TCG Storage Guide

The aim of this guide is to provide you with the proper methods for storing your Trading Card Investments (TCG) purchased from the TCG Hub. Since these products are primarily long-term investments intended to be held for several years, it is crucial to store them correctly to maintain their condition and value.

Raw Cards & Graded Cards

All raw cards should be placed in 'penny sleeves' and then inserted into 'top loaders'. This will protect the cards from any damage to the front, back, and edges. Both penny sleeves and top loaders are relatively inexpensive. If your card is graded, you can skip this step.

Penny Sleeve

Graded cards, or cards in penny sleeves and top loaders, can be stored in a sturdy box which won’t crunch easily e.g. double walled cardboard box. Although binders are available for card storage, they are not necessary unless you prefer to use them.

Top loader

Key Points

Ensure your cards are kept in a cool room. For example, on a hot summer day, the room should be as cool as your living room. This prevents heat from damaging, fading, or melting any of the card graphics.

The brand of top loaders or penny sleeves doesn't matter much. Most people in the TCG community use 'Ultra Pro'. Regardless of the brand, they are generally inexpensive.

Sealed Products - Booster Boxes, Ultra Premium Collections etc;

Its vital sealed products are store properly to protect them. The aim is to ensure they stay in mint condition. In the future when these investments increase in resell prices, the produts which are in the most ‘mint condition’ are the products which will command a higher resell value but also attrack majoirty of the buyers.

Storage box

It is strongly recommended to store your sealed boxes in a storage tub. Make sure the storage tub has a flat bottom with no inward grooves to maximize space.

For added protection, it's wise to leave the sealed products in their original delivery boxes and then place these boxes into the storage tub.

Additionally, it’s important to protect the plastic seal. Wrapping the sealed products in bubble wrap before placing them inside the original delivery box and storage tub would be a sensible approach.

It is also advisable to place a handful of silica gel packets into the storage boxes to help absorb moisture and keep the products dry. Remember, these items will be stored for several years.

You can find silica gel packets in shoe or trainer boxes, or purchase them inexpensively on eBay.

Silica gel packets

Key Points

Ensure your storage tubs are kept in a cool room. For example, on a hot summer day, the room should be as cool as your living room.

When stacking sealed products in the storage tub, be cautious. For instance, a Pokémon elite trainer box is substantially heavier and larger than a booster box. Placing the elite trainer box on top of booster boxes could damage the booster boxes. Be strategic with your stacking.