Storing cards in an outdoor shed?

MULLINS5

I have a couple large outdoor sheds that I'm considering moving a lot of raw and unopened cards to in order to free up space in my home. Does anybody have experience storing cards in an outdoor shed. Basic, wooden, no climate control. Have had them for a couple years and doesn't appear that they leak. Sometimes spiders and hornets, though.

The cards aren't worth much but I still don't want them to get ruined.

Thank you in advance!

Patrick

tennesseebanker

I wouldn't do it. The humidity and temperature change will destroy the cards over time, not to mention the different types of paper eating varmints that could get into them.

Dnice

Not for nothing but I think we ALL know that wouldn't be the best of ideas. But hey...

itzagoner

hmmm. i can't vouch for this experience, but it doesn't sound to logical.

but, the thought of placing much of my worthless accumulation of junk in a Port-A-Potty made me laugh inside a little.

lawnmowerman

<< <i>I wouldn't do it. The humidity and temperature change will destroy the cards over time, not to mention the different types of paper eating varmints that could get into them. >>



Not to mention, you would have to duck around all the squirrels, possums and raccoons you have hanging from the rafters making getting to your cards pretty rough.

ashabby

Would not be the first option. What part of the country. That would play role in the weather variable. Some sheds much better than others

itzagoner

<< <i>

<< <i>I wouldn't do it. The humidity and temperature change will destroy the cards over time, not to mention the different types of paper eating varmints that could get into them. >>



Not to mention, you would have to duck around all the squirrels, possums and raccoons you have hanging from the rafters making getting to your cards pretty rough. >>



you forgot skunk. actually knew a guy long ago who found one in his storage with the cards. we never transacted.

Dboneesq

qualitycards

Now & then you hear about collections that were stored in a basement or attic for decades and the cards were fine
I have a ton of raw modern stuff in the basement secured in 5000 card boxes w/ lids & have never had a problem
they are on wire racks off the ground.
I know of a few collectors & dealer that stores the bulk in their garages
So I imagine if you store the cards in those large plastic tubs w/ lids and keep away from moisture & extreme heat
that should be OK.
Just leave the high $ material in the house

MULLINS5

<< <i>Would be the first option. What part of the country. That would play role in the weather variable. Some sheds much better than others >>



Virginia.

I'm leaning towards making room, somewhere, in the house to put these. My fiance and I are going through and de-cluttering the place this weekend to free up space for the little guy and us.

I have a lot of inexpensive books in one of the sheds already, and they seem OK, but storing a book and trading card are two different things.

Thinking I'll move more books out there...sigh, I have about 7,000 books.

Another option is to just move all the cards at once (they're the '89 Topps Hockey cards that I don't need).

Being the 89s, it may be worth a shot just putting them out there in the shed. If they become insect food, so be it.

Back, forth, back forth.

MULLINS5

<< <i>Now & then you hear about collections that were stored in a basement or attic for decades and the cards were fine
I have a ton of raw modern stuff in the basement secured in 5000 card boxes w/ lids & have never had a problem
they are on wire racks off the ground.
I know of a few collectors & dealer that stores the bulk in their garages
So I imagine if you store the cards in those large plastic tubs w/ lids and keep away from moisture & extreme heat
that should be OK.
Just leave the high $ material in the house >>



great idea!

I have about 25 boxes of 89s that I don't plan to open, how do you think sealed packs could fare in such condition?

gregmo32

Don't store any of the unopened stuff, or anything with any kind of a gloss finish outside. That is 100% certain.

The basic common, Topps era cardboard from the 1980's, I still do not think it is ideal. If you can find a place inside, it is clearly better. But it MAY not hurt them if stored properly, not too tightly packed, and sealed up to prevent moisture....

lahmejoon

One of my LCS owners had a ton of 70's cards stored in bin boxes in his garage for 20 years. He recently brought some in for me to look through. There was no evidence of any climate type damage to the cards. Of course, in central CA, we don't have a lot of humidity issues, so that's probably a factor.

WhiteTornado

In Virginia, you're going to have humidity in the warmer months, so this is not a good idea. I would imagine even your books are susceptible to mold and such over time. Although you say you don't care if the cards get eaten by bugs, I could see it being a bad situation if you get termites or carpenter ants in there. Depending on proximity to your house, that could develop into a big problem.