Need some sports card storage tips? There are many options, but which will keep your cards safe and protected? When I started my collection, I was storing my cards in “9-Pocket Page Protectors” — acid-free, clear sheets that can hold up to nine cards. These sheets get placed into three-ring binders and are a convenient way to keep a collection safe and easily accessible. At the time, making money from sports cards was not my priority. I found joy in simply collecting and owning cards of the all-stars of that time.
Today, storing cards is similar to when I started a collection in 2006, but there are a few important-to-note improvements. While the cardboard boxes and 3-ring binders often used for storage in past decades are still viable methods, today’s storage options are made to keep cards dust-free and UV-safe.
Safely storing a collection is just as crucial as actually acquiring the cards. And going a step beyond that, it’s necessary to keep your valuable cards safe from fire, water, and even theft. Today, there are many options to do this, including:
Card Sleeves
Often referred to as penny sleeves (because they cost a few cents each), these are one of the most essential tools in sports card storage. Card sleeves are the first line of protection for your cards. They protect your collectibles from scratches and other external factors that could turn your pristine card into just another piece of worthless cardboard. Ultra Pro makes the best card sleeves. They contain no PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which means they have no chemicals that could alter the appearance of your cards over the years.
Top Loaders
Top loaders and card sleeves go hand in hand. Once you put your card in a card sleeve, slide it into a rigid plastic top loader. (They are sold in packs.) These prevent cards from getting damaged corners or bending and keep them in excellent condition over a long time.
Like the card sleeves, Ultra Pro makes the best quality top loaders that are PVC-free and acid-free. Another well-known brand of top loaders is Cardboard Gold Cardsaver 1s. These are the only top loaders allowed by PSA, BGS, and SGC when submitting for grading.
Binders & Page Protectors
If you’re not using top loaders, you’ll store your items in three-ring binders with 9-Pocket Page Protectors for Trading Cards. You can build up collections, sort cards easily, and keep them accessible and viewable in this format. If you build sets, this can be a neat option to display your cards.
Slab Cases
A safe, affordable, and portable storage option is called a “slab case.” These two, three, or four-row cases are lined with foam so the cards can be secure while you travel with your cards. They often have combination locks so you can ensure that your favorite cards don’t get pilfered. These cases can be purchased on eBay, Amazon, and specialty stores. Note that most slab cases are not fireproof or waterproof. If you’re using them for that purpose, check the specs.
Personal Home Safes or Bank Safe Deposit Boxes
At a certain point in your collecting career, you may reach a time when your collection is too valuable not to keep safe from fire, natural disasters, and theft. This is the time to store some of your higher-end cards in a personal home safe or bank safe deposit box. You can purchase portable safes on Amazon or local retailers such as Target, Walmart, or Office Max.
Insurance
If it’s time to store your collection in a safe, it’s also time to consider insurance for your cards. Speak to your home or renter’s insurance agent and see what is currently covered in your policy and how you are required to document your valuables.
Some companies’ policies cover collections and memorabilia in a homeowners’ or renters’ policy. Others may require a “rider” that will require special documentation of your current collection and an additional policy fee. When in doubt, speak to your insurance professional!
A quick note: The Sports Card Collecting Supplies listed above may contain affiliate links. This does not cost you anything additional to order through the links but may provide me with a small commission that allows me to keep sharing great content with you.
You may also want to check out my new book, Sports Card Fanatic. Click here to learn more.