Understanding Storage Concerns

Prepping, Packing And Storing Your Carded Action Figures

20 February 2018

Letitia Lucas

Action figures carry both monetary and sentimental value for many collectors. If you collect action figures that remain in their packaging, the value will be higher than those that are loose. Here, you will learn how to prepare, pack and store the carded action figures to protect them for future enjoyment and increased value.

Prepare for Storage

One of the most important things to consider before packing carded action figures for several months or years is the cleanliness of the packaging. If you store the items away with dirt and dust left on them, they will become discolored and the value will decrease. Take your time to wipe each package down with a dry cloth. If the dry cloth doesn't get it clean, dampen the cloth very slightly and wipe the spots that didn't come clean.

Remove any pricing stickers that are on the packages. The longer you leave those stickers in place, the more damage the package will sustain. As the sticker stays in place, the print under it will not fade, but the surrounding print will.

To remove the stickers without causing any damage, use a heat gun or hair dryer to warm the sticker. As the heat warms the sticker, the adhesive will soften and you'll be able to peel it off gently. Just be sure that you don't heat the plastic blister that holes the toy in place. Overheating the plastic will cause it to become misshaped.

If there is sticker residue remaining after the sticker has been removed, drip a drop of Goo-Gone cleaner on the area, rub it with your finger and then let it sit for five or ten minutes. Return with a very lightly dampened cloth and wipe the remaining residue off.

Let the packages dry for a few hours before you continue. You don't want any moisture remaining when you pack them up.

Pack the Toys

Never stack packaged action figures on top of each other. This will cause the plastic blisters to become crushed. Instead, get a box and place the figures inside vertically. Fill the voids in the box with crumbled tissue paper or blank newspaper. Do not use printed newspaper as the ink will transfer onto the packaging quickly.

Store the Toys

Once everything is all packed up, you need to find a safe place to store them. The space in which you store them must be climate controlled. Exposure to high and low temperatures and humidity will destroy the collection.

If you don't have somewhere safe in your home to store it, consider leasing a climate-controlled storage unit. Your collection will remain in good condition if you follow the tips above and store them in an appropriate setting.

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