There’s nothing quite like the thrill of unboxing a fresh pack of sports cards and seeing if there are any rare gems hidden inside. But what should you do next once you have those prized cards in your hands? You’ll want to ensure they remain safe from harm and retain their value; that’s where knowing how to properly store any type of card, including thick sports cards, comes into play.
The best and most reliable way to store thick sports cards is in hard plastic cases designed to hold thicker cards. You can find top-loading cases for thick cards, which will keep the cards safe from dirt and dust and any physical damage that could occur due to mishandling.
In this article, we’ll review some of the best methods for storing thick sports cards to ensure your collection is safe for years to come!
Choosing the Best Storage Materials
There are various ways to keep sports cards, but how do you know the best way to protect your thick sports cards? We’ll look at some of the most common methods to store your favorite collectibles and if they are a good fit for thick sports cards.
Hard Plastic Cases
With hard plastic cases, keeping your valuable collection of thick sports cards safe is easy. These sturdy cases fit well in larger containers, and the hard exterior prevents bending or warping due to heat. The transparent cover lets you show off your collection while keeping it safe with a secure coating.
Some hard plastic cases also come with extra parts that give them more protection while being stored or moved. For example, you can make the hard plastic case even more secure by putting each card in its soft sleeve before putting it in.
Soft Plastic Sleeves
Keeping your thick sports cards in excellent condition is easier with soft plastic sleeves. These sleeves protect your cards from dirt and moisture, and you can still put them in a collector’s binder.
The soft plastic makes it less likely they get damaged or creased from being handled repeatedly. These plastic sleeves also protect your valuable cards from:
- Dust
- Dirt
- Small particles
Providing a layer of protection helps eliminate the possibility of these unwanted materials building up over time, so your cards will stay in great shape for years to come.
Binders With Clear Pages
Binders with clear pages are a great way to store your cards safely and conveniently. These binders make it easy to see all of your favorite cards and protect them from dust and dirt at the same time. They’re also cheap, and you can display your cards in a way that will impress even the most experienced collectors.
As a bonus, since you organize the cards inside separate pockets, it’s easier to sort them quickly when it comes time to include new additions or show off the latest item in your collection.
So if you have thick sports cards and need a convenient storage solution, consider investing in binders with clear pages. Clear binders will help keep your thick sports cards safe and organized.
Card Storage Boxes
People choose card storage boxes because they’re an efficient and cost-effective way to store thick sports cards. These boxes come in different options that can accommodate several sizes of cards. You can choose from different:
- Shapes
- Sizes
- Materials
Constructed with rigid sides, they offer protection from environmental threats and accidental and difficult handling. Some common issues you’ll avoid include:
- Dirt
- Moisture
- Dust
Another great thing about these boxes is that you can store any type of thick sports card in them, from basketball and baseball cards to Magic the Gathering and Pokemon cards! Furthermore, some card storage boxes offer labeled organization, so you know exactly where each card is.
Display Cases
An easy and aesthetically pleasing way to store many thick cards at once is to purchase display cases specifically designed for your cards. Plus, your cards will stay safe and secure with their high-quality wood material and locks. With these display cases, you can be sure that your collection will remain in good shape and become a focal point of any room.
The only downside is that you can’t store many cards in one of these cases, but they are a great way to show off your favorite and most valuable cards.
Top Loader Cases for Collectibles
Top loading with plastic sleeves is an excellent way to keep your sports card collection safe and secure and can help keep thick cards from getting worn down or warped from too much moisture.
To use top loader cases properly, you have to slide the card into a clear soft plastic sleeve, then place the sleeve into a rigid top loader for extra protection. You’ll feel confident knowing your cards are as safe as can be when stored this way.
DIY Collectible Cards Storage Solutions
If you’re a collector of thick sports cards, you know that traditional storage methods won’t always do the trick. With regular binder pages or penny sleeves, those cards just don’t fit!
The good news is that plenty of DIY storage solutions keep your cards secure.
- Start by finding a box or plastic container with sturdy walls and invest in packing foam or soft materials like felt to protect your cards from dirt, dust, and moisture.
- Cut the foam to fit snugly inside before adding your collection so it stabilizes each card individually.
- Finally, if you want to get creative, use small containers such as Altoids tins or other imaginative vessels to customize your experience.
With some foresight and these easy tips, you’ll be able to store your thick sports cards safely and securely.
Additional Storage Tips
1. Organize The Cards to Maximize Space and Efficiency
If you collect sports cards a lot, you need to sort and organize them to make the best use of space and time. First, you should sort the cards by sport.
The most common sports you’ll collect are likely:
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Football
- Hockey
Put these cards into different piles if you have a variety of them, so you’re ready to categorize them when ready.
As for baseball cards specifically, you can also organize by team or player if that’s something you’d be interested in doing. It’ll make it easier when looking for specific pieces.
When it comes to storage, plastic card sleeves are the most secure way to keep your cards in pristine condition since they seal out dust and moisture. Placing them in ledger binders using protective plastic pages will protect them while also saving space.
Lastly, adding a first aid kit to your supplies is the best way to ensure any accidental damage gets fixed quickly. This kit includes cleaning materials like static-free cloths to wipe cards clean.
2. Store Your Cards in a Cool, Dry Place
Keeping your thick sports cards in a dry, cool location prevents moisture from damaging the quality of your cards and protects the information printed on them.
If the temperature is too hot for prolonged periods, it can harm and cause discoloration to individual cards. Also, don’t let the sun or artificial lights shine on your thick sports cards, as this could hurt the quality of your valuable collectibles.
For more information, check out my detailed article on how heat damages collectible sports cards: Will Heat Damage Your Collectible Sports Cards?
Keeping your cards in a designated spot with consistent ambient temperature and humidity is one of the best ways to preserve their integrity over time.
3. Regularly Check Your Storage and Make Adjustments
Reviewing your sports card storage periodically and making the necessary adjustments is important. While they may not seem like big decisions, regular maintenance helps keep cards in good condition and prevents further deterioration of an already damaged card.
Taking a few minutes every once in a while can be the difference between a great collection and one compromised by dust and grime. Taking time to add another case of wax paper or replacing acid-free cardboard dividers between thick sports cards can help protect your collection for generations to come – so don’t forget about it!
4. Consider the Value and Rarity of the Collection
If you are a sports card collector, it is vital to remember that your cards possess both value and rarity. The monetary worth should be at the top of your mind when deciding how to thick sports cards that may be more valuable.
You can check out my article on finding high-value sports cards for more information: How to Find Sports Cards That Are Worth Money
Not all storage solutions are the same, so you’ll need to spend money on safe and affordable methods for your collection’s size and condition. Whether you showcase thick sports cards or tuck them away out of sight, always seek quality materials to ensure they stay safe and look great for years to come.
5. Keep Inventory of Your Collectibles
An organized list of your card collection helps you:
- Keep your cards in the best condition.
- Sort them by team or set.
- Find any cards quickly that you want to display or trade.
Labels allow you to assess the value or rarity of a thick sports card quickly and maximize the potential profit from a given collection. Label organization is critical for showcasing your collection, whether in a binder or at a show.
Experienced collectors know you make it easier than ever to track and manage your sports card collection, and this is true for thick sports cards, too.
Final Thoughts
With all this in mind, using a hard plastic case and top loader is the best method for storing your thick sports cards. These tools will keep them from getting damaged or bent and will ensure they remain in mint condition so you can sell them later or enjoy looking at them yourself.
