Doll Collection Storage Ideas

OK I have struggled with this just as much as you have!

 WHERE do I put everything??

Prior to downsizing, I cleaned out two under utilized closets to store nine dolls with their collection. (My secret doll house) It has worked beautifully for me! I love it.

There are however not enough shelves for all of my dolls, even after the downsize, I had to rearrange the spare bedroom. I took all of the over sized heavy pieces of furniture OUT! Good bye - to the curb - "FREE" and they were gone within hours. Whew!

Next I moved the bed to the smallest wall by the door. I flanked both sides of the window in bookcases storing eight dolls and my doll clothes out of the sunlight. I was going for a more "built in" look even though these bookcases are free standing.

 Donated the curtains - whoosh! Just like that! Didn't need all of the heavy draping and tripping on fabric. Added a dresser under the window for a doll house.

You may not be as extreme as I am, just hauling stuff to the curb and ripping things off windows and walls. Please understand this room was a catch all where mismatched extras went that we didn't really need anyway.

Before attempting a doll collection storage system consider the space - is it dark, dry and cool? Avoid humidity like laundry rooms or basements. Heat rises so avoid attics. Our home has central AC/heat and is climate controlled. Keep both dolls and clothing out of direct sunlight to prevent fading. 

Here are some ideas to pull from my experience:

• Use closet space - coat closets, linen closets
• Put bookcases next to windows (keep dolls out of sunlight)
• Can't build out - build up with rows of shelving
• Under bed storage - clear plastic bins
• Collapsible bins (Dollar Tree) hidden on upper closet shelves
• Corners are under utilized - use corner cabinets or shelves
• Vertical canvas shoe organizers hung inside closets  hold collapsible bins (hang 3 per coat closet)
• Doll trunks are romantic for doll, clothes + shoes - Springfield
• Rubbermaid stack-able storage drawers hold shoes, clothes and hats
• Hang or fold clothes - store AG boxes under bed or in large tubs in garage.