If you collect Pokémon cards, you know how much it matters to protect them properly. Certainly if you have good pulls, or cards that might climb in value later. And even if you simply like keeping your collection neat, it pays to start out with the right storage from day one.
In this blog we give you the 5 best ways to store your Pokémon cards. Not a dull list, but our honest advice as collectors who have been doing this for years. That way you 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 the clear sleeves you slide a single card into. They protect against scratches, dust and fingerprints.
Our advice? Always use good quality acid-free sleeves, from Ultra Pro or Dragon Shield for instance. Perfect-fit sleeves are ideal if you want to put your cards into a binder or a toploader afterwards.
Sleeves on their own are not enough, though, if you really want to store your cards long term or move them around a lot.
2. Toploaders: solid protection for valuable cards
Got cards you are extra careful with? Then we would use toploaders alongside sleeves. These are the hard plastic holders that keep your sleeved card firmly in place.
We always use toploaders for our better Holos, promos and chase cards. Certainly when we want to sell or trade a card, it gives that extra bit of certainty. Always put the card in a sleeve first, before it goes into the toploader. That prevents damage while you slide it in.
3. Binders: organised and safe
For us, binders are one of the nicest ways to organise cards. You can fit a lot in one, you keep a clear overview, and the cards stay tidy.
Always go for a binder with side-loading pockets and a zip. That way you know cards cannot accidentally fall out. Pick an acid-free and PVC-free binder to avoid damaging your cards.
Do use binders mainly for the part of your collection you look at regularly, though. For very expensive or rare cards we would reach for a toploader instead.
4. Deck boxes: perfect for the cards you play with
If you play with your cards as well, deck boxes are ideal. That is where your playing deck of usually 60 to 100 cards lives. Sleeved, of course, because cards you play with deserve protection too.
What we like is a sturdy deck box such as the Ultimate Guard Boulder. Compact, solid and it closes properly. Do note: deck boxes are mainly meant for cards you use often. For long-term storage of your collection, binders or toploaders are better.
5. Storage boxes: handy for bulk or duplicates
Do you have a lot of Commons, energies or duplicates? Then storage boxes are the most practical choice. There are dedicated TCG storage boxes that hold thousands of cards.
We like using cardboard storage boxes with several rows. They keep your cards upright and stop them warping. The same rule applies here: if the cards are going to sit there for a long time, sleeve them anyway. Even bulk deserves a bit of protection.
Our advice as collectors
Which storage method is best comes down to how you handle your cards:
- For decks you play with: sleeves and a deck box
- For valuable cards: sleeves and a toploader, or a side-loading binder
- For large quantities (bulk): storage boxes
Whatever you pick, though: get it right from the start. We often see people only start thinking about storage once the cards are already damaged. A shame, because storing them properly takes little effort and saves a lot of grief.
