We all love our sports cards because of their high sentimental value and the unique memories they evoke in our minds every time we look at them. That said, they’ve become valuable assets these days and represent a solid investment opportunity.
Either way, the last thing we want is to see them get damaged, discolored, or lost. That’s why we’ve put together five simple steps to make sure that never happens.
1. Find a Sorting System that Works for You
Whether you’re new to the scene or a veteran collector with an extensive collection, you need a reliable sorting system to quickly sift through your cards and find just the ones you need.
There’s no one-size-fits-all here. You can organize the cards by year, team, player, or any other category. Just make sure everything is neatly organized. That’s the first step.
2. Organize them in Boxes or Binders
Now you need to decide where to put the cards. You can use storage boxes or binders. The choice depends on the size of your collection.
Storage boxes can enough space to store thousands of cards. Binders typically come in small sizes and may cost more than a storage box, but they offer better protection, and you can quickly flip through them to find the card you want.
If you want the best of both worlds, you can keep the most valuable cards in binders and the less valuable ones in boxes.
3. Use Sleeves
The value of a card is only as good as its condition. You should always protect the surface from sun, dirt, and moisture no matter where you put your cards. You also don’t want the edges to get worn or bent. You can achieve all of this by attaching protective sleeves.
You may think that you should laminate your cards to keep them tight and protected. Your instinct is wrong. Once you laminate a collectible card, it becomes virtually worthless.
4. Create a List
The most important rule in keeping any collection is to make an inventory list. You can write the list on paper, but it’s better if you don’t because you can easily misplace the list. Also, it can be many pages, so it may take a long time to find the card.
You can create a spreadsheet in Excel, Word, or Google Sheets and include each card with its description in the file. You can easily make multiple copies and find the card instantly using the search functions.
5. Check the Storage Unit Condition
This one is surprisingly overlooked. If you’re storing your collection in a storage unit, check the unit’s climate condition before putting boxes there. The last thing you want is to go through all the trouble of putting your neatly organized boxes and binders in a hot storage unit with leaks and poor ventilation.
Bottom Line
So, there you have it. These steps will help you retain your sports cards’ value over time. If you still have questions or need help with selling single cards or an entire set, American Legends can give you all the help you need.
