Storing sets in 3200 ct vs individual boxes

[jasonc]

If you have multiple sets say, 1970-1989 topps for example, do you store them in 3200ct or 5000ct boxes or does each set have their own individual box?

I noticed with the 3200 ct boxes, the cards are upright, so they might be easier to flip through them, but 3 or 4 sets will be all in the same box... but for keeping each set organized, the individual boxes might be the way to go, with the year written on the outside of the box, etc.

Just a question for the non-binder set collectors.

[BearBailey]

A little of both. I think everything through 1985 is in its own box, but I have 3200 count boxes with 4 1987 topps sets, 4 1987 donruss sets and 4 1989 upper deck sets and several others. Sometimes space saving wins out.

[brob28]

My '70's sets are in binders, anything newer than that are in boxes for each year.

[steve B]

I Used to use 3200 count boxes for a lot of stuff, but then the ones I could get started not fitting toploaders. So now I have a lot more shoebox boxes. Most of the older hockey is in a 6 row box that I don't think is made anymore. I've mostly gotten out of binders. Too many curled pages. Plus having to buy sheets for the entire set and leave space so I don't have to rearrange every card to add a new one.

[jasonc]

Steve, that's what I've noticed. Are the shoeboxes the ones that hold 1600 (2 row) because it seems they fit top loaders better, not as tight fitting.

I might do what was mentioned here, individual boxes for the older stuff and once I get to a certain year (1986?) go with more the mass storage.

I find with the 1986-1992 there is less need for top loaders, IMO, anyway.

[steve B]

Yes, the shoeboxes are the 1600 ct two row ones.

I have a constant battle with either having to leave a bunch of space unused, or having to split a set between boxes. Really modern sets with inserts etc won't even fit in a 2 row once you get enough of them. My 91 Topps with different backs and variations takes up about 3 rows of a 3200 count.

I only have a couple sets in single boxes. Mostly the 1982 sets I bought new and left in the boxes they were mailed in.


I keep wanting to build a special drawer unit to hold the older stuff. I haven't decided between doing a modular thing, or one piece like a library cardfile. I also have a card file, but can't bring myself to use it without the rods that retain the index cards. Or to toss the index cards. The school mom worked for had a prison in town, and as it was low security and mainly rich convicts, they'd have them type the index cards. Occasionally there's one where they got bored and included some unkind comment about another prisoner.