If you collect Pokémon cards, you know how important it is to protect your cards well. Especially if you have nice pulls or cards that may increase in value later. Even if you just like to treat your collection properly, it is smart to start right away with the right storage.
In this blog I will give you the 5 best ways to store your Pokémon cards . Not a boring list, but my honest advice as a collector who has been doing this for years. This way I will help you to keep your cards in top condition.
1. Sleeves: the basic you should always use
As you probably already know, good protection always starts with card sleeves . These are transparent sleeves that you slide one card into at a time. They protect against scratches, dust and fingerprints.
My advice? Always use good quality acid-free sleeves , for example Ultra Pro or Dragon Shield. Perfect-fit sleeves are ideal if you want to put your cards in a binder or toploader afterwards.
However, sleeves alone are not enough if you really want to keep your cards for a long time or move them around often.
2. Toploaders: sturdy protection for valuable cards
Do you have cards that you are extra careful with? Then I advise you to use toploaders in addition to sleeves. These are hard plastic covers that keep your sleeved card in place.
I always use toploaders for my better holos, promos and chase cards. Especially when I want to sell or trade cards, this provides extra security. Always put your card in a sleeve before you slide it into the toploader. This prevents damage when inserting.
3. Collection folders (binders): clear and safe
For me, binders are one of the best ways to organize my cards. You can fit a lot of cards in them, you keep a good overview and the cards stay neat.
Always choose a binder with side-loading pockets and a zipper. This way you know for sure that the cards will not accidentally fall out. Choose an acid-free and PVC-free folder to prevent damage to your cards.
However, binders are mainly for your collection that you look at regularly. For very expensive or rare cards I would rather choose a toploader.
4. Deck boxes: perfect for your playing cards
If you also play with your cards, then deck boxes are really ideal. In these you store your playing deck of usually 60 to 100 cards. Sleeved of course, because playing cards also deserve protection.
What I like is a sturdy deck box like the Ultimate Guard Boulder . It is compact, sturdy and closes well. Note: deck boxes are mainly intended for cards that you use often. For long-term storage of your collection, binders or toploaders are better.
5. Storage boxes: handy for bulk or duplicate cards
Do you have a lot of commons, energies or double cards? Then storage boxes are the most practical choice. There are special TCG storage boxes that can hold thousands of cards.
I like to use cardboard storage boxes with multiple rows. They keep your cards upright and prevent them from warping. Again, if the cards are going to be lying around for a long time, put them in sleeves. Even bulk deserves a little protection.
My advice as a collector
The best storage method depends on how you handle your cards:
- For decks you play with: sleeves + deckbox
- For valuable cards: sleeves + toploader or binder with side-loading
- For large quantities (bulk): storage boxes
However, whatever you choose: make sure you do it right from the start. I often see that people only start thinking about storage when the cards are already damaged. A shame, because good storage does not take much effort and prevents a lot of misery.
