2 min read

If you are serious about collecting Pokémon or other TCG cards, we can tell you one thing for certain: a good card storage box is not a luxury but a must. You may not have given it much thought, but the way you store your cards largely decides their condition and their value in the long run.

Why you really cannot do without one

As you know, cards get damaged quickly if you drop them loose into a drawer or a shoebox. Bent corners, scratches, damp marks. You want to avoid all of that, certainly with rare or Holo cards. A decent storage box does not just protect your collection, it also keeps things organised.

Not every box is the same, though. Over the years we have tested all kinds: from cheap plastic boxes to sturdy deck boxes and premium cases. What matters to us is that a box is practical, stacks easily and has room for sleeved cards. Anything that does not tick those boxes drops out straight away.

What types of storage box are there?

The choice may look overwhelming, but broadly speaking there are five types to pick from:

  • Deck boxes – small, handy and ideal for a single deck. Easy to take along to tournaments.
  • Plastic storage boxes – our favourite. Sturdy, stackable and suited to large collections.
  • Premium cases – with compartments, foam and locks. Perfect if you want extra style and security.
  • Wooden storage boxes – they look great, but they are less practical to carry around.
  • Official Collector's Cases – from Pokémon itself, for instance. Beautiful, but often a little less functional.

As you can see, the choice mostly comes down to how you use your cards. Do you only keep them at home? Or do you take them along to trade fairs and play sessions?

What should you watch out for?

Honestly: most mistakes happen when choosing the size. Think carefully about how many cards you need to fit and whether you use sleeves or toploaders. Plenty of people buy a box that is just slightly too small for sleeved cards, and that is a waste of your money.

We would also say pay attention to the closure. Magnets are handy but can come loose. A solid click closure usually stays put better. And if you own a lot of valuable cards, go for a box with a soft lining or separate compartments.

We currently use a plastic storage box with removable rows. Light, sturdy and big enough for all our sets. But again: what counts is what fits the way you collect.