Growing up is hard, but letting go of items you love —such as collectibles, video games, comics, and more—can be even harder. Luckily, we all know it’s not necessary to get rid of your favorite stuff, and that valid passions in life go from writing to being a coin collector or a complete “nerd,” right?

All that geeky or nerdy memorabilia needs to be a part of your ecosystem if you happen to be an enthusiast of all things related to fantasy worlds. This is why cleaning your room or moving out can sometimes be a bit challenging due to the cards, posters, or collectibles you treasure but are spread everywhere. There’s no need for worry, though, everything has its place, no matter how tiny it is.

Take care of your belongings, pack them, and make sure no fatal destiny come their way. Here we tell you how to do it.

Trading cards packaging

Trading cards are one of the easiest but really messy things to keep. You could store them in bags, boxes, card sleeves or anywhere if organizing is not one of your strengths; but it’s very important that you have them in a uniform packaging method for easy mobility and preservation.

1. Make a list of all your cards

If you don’t have much time to make this list, “there’s an app for that!” (For example, Collector: Pokemon TCG) Why is it important? To identify from the less to the most valuable cards, so you’ll know what you want to leave more accessible.

2. Find the perfect type of sleeves

You need all the sleeves necessary to keep your cards safe, whether it’s a penny sleeve or a premium sleeve; you can use the latter for your beloved cards.

Warning: NEVER use ziplock bags if you really want to keep them in a good state.

3. Box them

If you’re moving out or just making space, use a storage container to give your cards the ultimate protection, you never know what can happen. This will protect them from debris, spills, bending and edge wear. If the box you choose holds your cards, even when double sleeved, and with almost zero movements, then you have a winner. You can also find a premium quality one (you know? Just in case…)

Posters

Creases are one of the worst things that can fall upon your dear posters, cards, or anything. If you want to keep them safe or can’t display them in your room or home, and throwing them out is not an option, you better learn how to take care of them.

Your poster may face the following dangers:

• Moisture
• Humidity
• Heat
• Light
• Acidity
• Critters

1. Use acid-free packing paper

If you’re going to keep them in a plain surface, cover them in acid-free paper inside a cardboard to avoid any harm, or just keep them in acid-free sleeves, where you can store your poster flat.

Lots of storage? Then do it this way, so you don’t have to use much space.

2. Get poster tubes

A good cardboard postal tube is always a safe option,  you see them everywhere and there are different types according to your needs. If you’re shipping or moving out, this is the way to go.

Collectibles

You can always keep them in their original boxes, but if you want to preserve them or send them away, then think about that Toy Story 2 scene, when Stinky Pete, Woody, and his friends are packed for an international flight. This shows that there’s actually a thorough process to go through before packing precious collectibles.

Boxed collectibles

1. Wrap each box individually

Use acid-free packing paper, and if you’re taping, be really careful not to tape the product package. Afraid of your own clumsiness? Use painting tape (the blue one).

2. Wrap the box in bubble wrap

3. Use a larger box to pack them

4. Fill the space with crushed packing paper

Be careful of wiggle room.

5. Mark the box “FRAGILE”, for whether you are storing them in a personal space and letting others know to be mindful, or for shipping.

Fragile collectibles:

The collectible world is all about bubble wrap and crushed paper: The perfect pad.

1. Wrap them in bubble wrap by being careful not to tape the product

2. Get a box and put some crumpled paper at the bottom and on top.

Hacked: You can use a dish box with separate spaces, and fill the void with crushed paper.

3. Keep them upright to prevent them from damaging

4. Test it

After placing crumbled packing paper around each item, try shaking the box to feel them shift or not, if yes, just pad it with more paper.

5. Don’t put anything heavy on top of it and mark the box “FRAGILE.”

For more packing or shipping products, check out this.