The Hobby Boards

One of my weird hobby interests is how people organise their collection. I'm a big binder guy and have chopped and changed my storage methods a tonne of times. Would love to see/hear about how everyone keeps their collection organised. Bonus points for pictures included.

Cheers!

When I was a player collector I'd use binders, and when collecting sets I'd use 3200 count boxes, but my collection has changed a lot in the 30 years I've collected.

Now I just do singles of HoFers and notible rookies and everything is either graded slab in graded card shoeboxes, or raw singles in semi rigid 1s in graded card shoeboxes.

I did an entire video on how I sort my collection from sleeve to box to shelf a little over a year ago. Hopefully you can get something out of it:

Looking jacked bro.

Checking out the video now.

OP, I think the best way to tackle your situation / question is to first determine what type of collector you are. Not just Player/Team/Theme collector, but also do you collect in volume, or do you only collect select cards? Quantity / Quality? These are major factors.

I have a pretty small collection, and PC 2 players. My main PC is in a two-row box, one side for each player, organized by year. + one small box to accommodate graded cards that won’t fit, organized by which I like the best

Then have one smaller misc pc box for a few other players and sets I want to keep long term.

And one binder for insert sets I collect, and another for low end pc stuff I don’t want to top load but also don’t want to get rid of.

I am also intrigued how others store / organise their collection; so it feels appropriate to share my approach!

First up is my binders. For a good portion of my collecting life, I was a bachelor living in a one bedroom London apartment; so I had to keep things pretty tidy / organised. I simply did not have the room to have lots of cards lying around. As my binders were on display; I hunted down some smart looking black photo-binders; that would take 9-pocket sleeves. I started with the larger ones in the photo below & then added thinner ones for smaller sets.

I have recently added 9-pocket zip-binders into my storage solutions. Whilst I have moved one or two sets from my photo-binders; they have mainly been used to reduce the amount of cards I had stored in top-loaders. For example I had a complete set of 1986 Fleer in top-loaders;with the top RCs all in graded slabs. This set is now in a zip binder, with a label for the graded RCs.



My higher value cards are then stored in five DVD boxes. Similar to the photo albums, these were chosen as they looked a little more attractive, than the traditional white cardboard boxes, when sitting on a shelf in my apartment.



The cards are stored in two rows (divided by a thick piece of cardboard) and then in the main sorted by year & set. Jordan & LeBron currently have their own little section at the back; but they will probably be moved into the main section soon.



Following the introduction of a wife and couple of sons (and a move to a larger out of the city home) the boxes are currently stored on a high shelf in a cupboard away from little hands! Having moved to a home with a little more space & the demise of DVDs (the boxes are much harder to find now), I plan to come up with an alternative solution when my boys are a little older. My plan is to get a local carpenter (who has in the past built some other furniture for us) to put together a purchase built chest of drawers / storage unit. I cannot wait!

I keep everything in sleeves and top loaders, stored in monster boxes in a storage facility. I scan the cards upon receipt and put them on my website, but otherwise rarely look at the cards in hand, except when I'm selliing them.

Great topic!

Just a heads up that I’m moving it to The Hobby forum to hopefully get more eyes on it.

Here’s my current setup. Takes up one half of my office closet but it’s slowly creeping it’s way to the other side I’m sad to say..

I just recently added the metal shelf below my binders so I can have better access to my two row boxes and bins. They were all stacked on top of each other prior and it was a pain pulling everything out. Much easier now!

mindcycle wrote: ↑Sat Aug 12, 2023 2:30 pm Great topic!

Just a heads up that I’m moving it to The Hobby forum to hopefully get more eyes on it.

Here’s my current setup. Takes up one half of my office closet but it’s slowly creeping it’s way to the other side I’m sad to say..

I just recently added the metal shelf below my binders so I can have better access to my two row boxes and bins. They were all stacked on top of each other prior and it was a pain pulling everything out. Much easier now!

Looks very well organized, mindcycle. I give you props for the labels - Brother P-Touch?

kingofsnake wrote: ↑Sun Aug 13, 2023 2:09 pm

mindcycle wrote: ↑Sat Aug 12, 2023 2:30 pm Great topic!

Just a heads up that I’m moving it to The Hobby forum to hopefully get more eyes on it.

Here’s my current setup. Takes up one half of my office closet but it’s slowly creeping it’s way to the other side I’m sad to say..

