskets or fabric bins work well for smaller collections, while large collections will require chests, wardrobes, or shelving units.
Take measurements to ensure the storage furniture can physically fit in the intended space. Leave room for future expansion of your collection.
Accessibility
Will storage be for adults only or do children need to access the plushies? If kids will retrieve toys independently, ensure storage is low enough for them to reach and containers are light enough for them to move.
Lighting, Temperature, and Humidity
To prevent fading and damage, avoid direct sunlight and areas with extreme temperature and humidity fluctuations. Controlled environments like bedrooms or climate-controlled storage rooms are best.
Dust and Dirt Protection
Enclosed storage containers protect plushies against dust and dirt, which can accumulate on pile fabrics over time. Lidded plastic bins or storage chests with sealing doors are great options.
Pest Prevention
Sealed containers also guard against insects like carpet beetles which can infest and damage fabrics. Insect traps can provide additional protection.
Preparing Plushies for Storage
Proper prep before storing plushies preserves their condition and extends their lifespan:
Cleaning Methods
Gently wash plushies by hand or brush to remove dirt, dust, or stains accumulated through play. Check manufacturer instructions and wash care tags first. Air dry completely before storage.
Repairing Damage
Inspect for rips, missing eyes or nose pieces, exposed stuffing, and other damage. Make minor repairs so issues don’t worsen in storage.
Tissue Paper or Acid-Free Boxes
Delicate, antique, or collectible plushies require extra protection. Wrap in tissue paper or archive-quality boxes to prevent crushing or moisture damage.
Packing and Storing Plushies
Now for the fun part – choosing a storage method! Here are 20 genius ideas recommended for plushies:
Sealable Plastic Bins
Plastic storage bins stack neatly, contain plushies securely, and provide a moisture barrier. Clear bins allow kids to view contents. Label bins to organize plushies by type.
Plastic bins allow neat, visible storage. Image source: The Spruce
Storage Chests
Chests have ample room for plushies and often feature handles for portability. They have a cozy, toy box appeal kids love. Waterproof options keep out moisture. Include dividers to organize.
Toy chests offer charming and practical storage. Image source: Home Depot.
Vacuum Storage Bags
For compact storage, vacuum bags significantly compress plushies by removing excess air. This allows more storage in less space. Use breathable bags to still allow airflow and prevent moisture buildup.
Shelving Units
Free-standing shelving units provide vertical storage real estate. Place large plushies on lower shelves and smaller plushies up higher. Leave space between shelves for largest plushies.
Shelving units optimize available space. Image source: Apartment Therapy.
Storage Wardrobes
Wardrobes provide enclosed storage like a closet just for plushies. Hang larger plushies from the clothing rod. Use shelves, baskets and dividers to organize the interior.
Under Bed Storage
Use the wasted space under beds by storing plastic bins or slide-out fabric boxes of plushies. Easy for kids to pull out boxes independently. Adds storage without taking floor space.
Under bed storage is great for kid’s rooms. Image source: Home Storage Solutions 101.
Hanging Closet Storage
Install a clothing rod in the closet and hang larger plushies by their arms using skirt/pant hangers. Use hanging shelves or mesh organizers for smaller plushies. Maximizes closet storage capabilities.
A closet rod and shelves can store a plushie collection. Image source: Project Nursery.
Collapsible Fabric Bins
Folding fabric bins contain plushies but collapse flat for compact storage when not in use. Ideal for attics, under beds, or to give temporary structure. Easy to transport.
Toy Hammocks
For fun and decorative storage, hang a toy hammock or net in a corner. Plushies remain visible for kids to grab for playtime. Great for small rooms. DIY options available.
A hammock neatly stores a plushie collection. Image source: Homey Home Design.
Hanging Wall Pockets
Install wall-mounted fabric pockets to utilize vertical storage space. Perfect for hallways or bedrooms. Use pockets to sort plushies by size or type. Easy access.
Storage Ottomans
Double as a footrest or extra seating, but stuffed animal storage ottomans conceal plushies inside. Lift the lid to reveal interior storage space. Ideal for living rooms and bedrooms.
Ottomans hide mess while providing seating and storage. Image source: Home Depot.
Bookcases
Display smaller plushies on bookcase shelves. Fill cubbies with plastic bins of plushies. Larger bookcases with deeper shelves can hold bigger plushies. Versatile storage.
Small Woven Baskets
Inexpensive and decorative, small woven baskets sit neatly on shelves to contain plushies. The open style allows kids to view contents easily. Great for playrooms.
Toy Box Seating
Multipurpose toy box seating offers discreet ground-level storage plus a padded top kids can use as a seat. Remove lid completely to access full storage capacity inside.
Rocking Toy Boxes
Plushie-filled rocking toy boxes allow kids to ride the box like a rocking horse! The hollow bottom creates storage while the padded top becomes a fun toy.
