Storing Cards

[KD35durant]

Hey, I'm just getting into collecting basketball cards and I was wondering the different ways/best ways to store cards.

I've seen most people get individual card sleeves/cases for each card, but I always thought traditionally people stuck cards in sleeves in binders. Is there a disadvantage to using the binders? Is there a reason it'd be better or worse than any other method of storage?

Or just in general what's ur favorite/the best (in terms of protection and cost) way to store cards?

Thanks!

[shaqattak]

I use a binder for my inserts, base and #'d cards that are of reg thickness of players that I like or that are listed in Beckett. However, if you look to collect jersey cards or thick cards make sure you at least put them in a penny sleeve and toploader for whatever thickness you have. I store mine in their own seperate card box that holds a couple hundred cards. I don't have that many jersey cards, but if you included a toploader the box doesn't hold as many cards. If you ask a card shop owner they are usually very helpful on getting the right size. For my other cards of players that are good, but not good enough to be in a binder, I put them in 1600 count boxes. I do not put them in a penny sleeve and toploader unless they are good rookie cards or something like that. I usually throw away all my commons, but that's just me.

[Hoopography]

As long as the condition of the cards is taken into account, it is a matter of preference. I no a lot of people who like binders because they can easily go through their collections to view the cards. I like the magnetic snap cases with the hollowed-out corners. I think the cards look better in those cases, but they can get pricy. I do not like penny sleeves because i'm always afraid im going to nick a corner when i put the card in there, but a penny sleeve and top loader combination is usually the best method for most.

After the individual card is taken care of (penny sleve, top loader, binder and/or snap case) there are actual cardboard boxes made specifically for cards that have built in dividers. They are inexpensive and worth every penny. I do not recommend a shoe box. cards tend to move around in those boxes and can get damaged. Keep cards out of direct sunlight for a prolonged period of time as they will fade.

I keep most of my cards in mag. snap cases and pull 3-4 out and leave them on my computer desk for a week or two to enjoy. Then change them out for another 3-4. After-all, its ultimately about enjoying the cards. Hope this help!!! Good Luck KD35durant.

[KD35durant]

Thanks guys, that helps a lot. I really need to invest in that stuff.

But just to clarify I have what's probably a stupid question. A penny sleeve is the soft, bendable plastic sleeve you initially put the card in, and the toploader is the rigid and sturdy plastic sleeve you put the penny sleeve in to protect it right?

[Hoopography]

Thanks guys, that helps a lot. I really need to invest in that stuff.

But just to clarify I have what's probably a stupid question. A penny sleeve is the soft, bendable plastic sleeve you initially put the card in, and the toploader is the rigid and sturdy plastic sleeve you put the penny sleeve in to protect it right?

Yep, you got it.

[xanderthegreat35]

good luck with your collection.

[KD35durant]

thanks again everyone.

should be hitting up the card store for some penny sleeves and top loaders this week

[garnett_21]

I like using a combo of both pages in binders and pennysleeves/top loaders. Do what seems best/right/easiest to you!

[BigBerserker]

I use a binder for my inserts, base and #'d cards that are of reg thickness of players that I like or that are listed in Beckett. However, if you look to collect jersey cards or thick cards make sure you at least put them in a penny sleeve and toploader for whatever thickness you have. I store mine in their own seperate card box that holds a couple hundred cards. I don't have that many jersey cards, but if you included a toploader the box doesn't hold as many cards. If you ask a card shop owner they are usually very helpful on getting the right size. For my other cards of players that are good, but not good enough to be in a binder, I put them in 1600 count boxes. I do not put them in a penny sleeve and toploader unless they are good rookie cards or something like that. I usually throw away all my commons, but that's just me.

This is exactly what I did when I collected cards. Very smart.