I just recently added the metal shelf below my binders so I can have better access to my two row boxes and bins. They were all stacked on top of each other prior and it was a pain pulling everything out. Much easier now!

Looks very well organized, mindcycle. I give you props for the labels - Brother P-Touch?

Good eye! Yeah i've had that things for years.

I like to look at my cards from time to time so my main PC is in a classic binder with pages. Cards that are too big to fit in a page pocket are either in a graded slab or one touch. Those sit nicely in a BCW Graded Card Bin Container. I'm pretty much able to fit my PC in a banker box, nice and organized. Everything else non-pc is in a penny sleeve and/or top loader in 1600/3200 count boxes.

Love what Threepointplay has going on…I’ve shared on Instagram before but these are the main two components of my storage… I’ve got a couple harbor freight cases for when I’ve had to move.

Hey everyone.

Im new-ish here only having posted once or twice.

I still consider myself fairly new to collecting (did a lot of it until 2009ish but was too young to stick with it) and recently got back into it about 2 years or so ago.
As time has gone on I have found myself changing my methods of storage time and time again. Now that I am much more goal oriented and know more or less what I will be chasing after for the next few years, I wanted to ask the community how they store their PCs, and more specifically, how you guys store Top loaders and keep them from scratching one another.

Personally I'm a binder enthusiast, but I do keep some 3 row shoe boxes for top loaders & magnetics for some of my jersey cards , patch autos, and generally thicker stock cards + some miscellaneous that wouldn't sort well with binders. I do, however, have a huge issue with the cases getting scratched if I thumb through them too much (the whole point of owning them is to be able to look through them, no?) I've tried to read around online for snug fitting team bags for the toploaders but have come up pretty dry on a definitive answer.

Does anybody else do what I'm trying to describe? Would love to hear back and see how you store your PCs.

Thanks!

Just realized this post existed after posting my thread.

Anybody store toploaders in shoeboxes have a good product to keep the cases from scratching each other?

ZSCollects wrote: ↑Tue Nov 14, 2023 4:51 pm Just realized this post existed after posting my thread.

Anybody store toploaders in shoeboxes have a good product to keep the cases from scratching each other?

All good man! I merged your other post into this one.

I personally use Superior Fit Sleeves for all my mags and graded cards. https://www.superiorfitsleeves.com

I'm also slowly working on moving my better top loader stored cards over to them as well. They make sleeves that fit almost all cases, graded or otherwise. One element I really like besides the really tight fit is the tapered back where you seal it. It's just a really clean look IMO.

Here's some examples:

ZSCollects wrote: ↑Tue Nov 14, 2023 4:04 pm Hey everyone.

Im new-ish here only having posted once or twice.

I still consider myself fairly new to collecting (did a lot of it until 2009ish but was too young to stick with it) and recently got back into it about 2 years or so ago.
As time has gone on I have found myself changing my methods of storage time and time again. Now that I am much more goal oriented and know more or less what I will be chasing after for the next few years, I wanted to ask the community how they store their PCs, and more specifically, how you guys store Top loaders and keep them from scratching one another.

Personally I'm a binder enthusiast, but I do keep some 3 row shoe boxes for top loaders & magnetics for some of my jersey cards , patch autos, and generally thicker stock cards + some miscellaneous that wouldn't sort well with binders. I do, however, have a huge issue with the cases getting scratched if I thumb through them too much (the whole point of owning them is to be able to look through them, no?) I've tried to read around online for snug fitting team bags for the toploaders but have come up pretty dry on a definitive answer.

Does anybody else do what I'm trying to describe? Would love to hear back and see how you store your PCs.

Thanks!

I'll second Ryan's recommendation for Superior Fit Sleeves, and I think this link has what you're looking for specifically

https://www.superiorfitsleeves.com/Supe ... -s/118.htm

mindcycle wrote: ↑Tue Nov 14, 2023 8:01 pm

ZSCollects wrote: ↑Tue Nov 14, 2023 4:51 pm Just realized this post existed after posting my thread.

Anybody store toploaders in shoeboxes have a good product to keep the cases from scratching each other?

All good man! I merged your other post into this one.

I personally use Superior Fit Sleeves for all my mags and graded cards. https://www.superiorfitsleeves.com

I'm also slowly working on moving my better top loader stored cards over to them as well. They make sleeves that fit almost all cases, graded or otherwise. One element I really like besides the really tight fit is the tapered back where you seal it. It's just a really clean look IMO.

