The Best Ways to Store Your Collectibles

It doesn’t matter if you’re collecting rare sports memorabilia or nostalgic stuffed animals from your youth—whatever the item of interest is, collections are a personal part of who we are. If you have collectibles you care about, you need storage solutions that keep them protected! Discover the best methods for collectible storage and get some general tips with our helpful guide. 

Why Does Proper Collectible Storage Matter?

When you’ve invested your time, money, and energy into a collection, the last thing you would want to happen is avoidable damage. Finding intentional and well-designed storage options is the best way to ensure your treasures remain in tip-top condition while under your care. 

If you intend to eventually sell your collectibles in an antique mall or online, keeping them safely stored will help ensure that the value doesn’t depreciate. Selling vintage and antique items and actually turning a profit is all about longevity—and proper storage options make that possible. Your collectible storage should be:

• Designed to be protective

• Smartly organized

• Correctly sized

• Made of high-quality materials

• Able to double as a display (in some cases)

A Guide to Specific Collectible Storage Options 

The days of shoveling your Hot Wheels collector items into an average cardboard box are over—it’s time to upgrade your storage solutions. But with seemingly endless types of collections, where should you start? Let’s take a quick look at the preferred methods for storing these popular items.

Best Ways to Store Comic Books

With colorful characters and years of history, collecting comic books is fun for both kids and adults who are still kids at heart. Since each issue has its own value, the best way to store comic books involves individual plastic sleeves and an insertable cardboard backing to prevent bending. These sleeves can then be stored vertically in skinny boxes specifically designed with comic book dimensions in mind. 

Safely Store Collectible Trading Cards

Whether you have a collection of vintage baseball cards to show your support of the Red Sox or have recently gotten into the fascinating world of K-pop card collecting, you’ll need to invest in penny sleeves. Each flimsy plastic sleeve can be slipped onto a card to allow you to handle it without fear of damage. Many collectors then organize these in a binder so they can flip through and admire their finds whenever they wish. 

How to Store Vintage and Antique Jewelry

If you inherited your grandmother’s Jackie Kennedy pearls or adore searching for rare broaches at a vendor mall, you’ll want to find a collectible storage method that keeps each individual item safe. The best way to ensure your collection lives a long and happy life is to sort them by metal type and keep each item separate. Soft-lined jewelry boxes that come with natural dividers are a great option for rings, bracelets, and earrings, while necklaces should be hung up.  

Ideal Storage Solutions for Rare and Fragile Kitchenware

There’s nothing worse than opening a storage container and finding your favorite China in pieces. Avoid this mishap by investing in proper collectible storage boxes or plastic bins and taking care to wrap each individual plate, bowl, and serving dish before stacking them together. Once they’re packed, check for movement within the box—if you hear the plates move, add more plush filling under, between, and above. 

Protect Your Retro and Vintage Clothing

From ‘90s band tees to retro ‘50s poodle skirts and everything in between, old-fashioned clothing styles should be treated with the utmost care. The best methods for storing collectible clothing pieces depend on the item, but you should look into wardrobe boxes, garment racks, and vacuum storage bags. Never use cardboard boxes or plastic bags, as they can trap moisture and leave your garments with a mildewy smell. 

5 General Tips for Collectible Storage

While there’s no one-size-fits-all all rule to storing collectibles, these general tips are relevant for just about any prized possession, from vintage collectibles in Illinois to figurines in your own home: 

1. Always Add Soft Materials to Protect Items from Damage

Make sure your storage method is appropriately cushioned with soft materials for breakable collections, such as kitchenware or jewelry. Each fragile item should also be wrapped separately in a similar material to prevent them from rubbing, scratching, or chipping against each other. This extra layer of protection will help keep your belongings safe, so if your storage option doesn’t come with it, try to find it yourself. 

Packing Materials for Collectible Storage:

• Tissue paper

• Crafting foam

• Bubble wrap

• Crushed velvet

• Cloth batting

• Leftover towels or quilts

2. Avoid Humidity At All Costs

Avoid storing collectibles in hot or humid areas of the home—and that includes the attic and basement! While it may feel like instinct to keep your collectibles with the rest of your storage boxes, they should be treated with greater care and attention. Store them in cooler temperature rooms with 50% or lower humidity. 

3. Store Collectibles Away From the Sun

Sun damage is one of the most common (and easy to avoid) causes of collectible damage. If an item is exposed to the sun for too long, it’s at a high risk for fading and discoloration, which are often considered irreversible damages. Whenever possible, store your items in opaque boxes and darker areas to elongate the lifespan of your cherished baubles.

4. Never Keep Storage Boxes On the Floor

Whenever possible, avoid leaving storage boxes sitting on the floor. Floor-level items are at a higher risk of water damage, mold build up, and creepy crawly critters. If your collection needs to be kept in storage boxes, you should consider investing in a shelving unit or pallets, especially if you rent a booth at an Indiana vendor mall. 

5. Check On Your Collection Often

If your collection is stored somewhere you don’t frequent often, whether that be an extra home office or a rented-out temperature-controlled storage space, it’s important to check on your collection. It’s recommended that you do a thorough inspection of your collectible storage at least once every few months to ensure it’s remained damage-free. 

Should I Rent a Storage Unit for My Collection?

If you have any delicate items and are unable to provide proper storage requirements in your home, it’s a good idea to look into renting a safe, temperature-controlled unit near you. This is especially necessary if you intend to become an Algonquin antique mall vendor and sell your stock one day!

If you have a priceless collectible, what are you waiting for? Find the perfect method for storing collectibles for you and your treasures today.