We love stuffed animals! But let's admit that they can create a real mess and impressive nests of dust when they are not properly stored.
To take good care of it and keep your home tidy, it is essential to find ingenious and creative solutions to store your stuffed animals or those of your children.
That’s good, it’s our specialty! At La Pelucherie, an expert in soft toys for several decades, not a soft toy lying around...
So, follow our tips to properly store yours!
Read Also : What Decoration For A Baby Room?
10 great stuffed animal storage ideas!
Without further ado, here is a list of original and practical ideas for storing your precious stuffed animals !
1. The lint net
The lint net is a super aesthetic lint storage option . Depending on the size of the net, it will be able to accommodate a large number of stuffed animals while adding a playful and colorful look to a child's room, a playroom, or even the family living room.
You can hang the lint net from the ceiling or on a wall, but be careful to secure it properly to avoid any risk of falling!
Ideal for small spaces . The only downside is that your net can quickly become messy if you pile up the fluff.
2. The stuffed animal hammock
The hammock is also very popular in the category of original storage for stuffed animals ! Hang a hammock in a corner of the bedroom or living room and place your collection of soft toys there. Remember to distribute the weight of the stuffed animals well to avoid any imbalance.
You will save space and add a nice touch of fantasy to your decoration.
In addition, your guests will be amused to see your stuffed animals lounging quietly in their hammock.
3. A wall-mounted cuddly toy
The wall-mounted plush or cuddly toy range is a great idea if you're short on floor space .
There are different ways to design it, but the most common is a series of pockets or compartments in a large fabric attached to the wall.
You can sort stuffed animals by size, color, or theme in each pocket, which provides high visibility and easy access, especially for children.
The wall-mounted cuddly toy rack makes a great decorative object : you can choose fun patterns or colors that go well with your decoration.
The only drawback is the capacity : the number of stuffed animals you store there will be limited by the number and size of the pockets. Not really suitable for giant stuffed animals ...
4. The cage or the fluff zoo
If you have enough space , you can create a fluff zoo, also called a "fluff cage". This is a creative and fun idea for children and parents alike!
You can find stuffed animals in stores, but it's also easy to build one yourself.
To make your DIY fluff cage , simply build an "empty" structure and add bars to it to make the enclosure. Make sure there is enough space between each rung to fit the larger stuffed animals, but not too much so that the smaller ones don't fall...
Then, install your stuffed animals in their new zoo: the children will have a good time there!
5. The fluff basket
A simple and effective solution for storing stuffed animals is to use a large basket. Opt for a wicker basket for a rustic style, a fabric basket for a softer touch, or a plastic basket for durability.
While it's tempting to toss your stuffed animals in the basket, it's best to take a little time to organize them. You can sort your stuffed animals by size, color, or theme in the basket.
Place your basket in an accessible place , especially if the children often play with their stuffed animals.
6. The pouf stores soft toys
The stuffed animal storage pouf, a multifunction piece of furniture that allows you to store your stuffed animals and sit down ! There are many storage ottomans available on the market, and you don't need yours to be specifically for stuffed animals. Instead, choose the design and size that suits you!
The only downside is that your stuffed animal collection is hidden . If you like to see them, this is not the best storage solution for you.
7. The stuffed animal swing
Imagine a miniature swing , attached to the ceiling or a shelf, filled with your favorite stuffed animals. Not only does it free up floor space, it creates a happy atmosphere, and it’s so cute , right?
On the other hand, access to the soft toys could be more difficult for the little ones and a solid installation is necessary to guarantee safety.
8. The bookcase or stuffed toy shelf
Turn an old bookcase or shelf into a stuffed animal house and you'll have great storage and display space for your stuffed animal collection !
In the same way, but less in plain sight, you can also store your stuffed animals in a cupboard dedicated to them. For example, a shoe cabinet or even part of the dressing room.
The advantage is that the stuffed animals are neat , orderly, and can easily be classified to teach children how to take care of their toys.
9. Storage bins or chests for soft toys
For stuffed animals that you don't use often, you can keep them in storage bins or chests. They will be warm and protected from dust and humidity .
The advantage of the chest is that it can also be a decorative object , or even a bench to sit on. The bins, for their part, will be stored at the top of a cupboard, in the attic, or in a storage room.
10. Store your stuffed animals in hanging pots
An original and elegant way to store and display your stuffed animals is to use hanging pots, similar to those used for indoor plants.
In addition to bringing a trendy look to your decoration, you give a second life to your pots by creating a unique display of your favorite stuffed animals.
This solution is only suitable for small or medium-sized stuffed animals . It is essential to ensure the safety of the hanging pots to avoid any accident.
In short, there are all kinds of creative and practical solutions for storing your stuffed animals . The important thing is to choose the one that best suits your space and your style of decoration!
Some tips for storing your stuffed animals properly
Before storing your stuffed animals, and especially if you are not going to take them out in the next few months or years, it is best to wash them, repair them, and wrap them properly to ensure that they are in good health!
Wash the stuffed toys
Unlike easy-to-clean wooden or plastic toys, cleaning soft toys is a little more complicated.
If your soft toys can be machine washed (check the label!), wrap them first in a cloth to protect them from the drum.
If you wash your stuffed animals by hand, use mild products and lukewarm water to avoid damaging them and to prevent the stuffing from losing volume.
Always let stuffed animals air dry . Make sure they are completely dry before storing to avoid mold and mildew caused by moisture.
Also read : 5 Tips for Washing Your Stuffed Animals Properly!
Fix the lint
Putting away your stuffed animals for the season is the perfect opportunity to repair them so you can find them in perfect condition next time.
Look closer: there is (almost) always a small tear, a small hole, or a tear to be sewn up!
To Read Also : How To Repair A Torn Comforter Or Stuffed Animal?
Pack your stuffed animals well before storing them
If you are going to store your stuffed animals in bins, boxes, or bags for an indefinite period of time, it is advisable to wrap them in a cloth along with a desiccant tablet or a moisture-absorbing sachet . Humidity is the worst enemy of soft toys (after children!). It promotes mold.
Avoid piling your stuffed animals on top of each other, so that they don't lose too much volume and become deformed.
Also Read : How to Wrap a Soft Toy?
And you, what are your tips for storing your stuffed animals? Don’t hesitate to share your ideas with us!