Here's some examples:

PERFECT!!! Exactly what I was looking for!

Thank you!

ZSCollects wrote: ↑Tue Nov 14, 2023 8:34 pm PERFECT!!! Exactly what I was looking for!

Thank you!

Happy to help!

Here's another vote for Superior Fit sleeves, they're amazing!

Moved recently and took this with me. Big shout to ottoman storage.

With Abra’s help I came to the realization that toploader binders are king.



I had 3 wall display cases that won’t be going back up, instead I’m getting an upright glass display. Hope to have that set up soon.

On a side note I also got collectible insurance recently, it’s literally cheaper than any safe deposit box options near me and the peace of mind feels gud.

darz90scardz wrote: ↑Thu Nov 16, 2023 8:53 pm Moved recently and took this with me. Big shout to ottoman storage.

With Abra’s help I came to the realization that toploader binders are king.



I had 3 wall display cases that won’t be going back up, instead I’m getting an upright glass display. Hope to have that set up soon.

On a side note I also got collectible insurance recently, it’s literally cheaper than any safe deposit box options near me and the peace of mind feels gud.

Great idea utilizing the ottoman! I’d like to try this but highly likely my kids would get into it and destroy whatever cards were in there.

I’m going to have to join you all on the top loader binder storage at some point. I had the cheapie Joan’s Fabrics binder somebody on blowout posted years ago and liked those, but then moved most of my stuff to Z-Folio binders. I still have a good number of top loaded cards that don’t quite fit into a PC that I could see working well in one of those.

Are there any good 3 ring binders for base cards that you guys would recommend? I typically use VaultX or ZFolio 9&12 pocket zip binders for my refractor rainbows, and nicer sets, but I find these to be inconvenient for my NYGiants base card team sets. Ideally if I can move pages around and move pages into different binders as I add other sets from different years and keep them organized.

I owned a few 9 pockets when I was younger (mid 2000s) and really fucked up a lot of my old cards in them. The pockets in the pages never fit quite right. I was 13 and with no LCS near me, everything was bought for me with no real research or something like this to figure out optimal products. I imagine there are some solid ones out now where a card or even sleeved card can fit nicely in them without immanent damage. Would love to hear what you guys use.

Thanks

ZSCollects wrote: ↑Thu Dec 07, 2023 6:35 pm Are there any good 3 ring binders for base cards that you guys would recommend? I typically use VaultX or ZFolio 9&12 pocket zip binders for my refractor rainbows, and nicer sets, but I find these to be inconvenient for my NYGiants base card team sets. Ideally if I can move pages around and move pages into different binders as I add other sets from different years and keep them organized.

I owned a few 9 pockets when I was younger (mid 2000s) and really fucked up a lot of my old cards in them. The pockets in the pages never fit quite right. I was 13 and with no LCS near me, everything was bought for me with no real research or something like this to figure out optimal products. I imagine there are some solid ones out now where a card or even sleeved card can fit nicely in them without immanent damage. Would love to hear what you guys use.

Thanks

I had some cheapo binders/binder pages from back in the 90’s so I’m pretty sure I know what you’re referring to here. The problem with the cheap brands is they can deteriorate over time and lead to the cards sticking to the plastic. I’ve also had pages shrink as well causing uneven pressure on the surface. That can also cause the cards to stop fitting very well, maybe similar to what you’re seeing?

I’d just suggest using high quality 9 pocket pages to make sure cards fit correctly and are safe over time. Ultra Pro silver, or even better, Ultra Pro platinum, is what I use nowadays.

The only semi concerning thing I’ve noticed is, depending on the binder and if you store them horizontally, over time the right corner of the page can curl up. So long term it’s best to store them stacked. Or there is a trick where you can build an insert to attach to the back cover of the binder that keeps the weight of the pages more even. I’ll post a photo once I get a chance.

mindcycle wrote: ↑Sat Dec 09, 2023 11:48 amThe only semi concerning thing I’ve noticed is, depending on the binder and if you store them horizontally, over time the right corner of the page can curl up. So long term it’s best to store them stacked.

This is my main concern if I decide to put a binder together (besides taking up more space).

