How to Store Loose Action Figures

Before you decide to store your loose action figures you'll need to perform some simple actions. If the item has batteries, remove them as well as any electronic parts. Corrosion from these items will permanently damage your pieces. After that, remove any metal pieces or other items that might get damaged when you wash the figure. Finally, you'll want to wash off your items before storing them. Remember to dry them thoroughly as soon as you are done cleaning them.

First, we'll discuss what to store your loose figures in; this includes carded items as well. After that, we'll tackle the subject of where to store them. You'll discover that there are a number of ways to protect your valuable collectibles.

The first, easiest and one of the best ways of storing your items is in a resealable plastic bag. They come in several sizes, one of which is sure to fit your action figure. Resealable baggies will also last a very long time, which means years of protection. A sealed bag will also keep any loose pieces from getting lost. Han Solo would be nothing if he lost his blaster, so make sure it stays with him in his baggie. These bags are also very easy to come by. You can find them at hardware stores, hobby shops and the grocery store. The only real drawbacks to using plastic bags are that they don't do a good job of protecting your assets from damage or sunlight. This can be easily overcome by wrapping the figures in cloth.

Another way to store your pieces is in soft shell plastic cases. The have almost all the benefits of resealable baggies except they aren't water or air-tight. They do protect the figure from most drops and make it much easier to display your items. These cases also do a great job of protecting carded figures, something that baggies simply cannot do. If you have a large collection of figures, be warned that storing them in these cases can get pretty expensive.

A third great way to store your figures is by using resealable food containers. Using heavy Tupperware, for example, is a great way to store your figures for the long hall and are especially useful for storing multiple figures or larger vehicles since they come in a variety of sizes. These containers also stack neatly and travel well, making them almost ideal in the event of a move. You'll have to wrap the items in cloth and use additional packing material to ensure the items don't bounce around in the container.

I recommend using almost any container that seals tightly, stores easily and can absorb impact without damaging its contents. Avoid using containers that will crush easily, or are susceptible to water damage, like a shoebox. Plastic jars will work in a pinch but they don't stack as well as other containers. I would also stay away from glass container or jars since they are so fragile.

Now that we know how to store our loose action figures, we can just toss them in the corner of the living room and be done with them, right? Well, that's not exactly true. You've taken the time to pack them properly so why not see the task through completely? There are some good places to store your pieces and some bad ones.

The environment you store your items in is crucial to their survival. The very first thing to remember is that sunlight will damage your action figures beyond repair and render then valueless. A faded and yellowing Darth Vader scares no one. The sunlight will also damage any cards you may have with your item, as well as the very containers used to protect them. Humidity is your next enemy. Too much of it will rot and corrode your little pals. Not enough humidity and they could be facing dry-rot, cracking and rotten rubber. The same applies to the temperature. If the air is too cold, your figures could become overly brittle. If it gets too hot, you could be looking at warping or disfigurement.

I would avoid storing your figures anywhere outside, like the garage. I would also avoid the attic or basement. All of these lack climate control, plus they have issues regarding humidity and possible water damage. You could simply leave them piled up in some corner of your house. However, this would leave them exposed to other potential issues like clutter and unwanted attention.

By now, it's probably beginning to sound like there's no place safe enough to store your action figures. Not to worry, there are still some places left where your collectibles can rest in relative safety. If you have a humidor, that would be perfect. Since most of us aren't fortunate enough to own a walk-in humidor, then I suggest your closet. Most closets use the same climate control that the rest of the house enjoys. They are also far enough away from sunlight to protect them from UV light. Closets are also easily accessible yet out of the way, making them perfect for the average collector.