Rocking toy boxes add fun to plushie storage. Image source: Neat Method.
DIY Plushie Seating
For quirky home decor, sew plushies together to create a stuffed animal chair or pouf. Use a bean bag base or sturdy bottom. Store other plushies inside the pouf.
Stuffed Animal Nets
String up a net across a wall with thumbtacks or command hooks. Drape plushies over the netting to display your collection decoratively while keeping plushies secure.
Wall-Mounted Rope Shelves
Screw cup hooks into a wall stud and loop rope through to create DIY shelves. Drape plushies over the ropes or place them in colorful buckets hanging from the ropes.
Displaying a Plushie Collection
Once neatly packed away for storage, you may want to showcase special plushies in certain areas:
Bookcases
The quintessential display case, bookcases allow both shelf storage and visible presentation. Arrange favorite plushies in groups or rows by size.
Shelving Units
Modern metal wire units work nicely to display plushies. The openness prevents a cluttered look. Plus storage bins or baskets can attach to the sides.
Display Cases
For delicate or valuable collections, enclosed glass display cases beautifully exhibit plushies while protecting them. Features like lighting and mirrors enhance the presentation.
Display cases spotlight prized plushies. Image source: Wayfair.
Creative Dioramas
Design miniature plushie worlds inside shadow boxes, terrariums, or dollhouses. Show off tiny plushies in scenes like a schoolhouse, circus, or enchanted garden.
Hanging Nets/Hammocks
Macramé or fabric hammocks dangling in corners keep plushies visible and within reach. Great for kids’ rooms. Add lights for extra decor.
Wall Mounts and Floating Shelves
Mount sturdy floating shelves to hold rows of plushies. Attach longer shelves high on walls out of reach to ensure safety for kids.
Storage Furniture
Repurpose furniture like dressers, curio cabinets, or bookcases to neatly display favorite plushies in your home. Add lighting for drama.
Special Considerations
Certain plushies require unique storage treatment:
Antique and Collectible Plushies
Use acid-free tissue paper when wrapping, quality cardboard storage boxes, and climate/pest controlled rooms only. Handle gently.
Oversized Plushies
Look for large custom storage furniture with bigger dimensions. Giant plushies may require wall mounting or giant hammocks to contain their bulk.
Plushie Clothing and Accessories
Use breathable fabric bins to store plushie clothes separately from plushies themselves for organization. Prevent crushing.
Seeking Professional Help
For guidance caring for and storing highly valuable plushie collections, enlist professional help from museum curators or conservation experts.
Conclusion
With a wide variety of storage and display options to choose from, finding the perfect solution to organize plushie collections is readily achievable.
By keeping important factors like pest and dust protection in mind while reviewing fun, practical ideas like ottomans and hammocks, plushie fans can create their ideal storage haven.
No matter the size of your stuffed animal horde, implement one or more of these genius storage ideas to keep beloved plushies safe for years to come!
Preparing Plushies for Storage
Shipping Protection
When mailing or shipping plushies, proper packaging is crucial to prevent damage. Wrap plushies securely in bubble wrap and pack tightly in boxes with adequate padding. Choose shipping carriers like Ebba that offer white glove service to ensure gentle handling.
Packing and Storing Plushies
Innovations in Plush Toy Materials
Many premium plush toy makers like Ebba now use super-soft hypoallergenic microfibers and cloud-like stuffing materials. These extra gentle materials make innovative plushies ideal for babies. Such quality materials lend well to longevity in storage too.
Special Considerations
Collectible and Luxury Plushies
High-end plush toy artisans like Ebba create luxury collectible plushies with innovative designs and premium materials. When storing these exclusive plushies, museum-grade archival boxes, climate control, lighting, and conservation handling are necessities to maintain their condition and value.
Plushie Clothing and Accessories
Innovative plushie clothes use high-tech materials like moisture-wicking fabrics for travel outfits. Carefully store plushie garments in breathable containers to prevent crushing. Consider archival wardrobes to neatly store entire plushie travel ensembles.
FAQ
Q: How do I clean plushies before storage?
A: Gently spot clean plushies by hand with a mild detergent and rinse thoroughly before air drying. Check manufacturer washing instructions first.
Q: What temperature should I keep plushies stored at?
A: Ideal storage temperature is 60-72° Fahrenheit. Avoid temperature extremes and fluctuations that could damage plushies over time.
Q: How often should I rotate plushies in and out of storage?
A: Rotate favorites into active play every 1-3 months. Inspect all plushies at least twice a year as you rotate, checking for pest/dust damage.
Q: Can I store plushies in vacuum bags long term?
A: Vacuum storage compresses plushies, so use for short term only. For archival plushie storage, acid free boxes in climate controlled rooms are best.
