How to Store Pokémon Cards
You have a box of cards and are wondering where to put it so the collection survives for years to come. A card is made of paper, so established knowledge about paper applies. There is no separate official standard for Pokémon cards, while the principles of storing paper collections have been tested over decades.
Where to put the box
Paper should be stored in a cool, relatively dry, clean, and stable place. In practice, that means checking three things at home:
- not in an attic, basement, or any other place exposed to flooding or extreme conditions,
- away from radiators and air vents,
- away from direct and intense light; the less light, the better.
Stability matters more than a specific number
Both extreme conditions and sudden fluctuations in temperature and humidity can cause serious damage. An ordinary cabinet in a room where conditions remain normal and steady is better than a place that alternates between cold and damp and warm.
Temperature and humidity affect mold growth, insect activity, and the warping and curling of materials.
What the numbers say
The lifespan of paper is estimated to double for every temperature reduction of approximately 5.5°C (9.9°F). Cooler conditions measurably extend its life.
For a broad range of materials, suitable conditions are 18–21°C (64.4–69.8°F) at about 45% relative humidity, with daily fluctuations of no more than ±3%. Archival institutions cite 18–22°C (64.4–71.6°F) and 45–55% humidity, with changes limited to a few degrees and percentage points.
Protective holders
A sleeve is a soft, transparent holder for a single card. A top loader is a rigid plastic holder used when a card needs to travel.
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