DOLL ORGANIZATION

Dolls, dolls, dolls: dolls in the closets; dolls on the beds;
Dolls on the counters and dolls under lids. 
One needs a dress and one needs repair;
One needs a paint job and one needs new hair. 
Some are heirlooms and some were gifts;
Some are antiques and some are the kids'. 
Can I get organized? Could it be true?
Is there an answer? Oh tell me do!

This dreaded chore of organizing may take only a little time for some collectors, as they only have a few dolls but it's easier to start in the present before things get "out of control".

For collectors with many dolls, he best way to accomplish organizing is by "one step at a time". . . Review . . . Display . . . Store . . . Inventory.

Review Your Collection

As when organizing anything, the first thing you need to do is look at each doll and divide into piles.  You must decide whether you want to keep it or sell it.

The "sell pile"...your taste in dolls may have changed, the collection may have become too large, some dolls may have greater value to you than others, or maybe your moving and don't have the room or cannot take all the dolls with you.  Whatever the reason, you can dispose of the "sell pile" in various ways. 

Disposing of the "sell pile"

• You can give them away to someone who wants them.
• Use them as a donation to the UFDC for a tax deductible donation.
• Sell them via auction, web site, eBay or antique dealer.
• Advertise in the classifieds: Doll collection for Sale.

Preparing the "keep pile"

It is necessary to further separate the dolls that are in need of repair or cleaning.  For further instructions in Doll care, see our Free Information page.  These dolls must be taken care of before going to the next step.

Display of Dolls

When choosing where you will be displaying, keep these things in mind.

• Avoid direct sunlight, florescent and hot lights, pets and children.
• Use a temperature controlled room.
• Make your display room non-smoking.

Shelving can be done in a number of ways.  Curio cabinets, antique furniture, store shelves or wood shelves but the most economical would probably be open shelves on brackets.  While they wouldn't protect from dust or dirt and would require regular cleaning, you would be able to adjust the shelves as necessary.  For those who would use wood cabinets, line your shelves to protect the dolls clothing from acidic chemicals in the wood.

Your display of dolls should be "eye catching".  Someone, in passing, might say "Are those real babies?"  Be as realistic in their appearance as is possible and authentic in their attire.  If you're displaying an antiquity, be sure to use knowledge available for that era.  Remember, you want to get people's attention at the "blink of an eye".

Your display should be thought of as a shop window; maybe using seasons, holidays or specific occasions.  It could also tell a story through the dolls.

Storing the Dolls

Doll Storage is of utmost importance.  You don't want your clientele to get bored with your display - or your family and friends to feel your home is cramped or cluttered.  Therefore change is valuable in your doll's presentation to the public.  Change means exchange in this scenario.  To do this, some must be stored while others are in use.

Remember to check your collection over once a year for discoloration or bug infestation.  Stay up on maintenance, "a stitch in time saves nine".

Inventory the Dolls

Review your display and take inventory of your collection.  Your detailed inventory can be as simple as a list on paper or as neat as stored on a computer program.  Whichever you choose, include the following info in your documentation.

1. Name of the Doll
2. Manufacturer
3. Year the Doll was made
4. Present condition of the Doll
5. When/Where it was purchased
6. Price paid
7. Current Value (see 14th Blue Book of Doll Values or Miller's Price Guide for Barbie Dolls)
8. Item Number to ID Dolls (Tag the doll with a number matching the inventory list)

Some of computer programs will allow you to move and organize your doll information as much as you like.  If you choose to enter the information on a computer program here are a few of the software programs available for such a project: