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07-08-2009, 11:22 AM #1
Storing Your Cards
By: Peyton Lombardo or "detroitpistons"
Binders, boxes, bins, and more. There are many methods to store your cards. What you store your cards in, where you store your cards, and how you store your cards will affect the card itself.
Some prefer binders, in which they have a page that inserts 9 cards into each one. This protects all of the cards well but can be on the more expensive side. Some of these binders can be up to $25 but also are lower around $5-10. Plus you have to buy the inserts which hold up to 18 cards (both sides) for each one. This can really add up in prices but it's not too bad. If you're not looking to spend this much then there ar emany other alternatives and methods.
Others like boxes. These are one of the cheapest methods. Shoe boxes are a lot of collectors' choice but they aren't very safe. If in any way the box gets wet, it will seep through and damage many of the cards. If you accidentally smash it, it can damage the cards also. A different box alternative that is still very cheap are standard count boxes. These are perfect for cards as they are made especially for them, plus they come in many counts so whether you have 50 or 500 cards to store, there will be a box for your needed count. There are 5,000 card count boxes are as low as $5! Smaller boxes needed are a lot cheaper. Plus, these are much more sturdy than regular shoe boxes.
A less-used method are bins. Some like tupperware bins from the kitchen because they are waterproof and protect the cards well. Others like big storage bins which unless you have a top that goes on it, only protects the bottom and side. These may be more on the pricey side, but a very protective way to store cards.
A very protective way to store cards are in penny sleeves and then in top loaders, snap-tight holders, or screw holders. This may be the most protective way. Some prefer to put only the most valuable cards in, and put the others cards in a box, bin, binder, etc. A penny sleeve pack of 100 can be pruchased for around $1 and the top loaders can be purchased in packs of 25 for a little more than $1, but you can always buy more. Buying in bulk is a good idea because it can get a lot chaper thsan buying only a couple. Snap-tite and screw holders are more expensive than top loaders, but they protect the card from every side, whereas the top loaders have an opening in the top. These aren't very expensive from the start but continous purchasing of these top loaders/penny sleeves/snap-tight holders/screw holders can really add up. It's worth the price when you want to sell the card and the people interested in purchashing only want mint to near-mint cards. One of the most, if not the most, protective ways of storing cards is this method.
Another big effect on storing cards is where you store your cards. Obviously if you store your cards in the oven or a hot place they will not be in good condition the next time you go to look thought them. And sotring them in the freezer or a cold place also won't do any good to the cards. Putting the cards in a place like the attic where water can seep through the roof causing mildew and bad cards isn't the best idea either. The best idea is most likely a room temperature room, maybe with air conditioning.
Storing your cards in a good place is crucial to the card's condition, especially when later you want to sell it for some big bucks. So make sure, even if you already have them stored, that the place and bin/box/binder is safe and not harming the cards in any way.Last edited by detroitpistons; 07-08-2009 at 11:24 AM. Reason: fixing the spaces between paragraphs
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07-08-2009, 07:27 PM #2
Storing Your Cards
By Peyton Lombardo aka detroitpistons
Binders, boxes, bins and more. There are many methods to store your cards. What you store your cards in, where you store your cards, and how you store your cards will affect the card itself.
Some collectors prefer binders, in which they have a page that inserts nine cards into each one. This protects all of the cards well but can be on the more expensive side. Some of these binders can be up to $25 but also are lower around $5-10. In addition to the binder you have to buy the inserts, which hold up to 18 cards (both sides) for each one. This can really add up in price but it's not too bad. If you're not looking to spend this much then there are many other alternative methods.
Others people like boxes for storage. These are one of the cheapest methods. Shoeboxes are a lot of collector’s choice but they aren't very safe. If in any way the box gets wet, it will seep through and damage many or all of the cards. If you accidentally smash the box, it can damage the cards also. A different box alternative that is still very cheap is standard count boxes. These are perfect for cards as they are made especially for them, plus they come in many sizes, or counts, so whether you have 50 or 500 cards to store, there will be a box for your needed count. If you have tons of cards, 5,000 card count boxes are as low as $5! Smaller boxes that may be needed, such as the 50 or 500 count, are a lot cheaper. These standard count boxes are much more sturdy than regular shoeboxes in addition to their low prices.
A rarer method of storage is bins. Some bins like Tupperware from the kitchen are good because they are waterproof and protect the cards well. Others like big storage bins, unless you have a top that goes on it, only protect the bottom and side. These may be more on the pricey side, but show to be very protective way to store cards.
A very protective way to store cards is in penny sleeves and then in top loaders, snap-tight holders or screw holders. This may be the most protective method out of every possible storage option. Some collectors prefer to put only the most valuable cards in, and put the others cards in a box, bin, binder, etc. A penny sleeve pack of 100 can be purchased for around $1 and the top loaders can be purchased in packs of 25 for a little more than $1, but you can always buy more. Buying in bulk is a good idea because it can be a lot cheaper than buying only a couple. Snap-tight and screw holders are more expensive than top loaders, but they protect the card from every side, whereas the top loaders have an opening in the top. These aren't very expensive from the start but continuous purchasing of these top loaders/penny sleeves/snap-tight holders/screw holders can really add up. It's worth the price when you want to sell the card and the people interested in purchasing only want mint to near-mint cards. One of the most, if not the most, protective ways of storing cards is this method.
Another big effect on storing cards is where you store your cards. Obviously if you store your cards in the oven or a hot place they will not be in good condition the next time you go to look at them. On the contrary, sorting them near the freezer or a cold place also won't do any good to the cards. Putting the cards in a place like the attic where water can seep through the roof causing mildew and bad cards isn't the best idea either. The best idea is most likely a room temperature place preferably with air conditioning.
Storing your cards in a good place is crucial to the card's condition, especially when you want to sell it for some big bucks later. Make sure, even if you already have them stored, that the place and bin/box/binder is safe and not harming the cards in any way.
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Great article Peyton!
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07-09-2009, 02:57 AM #3
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