If you are an avid card, stamp, or book collector, then you may be interested in keeping your collectibles in mint condition when stored away. Many of these older paper items are fragile and can easily deteriorate (if not stored properly).
When paper items lose their coloring or tear, they lose value. If you plan (or were hoping) to resell your items, then that can be a big problem. Even if you plan to keep your items for display or personal purposes only, collectibles kept in mint condition are generally the ideal state for collectors. Many Texas collectors over the years have shared their experiences and strategies for keeping their beloved items safe. We are happy to document some of those tips below.
Tips for Storing Paper Items
Factors to Consider For Your Collectibles
Paper Items may include your different game cards, comic books, stamps, autographs, and plenty of other things of value. These collectibles are particularly very fragile and require a lot of care when deciding to store them away. There are three factors to really look at when deciding your location:
- Sunlight
- Humidity
- Temperature
These three damaging variables can make a difference between mint condition and damage beyond repair.
Sunlight
Like many items, when kept in the sunlight they begin to fade. This sun damage is especially true for paper items and can make them unreadable and lose most of their value. Make sure you store them away from windows and in opaque containers so light can’t get in.
Humidity
Humidity is very damaging. You should keep your collectibles in a temperature-controlled area like a storage unit and not your basement or closet where you may not be able to measure or control the humidity levels. Humidity can lead to mold on your items and make them safer to keep in the trash.
Temperature
Temperature fluctuations should be avoided. Paper items should be kept in airtight containers in a room with a steady temperature. Changes in this variable can lead to warped spines in comic books and distort the form of other items.
General Tips to Keep Your Paper Collectibles Safe
Use The Right Boxes
The best box to use and which have been standard for many, is the archival box. This box is acid free and will keep your items safe from sunlight.
Store Elevated from Floor
It’s best to invest in shelving or placing your boxes of items on a wooden pallet. Concrete can fluctuate in temperature which can lead to damage and there is also the risk of flooding. Keeping your collectibles off the floor can keep them safe and secure while also leaving your space uncluttered.
Acid Free Tissue Paper
This type of paper won’t damage your collectibles, so it’s recommended to first wrap them in these for extra protection. It’s also good to bunch it up in the spaces that are left in your boxes to keep everything in place and not free to move around.
Take Pictures
Creating a photo and written inventory of your items can bring less headache later if something were to happen to them. If you are planning to sell your items, taking a picture before and placing them into storage can also make the selling process much easier and more efficient.
Collectible Shops in Central Texas
Phone: (254) 231-3623
Address: 808 S 31st St #5209, Temple, TX 76504
Phone: (254) 773-7545
Address: 3 W Central Ave, Temple, TX 76501
Phone: (254) 755-0070
Address: 1321 S Valley Mills Dr, Waco, TX 76711
America’s Heroes Comics & Games
Phone: (254) 501-8556
Address: 3401 W Stan Schlueter Loop Ste. #8, Killeen, TX 76549
Phone: (254) 754-5729
Address: 3112 Franklin Ave, Waco, TX 76710
Baseball Card Shops in Central Texas
Phone: (254) 295-0195
Address: 3111 S 31st St Space 3335, Temple, TX 76502
Phone: (254) 773-7545
Address: 3 W Central Ave, Temple, TX 76501
Epic Works Games and Collectibles
Phone: (254) 432-4736
Address: 3301 E. Rancier Drive STE A112, Killeen, TX 76543
Phone: (254) 751-7251
Address: 4008 Bosque Blvd, Waco, TX 76710
Collectibles Storage – Why Choose Amy’s Attic Self Storage
Amy’s Attic Self Storage has the facilities and experience to provide a safe environment for your treasured collectibles, such as baseball cards, stamps, and comic books. With temperature-controlled units and an insurance program, we are your best option for self storage in Central TX. If you have any questions, then please contact us at 855-426-9728 or visit one of our convenient locations. We look forward to meeting you.