I've considered the Z-Folio for a project I haven't shown to anyone yet. I really want to go Z-Folio, but they don't seem to have enough. I see there's a 3 ring one (Z-Binder LX Album), but it says holds up to 20 pages which is 180 cards, but I'd need something around 250 cards. Any suggestions are welcome. Dunno, anyone who has a Z-Binder LX Album who can test out 28 pages for me? I'd only put cards in 1 side not both as I want to be able to see the backs.

ZSCollects wrote: ↑Thu Dec 07, 2023 6:35 pm Are there any good 3 ring binders for base cards that you guys would recommend? I typically use VaultX or ZFolio 9&12 pocket zip binders for my refractor rainbows, and nicer sets, but I find these to be inconvenient for my NYGiants base card team sets. Ideally if I can move pages around and move pages into different binders as I add other sets from different years and keep them organized.

I owned a few 9 pockets when I was younger (mid 2000s) and really fucked up a lot of my old cards in them. The pockets in the pages never fit quite right. I was 13 and with no LCS near me, everything was bought for me with no real research or something like this to figure out optimal products. I imagine there are some solid ones out now where a card or even sleeved card can fit nicely in them without immanent damage. Would love to hear what you guys use.

Thanks

If you want to be able to move pages in and out of binders as your collection grows/changes, I'd recommend going with a good quality D ring binder and ultra pro platinum pages. You can get the silver version too, only real difference is the thickness of the plastic. I understand the frustration with binders, as sometimes the bottom of the pages can get caught and pulled in damaging the cards. I will get pictures of how I have my pc set up in my binder.
ADDED pictures in the attachments, please see below.

1) I've added a cushion/buffer on the back and front of the binder to prevent the cards from getting bent. A couple of pieces of cardboard to raise the cards a bit from the bottom.
2) Not sure if these exist anymore, but all of my cards have a Premium soft sleeve that fits perfectly in my Ultra Pro pages. It gives the card another layer of protection and if I had to move them in and out of the pages, my hands were touching the sleeve and not the card itself. At the time of purchase, the premium grade soft sleeve cost me two bucks instead of one.
3) I lay the binder flat and nothing on top to prevent the cards from being pressed down even more.

Keep in mind I had this project started around 15 years ago. I'm sure there are plenty of new, more modern options out there to protect and store our cards, but quite frankly, I'm happy with my setup as it is right now. Hope this helps.

@cp wrote: ↑Sat Dec 30, 2023 8:04 pm

ZSCollects wrote: ↑Thu Dec 07, 2023 6:35 pm Are there any good 3 ring binders for base cards that you guys would recommend? I typically use VaultX or ZFolio 9&12 pocket zip binders for my refractor rainbows, and nicer sets, but I find these to be inconvenient for my NYGiants base card team sets. Ideally if I can move pages around and move pages into different binders as I add other sets from different years and keep them organized.

I owned a few 9 pockets when I was younger (mid 2000s) and really fucked up a lot of my old cards in them. The pockets in the pages never fit quite right. I was 13 and with no LCS near me, everything was bought for me with no real research or something like this to figure out optimal products. I imagine there are some solid ones out now where a card or even sleeved card can fit nicely in them without immanent damage. Would love to hear what you guys use.

Thanks

If you want to be able to move pages in and out of binders as your collection grows/changes, I'd recommend going with a good quality D ring binder and ultra pro platinum pages. You can get the silver version too, only real difference is the thickness of the plastic. I understand the frustration with binders, as sometimes the bottom of the pages can get caught and pulled in damaging the cards. I will get pictures of how I have my pc set up in my binder.

1) I've added a cushion/buffer on the back and front of the binder to prevent the cards from getting bent. A couple of pieces of cardboard to raise the cards a bit from the bottom.
2) Not sure if these exist anymore, but all of my cards have a Premium soft sleeve that fits perfectly in my Ultra Pro pages. It gives the card another layer of protection and if I had to move them in and out of the pages, my hands were touching the sleeve and not the card itself. At the time of purchase, the premium grade soft sleeve cost me two bucks instead of one.
3) I lay the binder flat and nothing on top to prevent the cards from being pressed down even more.

Keep in mind I had this project started around 15 years ago. I'm sure there are plenty of new, more modern options out there to protect and store our cards, but quite frankly, I'm happy with my setup as it is right now. Hope this helps.

Oh yes, the bottom binder page(s) issue. I remember this being such a problem way back when. I only use toploader binders now so there’s a bit more of a buffer, but it’s still not ideal.