You just opened a stack of packs, and now there’s a pile of cards on your desk. So what next? In this guide I’ll show you how to store Pokémon cards so they stay mint, without spending a fortune.

I learned most of this the hard way. As a kid, my best holos lived in a shoebox with a rubber band around them. You can guess how that turned out.

The quick answer: how to store Pokémon cards

1. Put every card you care about in a soft sleeve.
2. Slide your best cards into a toploader.
3. Keep the rest in a side-loading binder or a storage box.
4. Store your Pokémon cards in a dry, dark room at normal temperature.

That’s really it. Below I’ll explain each step, plus the mistakes I see collectors make all the time.

Step 1: Sleeve every card you care about

Penny sleeves are thin, soft plastic sleeves that cost almost nothing. They protect the surface from scratches and fingerprints. Every holo, ex card or rare you pull should go into one straight away.

For cards you play with, use double sleeves. First a tight inner sleeve, then a thicker outer sleeve on top. This keeps dust out and protects the edges while you shuffle.

Step 2: Use toploaders for your best Pokémon cards

A toploader is a hard plastic case that keeps a card flat and stiff. Always put the card in a penny sleeve first, because sliding a bare card into a toploader can scratch it. The standard 35pt size fits normal cards.

Want to send a card for grading? Then a semi-rigid holder is the better choice, since grading companies like PSA prefer those. For display, a magnetic one-touch case looks great on a shelf.

Step 3: Pick a side-loading binder

Binders are the most fun way to show off a collection. Still, not every binder is safe for your cards. Go for a side-loading binder with 9 or 12 pockets per page, since cards can’t slide out the top that way.

Avoid binders with metal rings. The pages near the rings press into your cards, and over time you get dents along the edge. Also check that the pages are acid-free and PVC-free, because cheap plastic can damage cards after a few years.

Step 4: Store bulk Pokémon cards in boxes

Not every common needs a sleeve. For bulk, the cheapest way to store Pokémon cards is a cardboard storage box. I sort mine by set and card number, which makes it easy to find a card when I need it for a deck.

Stand the cards upright and fill the box so they don’t slide around. However, don’t stuff it so tight that the cards bend.

Step 5: Watch out for heat, light and damp

This is where most collections go wrong. Cards are paper, so they react to heat, sunlight and humidity. Direct sunlight fades the colors. Damp air makes cards curl and can even cause mold.

Here in the Netherlands, the attic and the basement are the worst places to store Pokémon cards. A closet in your bedroom is much better. If your house is damp, throw a few silica gel packs into your storage box.

How to store sealed Pokémon products

Booster boxes and Elite Trainer Boxes need care too, especially if you want to keep them sealed. Keep the shrink wrap on and store the boxes in the same dry, dark spot as your cards. Also avoid stacking heavy things on top, because crushed corners lower the value.

Mistakes I see all the time

• Rubber bands: they dent the edges of the top and bottom cards. Use a deck box instead.
• Toploaders without a sleeve: the card can get scratched when it slides in or out.
• Ring binders: they leave dents near the rings.
• Tape on toploaders: it’s a pain to remove and can stick to the card.
• The attic: too hot in summer and too damp in winter.

FAQ: how to store Pokémon cards

What is the best way to store Pokémon cards?

Put valuable cards in a penny sleeve and a toploader. Then keep the rest in a side-loading binder or a storage box, in a dry and dark room.

Are binders safe for Pokémon cards?

Yes, as long as you pick a side-loading binder without metal rings. Also make sure the pages are acid-free and PVC-free.

Should I keep cards in a toploader without a sleeve?

No. Always use a penny sleeve first, because a bare card can get scratched when it slides in.

How do I protect cards from humidity?

Store them in a dry room, not in the attic or basement. In a damp house, silica gel packs in your storage box help a lot.

Final thoughts

You don’t need much money to store Pokémon cards properly. A pack of penny sleeves, a few toploaders and a decent side-loading binder already make a huge difference. Your future self will thank you when that holo still looks brand new.

Opening packs this month? Read everything about the new set in my Delta Reign guide, and check my tips on spotting fakes before you buy singles online.

How do you store your collection? Binder, box or display case? Tell me in the comments.