We love stuffed animals! But let's admit they can create a real mess and impressive dust traps when not properly stored.
To take good care of them and keep your home tidy, it's essential to find ingenious and creative solutions for storing your stuffed animals or your children's.
That's good news, it's our specialty! At La Pelucherie, stuffed animal experts for several decades, not a single plush toy lying around...
So, follow our tips for tidying yours up!
Also Read : What Decoration for a Baby's 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 plush net
The plush net is a super aesthetic stuffed animal storage option. Depending on the size of the net, it can hold a large number of stuffed animals while adding a playful and colorful look to a child's bedroom, a playroom, or even the family living room.
You can hang the plush net from the ceiling or on a wall, but be careful to secure it well to avoid any risk of falling!
Ideal for small spaces. The only drawback is that your net can quickly become disorganized if you pile up the stuffed animals.
2. The plush hammock
The hammock is also very popular in the category of original stuffed animal storage solutions ! Hang a hammock in a corner of the bedroom or living room and place your collection of stuffed animals there. Remember to distribute the weight of the stuffed animals evenly to avoid any imbalance.
You will save space and add a nice touch of fantasy to your decor.
Plus, your guests will be amused to see your stuffed animals relaxing peacefully in their hammock.
3. A wall-mounted soft toy organizer
The wall-mounted plush organizer or soft toy organizer is an excellent idea if you lack floor space.
There are different ways to design it, but the most common is a series of pockets or compartments in a large fabric fixed to the wall.
You can classify stuffed animals by size, color, or theme in each pocket, which offers great visibility and easy access, especially for children.
The wall-mounted soft toy organizer makes a great decorative item: you can choose fun patterns or colors that match your decor.
The only drawback is the capacity: the number of stuffed animals you can store there will be limited by the number and size of the pockets. Not really suitable for giant stuffed animals...
4. The plush cage or zoo
If you have enough space, you can create a stuffed animal zoo, also called a "plush cage." This is a creative and fun idea for children and parents alike!
You can find plush zoos commercially, but it's also easy to build one yourself.
To make your DIY plush cage, simply build an "empty" structure and add bars to create the enclosure. Make sure there's enough space between each bar for the largest stuffed animals to pass through, but not too much so that the smallest ones don't fall out...
Then, set up your stuffed animals in their new zoo: the children will have a great time!
5. The plush 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 just toss your stuffed animals into the basket, it's better 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 location, especially if children often play with their stuffed animals.
6. The plush storage ottoman
The plush storage ottoman, a multifunctional piece of furniture that allows you to store your stuffed animals and sit down ! There are many storage ottomans available commercially, and you don't need yours to be specifically designed for stuffed animals. Instead, choose the design and size that suits you!
The only drawback is that your stuffed animal collection is hidden. If you like to see them, this isn't the best storage solution for you.
7. The plush 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 and create a joyful atmosphere, but it's also super cute, isn't it?
However, accessing the stuffed animals might be more difficult for younger children, and a solid installation is necessary to ensure safety.
8. The plush bookshelf or shelf
Transform an old bookcase or shelf into a plush house and you'll get a great storage and display space for your plush collection!
Similarly, but less visible to everyone, you can also store your stuffed animals in a dedicated closet. For example, a shoe cabinet or even part of a dressing room.
The advantage is that the stuffed animals are well organized, tidy, and can easily be sorted to teach children to take care of their toys.
9. Storage bins or chests for stuffed animals
For stuffed animals you don't use often, you can certainly keep them in storage bins or chests. They will be well protected and safe from dust and humidity.
The advantage of a chest is that it can also be a decorative item, or even a bench to sit on. Bins, on the other hand, will be stored at the top of a wardrobe, in the attic, or in a storage room.
10. Storing 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 houseplants.
In addition to bringing a trendy look to your decor, 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 stuffed animals. It is essential to ensure the safety of the hanging pots to avoid any accidents.
In short, there are all sorts 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 decorating style!
Some tips for properly storing your stuffed animals
Before storing your stuffed animals, and especially if you're not going to take them out again for the next few months or years, it's best to wash, repair, and pack them properly to ensure they stay in good condition!
Washing stuffed animals
Unlike wooden or plastic toys that are easy to clean, cleaning stuffed animals is a little more complicated.
If your stuffed animals can be machine washed (check the label!), first wrap them 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 prevent the stuffing from losing volume.
Always let stuffed animals air dry. Make sure they are completely dry before storing them to prevent mold caused by humidity.
Also Read : 5 Tips for Properly Washing Your Stuffed Animals!
Repairing stuffed animals
Storing your stuffed animals for the season is the perfect opportunity to repair them so they're in perfect condition next time.
Take a closer look: there's (almost) always a small tear, a small hole, or a snag to mend!
Also Read : How to Repair a Torn Soft Toy or Stuffed Animal?
Properly pack your stuffed animals before storing them
If you are going to store your stuffed animals in bins, chests, or bags for an indefinite period, it is advisable to wrap them in a cloth along with a desiccant packet or a moisture-absorbing sachet. Humidity is the worst enemy of stuffed animals (after children!). It promotes mold.
Avoid piling your stuffed animals on top of each other, so they don't lose too much volume and don't deform.
Also Read : How to Package a Stuffed Animal?
What are your tips for storing your stuffed animals? Feel free to share your ideas with us!