You spend time hunting for perfect models. You spend money buying them. But protecting your collection from damage is just as important as finding it.

Many collectors make small, easy-to-fix storage mistakes. These mistakes slowly degrade the condition of your cars and their packaging. Keeping the "Mint Condition" is key to preserving the value of your entire collection.

Are you making these five simple mistakes?

1. Storing Cars in Direct Sunlight

The Problem: Direct sunlight is the enemy of plastic packaging and cardboard. Sunlight causes ultraviolet (UV) damage. The clear plastic blister covering the car will start to turn yellow or become brittle over time. The cardboard colors fade, making the package look old and worn.

The Solution: Never display or store cars near a window or in a spot that gets direct sun. Use storage containers or display shelves away from strong light.

2. Using Basements or Attics for Storage

The Problem: Basements and attics have unstable conditions. Basements are often humid, which can cause cardboard to soften, warp, or grow mold. Attics get extremely hot in the summer, which can make the glue holding the blister and card together separate.

The Solution: Store your collection in a climate-controlled room. A regular living area or a bedroom closet offers the most stable temperature and humidity.

3. Stacking Boxes Too High or Unevenly

The Problem: Cardboard is strong, but it cannot handle heavy, uneven weight. If you stack boxes of cars too high, the cars at the bottom will bear the full weight. This causes pressure dents and bends in the cards. Even small creases damage the overall condition.

The Solution: Use sturdy plastic containers that allow for flat or shallow stacking. Always store valuable models upright or with lightweight protection.

4. Failing to Protect Premium Models

The Problem: When you buy a valuable Premium set, an RLC car, or a rare Treasure Hunt, the standard packaging is not enough for long-term safety. The corners of the card are easy to damage during moving or storage.

The Solution: Invest in plastic protective cases. Protecto-Pak style cases are a cheap and effective way to give valuable cars a hard plastic shell. This shell protects the cardboard corners and the blister.

5. Ignoring Your "Loose" Cars

The Problem: If you open cars and display them (collecting "loose" cars), dust and dirt will quickly accumulate. Dust holds moisture, which can lead to small spots of rust on metal axles or small paint chips during casual cleaning.

The Solution: Use closed display cases (like acrylic displays) to keep dust out. If you clean them, use a soft, dry brush only. Never use strong chemicals or wet cloths on diecast models.

Conclusion: Keep It Clean, Keep It Valuable

Protecting your collection is easy once you know the risks. A little bit of planning for storage goes a long way. You save the quality of your collection and ensure your hard-earned models look great for years.