Organising and Protecting Your Pokémon Cards

A well-organised card remains in good condition and retains its value. A few accessories are all you need.

Sleeves

Place each card in a soft sleeve that fits its size. The sleeve protects the card from scratches and dust. For a valuable card, add a second fitted sleeve ("perfect fit") underneath the first one.

Toploaders

The toploader is a rigid case. Slide the card already protected by its sleeve into it. It is used for rare cards, for postal shipments, and for grading.

Binders

The binder is well-suited for a complete collection:

• choose pages without PVC, as this plastic can damage cards over time;
• prefer sleeves open on the side, as cards slide less in them;
• avoid binders with rings that are too tight, as they can mark the cards near the edge.

Boxes

Store duplicates and common cards in cardboard boxes designed for cards, standing upright and without cramming them.

To avoid

• Rubber bands: they mark the edges.
• Sunlight: colours fade.
• Humidity: cards warp. Keep them in a dry room, away from a cellar or radiator.
• Stacked cards without protection: they scratch each other.

A card placed in a sleeve as soon as the booster is opened is more likely to remain Near Mint. The card condition guide explains how to assess a card's condition.