Tips For Storing Collectible Card Games

Collectible card games can range from an occasional hobby to a highly competitive lifestyle, but all gamers tend to amass rather large card collections. If you need to put your collection in storage, whether for a few weeks or for long term storage, then knowing how to store correctly is vital. Some of these cards are worth money or nearly impossible to replace, so it's important to keep them in good condition. The following tips can help.

Tip #1: Sort your collection

Due to the expense of specialty storage containers, you may want to sort your collection by value. This entails separating out valuable or hard-to-replace cards from those of little value. If you like to keep your cards arranged in decks, then you may still want to at least remove the most valuable cards from each deck so they can be stored more carefully.

Tip #2: Use card-specific storage

For the general collection, plastic card holders designed for binder storage are usually adequate. Just take care when inserting the cards into the holders so they aren't bent. Another option is to use individual plastic sleeves and then store these in segmented card storage boxes. For valuable cards, use enclosed plastic card holders that are designed to hold a single card. You can then place these into specially made card storage boxes that are segmented to hold the plastic cases. You don't want to store cards stacked together without cases or sleeves, since the ink can transfer between cards and ruin them.

Tip #3: Keep an inventory

The easiest way to find cards when you need them is to inventory your collection. Simply type up the game and individual card name on a sheet of paper, listing all the cards in a box or binder. Then, tape the inventory sheet to the box or binder. You can also keep a copy at home. This way you can quickly visit storage and build a deck when needed, instead of having to spend hours sorting through the collection for the perfect card.

Tip #4: Store properly

Moisture is the main troublemaker for collectible card games. If you live in a humid area, you may want to get a climate-controlled unit, since that can help keep humidity down. Indoor units are also nice since they are less likely to suffer flooding problems. You can store the card boxes or binders in plastic totes to further protect against moisture and insect pests. Store the cards off the ground, perhaps on a shelf, for further moisture protection.

Contact a storage facility in your area for more help or check out websites like www.foothillsstorage.net.

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