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Advice: Keeping Cards in Storage

dytch2220dytch2220 Posts: 1,681 ✭✭✭
in Trading Cards & Memorabilia Forum
I'm starting a new job that requires a lot of travel. For a few months I plan to toss my belongings in storage until I can buy a home. I'm very close to having 20% to put down. The storage facility will be climate controlled. Are my cards at risk from any kind of damage, barring any unusual circumstances? Is there anything I can or should do to prevent this damage? The most obvious things I can think of are bugs, pests and/or some kind of moisture or condensation.
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  • alifaxwa2alifaxwa2 Posts: 3,104 ✭✭✭


    << <i>I'm starting a new job that requires a lot of travel. For a few months I plan to toss my belongings in storage until I can buy a home. I'm very close to having 20% to put down. The storage facility will be climate controlled. Are my cards at risk from any kind of damage, barring any unusual circumstances? Is there anything I can or should do to prevent this damage? The most obvious things I can think of are bugs, pests and/or some kind of moisture or condensation. >>


    If you have any real high end stuff, consider a bank safety deposit box.
    Consider putting everything in ziptied trashbags, then into boxes. That way, fire and theft would be your biggest threats.
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  • alifaxwa2alifaxwa2 Posts: 3,104 ✭✭✭
    I have never had a climate controlled storage unit, do you get to control your own settings or is it controlled by the facility?
    May consider buying a huge amount of dessicator tablets if your really concerned about moisture.
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  • charrigancharrigan Posts: 2,293
    How many cards do you have to store? A few boxes? Or, a few dozen?
  • dytch2220dytch2220 Posts: 1,681 ✭✭✭


    << <i>I have never had a climate controlled storage unit, do you get to control your own settings or is it controlled by the facility?
    May consider buying a huge amount of dessicator tablets if your really concerned about moisture. >>



    The temp/conditions are controlled by the facility. I'd thought of bagging the cards but didn't know if that would create a problem by allowing moisture to condensate inside the bag and then grow mold. I know they sell larger desiccant solutions for gun safes, thought of using one of these systems.
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  • dytch2220dytch2220 Posts: 1,681 ✭✭✭


    << <i>How many cards do you have to store? A few boxes? Or, a few dozen? >>



    I have 161 graded cards in my collection today and several boxes of raw material.
    The N8 Collection: PSA Registry Sets & Showcases
  • alifaxwa2alifaxwa2 Posts: 3,104 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>I have never had a climate controlled storage unit, do you get to control your own settings or is it controlled by the facility?
    May consider buying a huge amount of dessicator tablets if your really concerned about moisture. >>



    The temp/conditions are controlled by the facility. I'd thought of bagging the cards but didn't know if that would create a problem by allowing moisture to condensate inside the bag and then grow mold. I know they sell larger desiccant solutions for gun safes, thought of using one of these systems. >>


    http://www.homedepot.com/p/Keep-It-Dry-6-7-oz-Closet-Dehumidifier-Case-of-6-755-6/202974842?MERCH=REC-_-nosearch2_rr-_-NA-_-202974842-_-N
    Looking to have some custom cuts or plain custom cards built? PM me.

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  • charrigancharrigan Posts: 2,293
    I'd recommend that you get a Card Vault case, throw a couple silica gel packets in there, and you'll be fine. The case is also great for storage and transportation after you move into your new home.
  • dytch2220dytch2220 Posts: 1,681 ✭✭✭


    << <i>I'd recommend that you get a Card Vault case, throw a couple silica gel packets in there, and you'll be fine. The case is also great for storage and transportation after you move into your new home. >>



    Interestingly, what I currently keep my graded cards in is also called a Card Vault by BCW. It's basically a much taller version of the standard cardboard sleeve for trading cards.
    The N8 Collection: PSA Registry Sets & Showcases
  • charrigancharrigan Posts: 2,293
    Yeah, I have a few of those too, for misc commons. The case I linked to is obv expensive, but I like that it is crush proof, dust proof, and water resistant for storage.
  • WhiteTornadoWhiteTornado Posts: 2,102 ✭✭✭


    << <i>The temp/conditions are controlled by the facility. I'd thought of bagging the cards but didn't know if that would create a problem by allowing moisture to condensate inside the bag and then grow mold. I know they sell larger desiccant solutions for gun safes, thought of using one of these systems. >>



    If it's climate controlled on a regular basis, I wouldn't think condensation would be an issue. Using some kind of desiccant wouldn't hurt.

    As someone else mentioned, you might consider putting your best items into a bank safe deposit box.

    Finally, best wishes on the new job! image
  • clarke442clarke442 Posts: 610 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I am in a similar situation, needing to store graded and raw cards plus other memorabilia. I was also looking into a climate controlled storage space.
    My graded cards are mostly in PSA boxes or similar cardboard boxes, as is the raw stuff. I was thinking of storing those in the big "Tupper-Ware" like storage bins, ones that have a snap-tight cover. I am hoping this will work. Any suggestions beyond what has been discussed is welcome.

    Thanks, clarke442
  • BLUEJAYWAYBLUEJAYWAY Posts: 9,431 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Don't know if this will help but IIRC have purchased electronic items and other things through the years and within the box was those small gunny sacks filled with silicone. This acts as an absorbent of moisture and I believe to prevent moisture as well.
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  • ElToroLocoElToroLoco Posts: 914 ✭
    I haven't had any issues when they are temp controlled. Fire and a potential break in are the only issues I was concerned with. I got a small closet type with a regular hinged door. I used one of those large flat and round storage locks. I thought about using two but I figured it would be more inviting to thieves.
  • FabfrankFabfrank Posts: 2,312
    It really depends on the amount of items you need to store. From the size you mentioned, a standard bank safe deposit box will do for the graded cards. Depending on how many unopened boxes will determine a bigger size box. If your collection was larger (what would fill a standard closet), I would than say go for the storage unit

    My own experience with storage units is:

    spend the extra money and go climate controlled. The facility controls the temperature. Plus, people who are storing inexpensive household items are looking for cheap storage. They won't pay the extra for climate control. This also tends to eliminate the threat of pests or rodents.

    get a unit on the second floor. In case of a flood your items won't be in the basement or 1st floor units.

    If you can, pick up pallets. This way your boxes or items will be off the floor by 4-5 inches.

    I currently have a 15x20 storage unit with the bulk of my comic collection as well as about 12,000 PSA cards stored in this way.
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