This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of those links, you won’t pay a penny more, but I might get a small commission. More information
Storing Your Pokemon Cards on a Budget: Tips from a Fan
When I first started collecting Pokemon cards, it was all a bit of fun, nothing serious. But over time, my collection got bigger, and now I’ve got some cards that are worth a bit. So, I want to share some simple tips on how to look after your Pokemon cards without spending loads of money, especially if you’re just getting into it.
Keep It Simple, Think Long-Term
At the beginning, I just used clear plastic sleeves for my cards. Many people call these sleeves “Penny Sleeves” because you buy them in 100’s and they cost around £1.00 per 100, making them about a penny each. They’re cheap and keep the cards safe from dust and scratches. You can see the cool pictures on the cards through the sleeves, so that’s nice. But as your collection grows, it’s good to think ahead. Get yourself a strong binder with pages – it doesn’t have to be fancy. These aren’t too pricey and help keep your cards organised. It’s like a small investment that makes your collection look neat.
If you have any cards that you are proud of then you might want to consider “top loaders”. These are more ridged card holders where you put an individual card in. I would definitely recommend using top loaders for your more rare but please, put your card into a penny sleeve before putting it into a top loader. Top loaders tend to scratch cards if you are not careful.
Top Tip 1: Always use penny sleeves if you are putting your cards into top loaders – they need the extra protection
Top Tip 2: If using top loaders please be careful when removing the cards, its easy to damage the edge of the card. Use tags that are stuck to the penny sleeve to make removal easier.
Top Tip 3: Wait for sales or discounts to grab a good deal on binders. They often come up at lower prices, and it’s worth keeping an eye out.
Have a look for on eBay – Penny Sleeves – Top Loaders
TotalCards.Net – Penny Sleeves – Top Loaders
Lesson 1: Take It Step by Step
As my card collection grew, I realised it’s okay to upgrade your storage bit by bit. Start with something simple and affordable. When you’re ready, get a better binder. It helps your cards stay safe and makes your collection look more grown-up. So, the lesson here is to take it slow and upgrade when you can. It’s like growing up with your collection.
My Experience: I remember how excited I was to move my cards to a new binder. It just feels different – in a good way!
These binder sleeves are a great and cheap to keep your Pokemon cards safe and secure. They work with standard ring binders which also means you can expand your collection really easily.
Find binder sleeves like these on eBay – Binder sleeves
Lesson 2: Watch Where You Keep Them
I learned the hard way that where you put your cards matters. Keep them in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight. Humidity and temperature changes can mess up your cards. So, find a little corner where they won’t get too hot or damp.
Smart Idea: Chuck in some silica gel packs in your storage to soak up any extra moisture, they work wonders! These gel packs come in packages when ordering things like clothes or books for home delivery or you can order them from places like eBay. They aren’t very expensive and cost as little as £2 for 10.
Have a look on eBay here – Silica Gel Packs
Lesson 3: Use What You Have
When money was tight, I got creative. Shoeboxes became my card homes. Cut them up, decorate them a bit – and there you go! It’s a cheap solution that keeps your cards safe and adds a personal touch.
Clever Idea: Wrap your shoebox in leftover wrapping paper or pages from an old comic book. It’s like giving it a cool makeover.
Lesson 4: Protect Each Card with Sleeves
I know that I’ve talked about investing in card sleeves already but they are really important and at a tiny expense with a big payoff. These come in different sizes and save your cards from wear and tear. Every card, from the plain ones to the shiny ones, deserves its own sleeve.
Have a look for on eBay – Penny Sleeves – Top Loaders
TotalCards.Net – Penny Sleeves – Top Loaders
My Story: I accidentally spilled tea whilst sorting my Pokemon cards one day, and the relief when I saw they were safe in their sleeves was massive. Sleeves wont protect your cards from every accident but they will certainly help.
Lesson 5: Make Your Own Dividers
Keeping things organised is a game-changer. Instead of buying fancy dividers, I got a bit crafty. Cardboard from old cereal boxes became my DIY dividers. They’re practical and give my collection a personal touch.
Nifty Trick: Cut out dividers from cereal boxes and jazz them up with Pokémon stickers or pictures. Easy and fun!
So, storing Pokémon cards on a budget is about being smart and creative. From simple plastic sleeves to decorated shoeboxes and DIY dividers, every little step helps you look after your collection. As you start your Pokémon card journey, remember these tips, tweak them to fit your style, and let your storage grow with your collection. Happy collecting!