Shipping and Moving Tips for Your Dolls

My clients are both domestic and international and unfortunately sometimes dolls sent to me for repair are damaged even more while in the mail! For this month’s post I have included some tips and ideas for mailing or moving your own dolls, notably how best to protect their eyes, which I often see damaged.

First, its important to remember that when you mail a doll with moving parts, it will sustain shockwaves on both the inside of the package and to your doll. Keep that in mind when packing by adding cushioning materials. Consider packing a double box or allow at least an inch of packing between the doll and the walls of the box so there is space to absorb any pressure of impact to the wall of the container in transit.

Second, be aware that doll eyes are mounted on a rocker mechanism which has a pendulum action. To prevent that mechanism from rattling against the bisque in transit the inside of the head needs soft packing for stability. To gain access to the inside of the head, remove the top pate/wig and insert soft packing that will be removed once it arrives at its destination. For a dome head, the opening is at the bottom of the head, which is not always accessible. But if the head is a flange construction with antique, glass eyes that open and close, and the head can be removed from the body, it's a good idea to insert soft packing into the head to stabilize the eye mechanism.

Finally, remember that if a doll has its original eye construction and its original glue, chances are the glue is brittle and has lost its staying power. Pack so that the eyes do not detach and deteriorate in transit.