Moving home is always stressful - if you have a valuable doll collection it is just ten times worse. If you find yourself in the position where you have to move your entire doll collection to a new location there are certain precautionary measures to take that will reduce the chances of damaging your doll collection.

1. Do not let the movers pack your dolls.

Nobody else will take the same care as you when packing your dolls. Movers may be very experienced in packing other items but collectible dolls need extra special care when being moved. If possible do not place your packed dolls with the rest of your move in the removal van. If you have no choice then supervise the packing of the boxes so that boxes are not damaged and heavier dolls are packed under the lighter dolls and not vice versa.

2. Make sure that you use sufficient packaging materials:

You are going to need lots and lots of bubble wrap, tape, packing paper and boxes. Just how much packaging material you will require will be determined by the types of dolls in your doll collection. Porcelain, china and composition dolls will need the most bubble wrap as each of their limbs will need to be wrapped separately. Hair and outfits will be of greater concern with vinyl dolls and newsprint-free packing paper is ideal for this purpose. If you have NRFB (never remove from box) dolls, you need sturdy outer boxes to help keep the doll boxes dent-free. Pack heaviest dolls on the bottom; lighter dolls and doll clothes on top. If you have dolls that you are considering selling - do so before the move. It will save on packaging material and you can always use the money for all the packaging materials you are going to need.

3. Mark the Boxes Well:

Marking the boxes well will not only make for easier unpacking, it will also reduce the chances of someone accidentally throwing your box of porcelain dolls around. When packing the removal vehicle this will assist in ensuring that the heavier dolls are packed underneath the lighter dolls.

4. Beware of Storage Facilities:

Heat, humidity and insects are enemies to most types of dolls. If you must store your dolls for any length of time, make sure our dolls are in a climate-controlled facility and that your insurance policy will cover the dolls whilst in storage.

5. Make Sure the Dolls are properly Insured:

Your homeowner's policy may cover some portions of the insurance for your move. Most do not cover breakage, however, and you will need to purchase breakage insurance from the moving company.

Doll shows and auctions

When next you plan to visit a doll auction with the intention of buying a doll/s plan ahead and take sufficient suitable packaging material with you to ensure a safe journey home for your newly found dolls. If you have to travel home by plane it may be a better option to ship your dolls home and avoid the risk of damaging your dolls in transit.

Happy doll collecting.