by Dolly DeVonderland

Created on: March 02, 2009

While it would be a dream to display each and every doll in one's vintage Barbie collection, often this just isn't an option. Whether it's to rotate your display dolls or move them across country, knowing how to safely pack and store your dolls will protect your collection. Taking good care of your collection will help you retain it's value and it's beauty.

Be sure you have plenty of acid-free tissue paper, white is best, and something soft to warp delicate parts in, like bubble wrap or even plastic grocery bags if need be. If changing which dolls you're displaying is part of your collecting, invest in a nicely made plastic storage bin or two to make re-packing easier. A heavy-duty cardboard box will do just fine as well, the 'office' size paper boxes are great as they tend to be the right size to hold up to a dozen or more dolls, depending on their costumes. If you're lucky enough to live near a wine specialty shop, many of their bottles come shipped in divided cartons that are just perfect for holding a doll or two per slot.

Other items you might want to consider are saran wrap and plastic fill able Easter eggs. To use these as face and hair protectors, hold half of the plastic egg in place with saran wrap wrapped gently around the doll's head. These little novelties can prevent your TNT doll's lashes from getting creased, or a bubble cut doll from getting her hair mashed. It not only saves your leftovers, saran wrap can keep your dolls looking fresh! Long hair can be wrapped as well, to prevent kinks from being pressed into the synthetic fibers.

To prevent creases in full skirts, stuff acid-free tissue paper or plastic grocery bags gently under the dress. If you don't have tissue, wrap the doll's legs with plain white paper and use bags to puff up her skirt. If using only grocery bags the printing may rub off onto your doll's legs. If you happen to be moving, extra linens make for mighty nice cushioning between dolls in the boxes. Before placing them into the box, you can either wrap each doll individually or layer them, side by side in the box. Putting a bit of tissue between each of your dolls can make opening the box seem like the best birthday party ever, so don't be afraid to use ribbons to tie up the wrappings.

Whether your dolls are stored mint in unopened boxes or carefully packed vintage fixer uppers, you'll want to be sure that you're not letting them get too hot or too damp. This means the attic and basement should be your last possible choices. Keeping you collection out of direct sunlight is important as well. Places like the back of a closet are best for your dolls. Excessive heat can melt the delicate plastics used in vintage Barbies and their accessories, and humidity can invite nasty mold spores to make a home on your doll's finest gown. Taking care of your collection is not just good for your investment and sentimental value, but it preserves your treasured collection for generations to come.

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