Stuffed animals multiply. One day there's a single teddy, and a year later there's a pile on every surface. They're soft, loved and hard to part with, which is exactly why they need a simple system. Here's how to store stuffed animals so kids can still find their favorites.
1. Sort into favorites and the rest
Ask your child to pick their true favorites, the ones they sleep near, carry around or talk to. Those get a special spot. The rest can be stored, rotated or passed on.
2. Give favorites a home they can reach
Favorites belong somewhere visible and within reach, like a low shelf or a reading corner. Bigger plush make a sweet display on their own. The 16-inch Waddle animal is weighted in its feet and base, so it sits up nicely on a shelf or sofa.
3. Use a rolling chest for the rest
Deep, soft-sided storage works best for plush. They don't need to be neat, just contained. The Maple toy storage has a rolling toy chest on four swivel wheels that's ideal for plush, balls and blankets, plus nine bins for smaller toys. It must be anchored to the wall with the included anti-tip hardware.
4. Try cubbies
Open cubbies hold a few plush each and look tidy. The Birch and Hazel reading nook bookshelves have five 11 by 11 inch cubbies, just the right size for a few friends, plus a reading bench where favorites can join story time. Both must be anchored.
5. Make tidy-up a game
A cart or tent turns putting plush away into play. Kids can "park" them on the shelves of the Cedar truck cart, or tuck them into a play tent for the night.
6. Rotate
Keep a few out and store the rest in a bin or closet. Swap them every few weeks. Old friends feel new again when they come back.
7. Pass some on
Every so often, invite your child to choose a few to give away. Check with local charities first, as many only accept new plush.
Keep plush out of baby's sleep space
For babies under 12 months, the crib should be empty except for a fitted sheet: no stuffed animals, pillows or blankets. Keep plush on shelves or in a chest instead. It's a good habit to keep bigger piles out of toddler beds too.
Keeping stuffed animals clean
Check the care label. Many plush are spot clean only, including the Waddle, which should be cleaned gently by hand. Check seams from time to time, especially on toys with pellet-filled feet or bases.
Questions parents ask
How do you store a lot of stuffed animals?
Keep a few favorites out, and store the rest in a deep chest or bin that's easy to open.
Where should stuffed animals go in a nursery?
On a shelf or in a storage chest, never in the crib for babies under 12 months.
How many stuffed animals should a child have?
There's no right number. If they don't fit in their home, it may be time to rotate or pass some on.
Time for a bigger clear-out? Read how to declutter toys.
More storage ideas in living room toy storage ideas and shared kids room ideas.
