If you love collecting trading cards, then you probably have a large collection of them. You need to know how to store the cards properly to avoid spoiling them. There are basic practices you will require in order to ensure your cards hold their value and you can enjoy their benefits in the next years. For proper storage, here is what you need to do.
Organize your Collectables
If you have a large collection of cards, you will have to look for a way of organizing them. This will make it easy for you to find any card when you need it. Without organizing them, you might have to leave everything in a mess. So, come up with a system for sorting out the cards. For sports cards, you can sort by game, the year, the team, and the player. The way you arrange will depend on the types of cards you have collected. There is no perfect way of doing it. So, go with what works for you. The main point is organizing your cards to make it easy for you to find a specific one when you need it.
Use Sleeves to Protect your Cards
During storage, your cards will be exposed to various factors like dust, humidity, and others. The best practice for caring for collector’s items is by adding sleeves. The sleeves provide a protective barrier from dust, sun, and spillage. They also prevent the edges from breaking or bending. Remember, the value of your cards depends on their condition. Therefore, adding sleeves is one way of maintaining their value.
Store the Cards in a Box or Binder
If you have a wide collection of cards, then you might have to go with a storage box. However, for a smaller collection, binders can do. Whichever choice you make, ensure your cards are kept in the sleeves first. Even though binders are expensive and suitable for a small collection, they are the best for an extra layer of protection and organizing. If you have cards that are more valued than others, you can store them in the binders and keep the rest in the card box. Binders make it easy for you to access your cards. It is easy to organize the collectibles in a binder, and this becomes less complicated. Depending on where you will keep the boxes or the binders, think of the best choice for you.
Store in a Climate-Controlled Unit
Choosing a climate-controlled environment for your collection is mandatory. As mentioned earlier, keeping your cards in top condition maintains their value. The unit you keep your cards in should have a constant temperature, and be well-ventilated. A climate-controlled environment protects the collectibles from damage. Make sure the unit is safe and secure. There should be no sunlight getting from the outside. In short, the storage unit should have a favorable atmosphere to keep the original state of the cards.
Conclusion
The above are best practices for storing trading cards. If you want your cards to remain in good condition regardless of the time they lie in the store, make sure you follow these practices. Arrange your collection in a box or binders and ensure you protect them in sleeves first. You also need to ensure you store them in a climate-controlled unit.