Posted on October 10th, 2022

Action figures are a great way to relive the scenes in your favorite shows and movies, but caring for a large collection can be overwhelming. Your figures should always be stored in a room temperature, dry space that is out of direct sunlight, and they should be dusted and cleaned regularly. For added protection, you can even purchase special action figure storage solutions. In the following post, you'll learn how to store your action figures properly.

1. Keep the action figures away from direct sunlight.

UV light can be extremely damaging to plastic toys and the packaging of most figures. Never place your figures in direct sunlight, and keep them away from windows when they’re in storage. The combination of heat and UV light can harm the plastic and cause the paint to peel. When storing your figures, try to find a windowless room. If the room does have a window, make sure your figures are facing away from it.

2. Store your figures at room temperature in a dry area

When looking for storage space, find a room that has a fairly steady temperature of around 70 °F (21 °C). If you’re concerned about the humidity of the room, use a hygrometer to check that the humidity is around 35-45%. Extreme changes in temperature and humidity can be especially damaging for figures that are still in their original packaging. Closets and cupboards are normally great places for storing an action figure collection. If you have a finished basement, you can also store them there, as long as it doesn’t get too cool or damp.

3. Purchase sealed storage containers for your most valuable figures

For collectibles worth over $100, buy a sealed glass storage container. Open the container and carefully position your figure inside. Then, close the container and seal it according to the directions. The container will protect it from dust and dampness. Keep in mind that sealed containers will not protect your figures from changes in temperature or exposure to sunlight. Be sure to keep this in mind when storing your collectibles.

Normally, you can find these containers online through websites that specialize in storing collectibles. However, if you have a store that specializes in storage solutions near you, try calling them to see if they have any in stock.

4. Use a display case if you have a large collection

Many collectors like to keep their action figures on display. Look for a case that has glass doors to protect your figures while still showing them off. Position your figures on the shelves so that they’re visible but not overly crowded, which can damage them. Some collectors use bookcases with detachable glass doors to store their figures. Keep in mind that glass will not protect the action figures from changes in temperature and exposure to sunlight. 

If your shelving doesn’t have protective doors, be sure to monitor the temperature and humidity in the room, and keep your figures away from sunlight.

5. Get plastic shell cases for a cheaper alternative

If you want to display and protect your figures but don’t want to spend a lot of money, acrylic and plastic shell cases are the perfect solution. Normally, they open on a hinge, and you can insert your figure into the case. Then, close the case and position the container on a shelf.

Be sure to keep the containers away from direct sunlight and store them at room temperature.

6. Use resealable containers for more common figures

For figures that you use often and don’t have packaging, place them in clean resealable containers, such as plastic takeout containers or large storage bins. These will protect your figures from dust and dampness, but allow you to store many figures at once. If most of your figures are outside of their packaging, be sure to wrap them in cloth or place them in resealable bags to prevent them from hitting against each other in the container.

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