Storing cards

Storing cards is about preventing damage such as bent corners, scratches, moisture damage and fading. Because condition is one of the most important factors in value, good storage is among the cheapest ways to preserve it.

Protecting the individual card

The usual starting point is a soft plastic sleeve, which guards against fingerprints and scratches. More valuable cards are often placed in a rigid holder, such as a toploader or a similar hard case, which prevents bending. Some collectors add a thin inner sleeve to avoid surface scuffs, and some sleeves are designed to slide easily in and out of the holder. Materials should be acid-free and free of softeners; manufacturers often label suitable products as PVC-free.

Binders, boxes and stacking

• Binders: good for display and sorting, but cards that are pressed tightly or bent around ring mechanisms can show marks.
• Card boxes: protect against dust and knocks and make it easy to store many cards.
• Slabs: graded cards sit in a sealed holder from the grading company; see card grading.

The surroundings

Cards tolerate moisture, large temperature swings and direct sunlight poorly. Humidity can cause waves in the paper and mould, while light can fade colours over time. Dry, stable and dark storage, ideally in a room without basement damp or attic heat, is what collectors most often favour. Avoid rubber bands, paper clips and stickers, which leave marks.

Sealed products

Unopened packs, boxes and displays have their own concerns: the shrink wrap can become cloudy or split, and the cardboard can be dented. See sealed products.

There is no definitive answer to how much protection a card needs. An inexpensive card used in play does not need the same care as a rare card meant for display. Many collectors divide their cards into groups: some in simple sleeves in a binder, others in hard holders in a box. What matters is that the protection matches the card's value to the owner and is used consistently.

Handling

Hold cards by the edges with clean, dry hands and avoid touching the surface and corners. Before grading, many people inspect a card carefully without rubbing it, because attempts to polish or clean it can damage the surface and lower the grade. How long someone plans to keep the cards affects how much effort to put into storage; see time horizon.