How to Organize & Store a Doll Collection

Clean your hands before you start to prepare the dolls for storage. Oils from your hands may stain the dolls. Wearing clean cotton gloves is another option.

Use clean soft cloths to clean and dust the dolls before you put them away in storage. Make sure you remove any dust and soiling before you wrap them to store.

Buy lignin-free and acid-free materials for wrapping each doll. These specially designed archival papers will not discolor or stain the fabrics, hair and body features of the dolls. They can be found at craft or art supply stores.

Choose storage bins, boxes or trunks for the dolls. Keep in mind the storage location. Pick sturdy, clean containers with solid sides, tops and bottoms. Make sure they can close properly.

While the type of material the box is made out of isn't an important factor, bear in mind that each has its drawbacks. Plastic can emit gases over time, plus they do not breathe as well and moisture can build up. Wood and metal can seep or stain, likewise cardboard. Wrapping each doll so it doesn't touch the edge of the box is key in protecting them no matter what kind of container you use.

Wrap each doll in the lignin-free and acid-free materials so the dolls are not touching each other when stored together. This will also keep them from touching the sides of the storage boxes or bins. Do not cram them together too tightly.

Arrange the dolls in the bins with heavier dolls on the bottom to ensure they will not crush the smaller and more delicate dolls. Use stuffed dolls between the fragile ones to help cushion the breakable dolls. Handle each doll very carefully.

Wrap special decor features on dolls so they do not discolor. Décor items like jewelry on the doll can tarnish over time and stain the fabrics or skin of the dolls. Do not use tape. The paper is thin enough to stay wrapped around each doll as you place them in the storage boxes.

Make two lists of each doll in the box on acid-free paper to be stored in the boxes or bins along with the dolls. This will help keep a tally of what dolls each box contains. Number the boxes and put the box number on each list. Store the second copy of the list in a safe place away from the bins.

Store the bins away from extreme temperatures, moisture sources and keep them out of direct light. These extremes and external conditions can damage the dolls, even if stored carefully with the correct materials. A closet that is close to normal room temperatures is ideal. Attics and garages are not a great idea unless they are temperature-controlled like the rest of the house.