General Forum

Well going through some life changes at home andthe soon to be ex will be moving out of my home. I have an office, unfinished basement (has majority of my collection stored) and will have a few spare bedrooms. Now what to do with my collection that is not as organized as I would like it. Probably have over 100K of cards. 

I was thinking of making the spare bedroom next to my office my card collection hub. 

Looking for suggestions on storage, organization and generally advice. 

thanks Mark

sorry to hear of the split up, mark..

my best suggestion is to fill up the room (with cards) you like quickly, in case ex wifey changes her mind and wants to come back...then that can be part of the new agreement (the card room).

and if you feel like taking 'interviews' for the position of 'new girlfriend', the card rooom is set and permanent part of the house!

good luck, mark!

mark

I’m a big fan of displaying collections instead of leaving them in boxes in closets, etc.  That being said, once the collection grows, space becomes a big problem.

I started my collection by putting my cards in the binders that held top loaders.  6 cards per page and up to 40 pages in the binder.  I have 4 binders that I have out on a few tables around my basement TV area.  I really like the binders and I try to change out the cards in them on occasion.  I also recently purchased a display case for autographed cards which I have 50+ autographs in.  I still have another 10K+ cards in boxes in the closet, but at least I’m showing some of the collection.  I can always bring out the boxes if a conversation is started from what’s on display.

At some point, the boxes will come out of the closet and be held in some nicer storage furniture in the basement area, but only after I get rid of a ton of DVDs that I used to collect... :)

Sorry to hear about the circumstances leading to your reorganization.....or maybe congratulations? Either way, I wish you the best.

There were some interesting storage ideas in this thread. Personally the best organization solution for me (at least for my traders) is the shoebox. I really appreciated the ease and convenience of these. It makes finding and pulling cards super easy. The removeable lids are far superior to the "flip-up" variety. They're not the best looking storage solution but I can't imagine going back to monster boxes for my traders.

looks good, chad!

mark

You've seen part of my set up.  Plan it well in advance and KEEP traders from your PC / set collection.

I have used monster boxes of 3200-5000 cards and have never had a problem finding my cards to send in trade.  In fact, I think I go through less boxes this way as they are all sorted by Company, year, set, and number.  What takes me longest is when I am having to sort through my specific player traders (ID: sandy's singles) that are all in 800 or less count boxes.

I built a custom shelf that hold 22 binders (laying flat)   Almost each year has a binder for it. A couple has several years and 2007 has 2 binders. Along with several binders of the oddball stuff and encased cards.  I  have to build another one as it hold 22 binders and now I have 10 more binders on the floor.  I can pull a year and look at it.

My PC is small (8700) compare to others here.

#1 remove your valuable cards and put them somewhere else, in a safe deposit box or a trusted friend or relative you've know all your life and doesn't have a big mouth.    This is in case the lawyer for her decides she gets half.

good suggestion devils! 

Been there avs.  My suggestion would be to decide HOW you want the collection organized first.  Teams? Players? Sets? etc.  And then.. enjoy the cards as you organize.  I mean..that's the point of collecting right?  Enjoy the cards themselves.  Might even be a nice distraction at times when you could use a happy moment.