They had brought a variety of packing materials ranging from soft, acid-free tissue paper to bubble wrap and cardboard boxes. Everything had to be acid free, containing no acids that could damage sensitive items. They used the soft tissue to wrap the dolls' hands, then dressed any exposed "skin" on the legs and faces, forming a soft, tissue cast. A more substantial layer of hard tissue followed, binding the rest of the body.

Finally, they fashioned a slightly rigid cocoon composed of polyethylene foam and/or bubble wrap to encase each doll. The many layers of tissue and foam would not only protect the dolls from cracks, breaks, and dust but would also prevent rapid temperature changes as they were transported from the warm apartment to the wintery conditions outside and then into the preheated vans.