Anime figures are more than collectibles; they reflect our love for anime and the characters that have captured our hearts. Whether you have been collecting for years or are just starting, it’s crucial to know how to store anime figures to ensure they remain pristine.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll carefully walk you through the steps and tips on how to store anime figures properly. Let’s get this started.

How to Store Anime Figures

Action figures are a great way to relive scenes from favorite shows and movies, but caring for a large collection can be overwhelming.

It’s important to know how to store anime figures properly, so your figures should always be stored at room temperature, in a dry place out of direct sunlight, and cleaned and dusted often. You can even buy special ways to store figures to protect them even more.

Read on to find out more!

Choose the Right Display and Storage Space

The first step in storing your anime figures is to select an appropriate display and storage space. Here’s what you should consider:

Avoid Direct Sunlight

Display your figures away from direct sunlight, as prolonged exposure can cause colors to fade and damage the plastic.

UV rays are extremely destructive to plastic toys and most doll packaging. Never place models in direct sunlight and store them away from windows. When heat and UV rays come together, they can damage the plastic and make the paint flake off.

When storing anime figures, try to find a room without windows. If the room has a window, make sure the figure’s back is to the window.

Temperature and Humidity Control

Keep the temperature and humidity levels and the surroundings constant. The figure can get worse when there are big changes. The temperature should be between 68°F and 72°F.

Use a hygrometer to ensure the room’s humidity is between 35 and 45% if you are worried about it. Changes in humidity and temperature can harm dolls that are still in their original boxes.

Because of this, shelves and boxes are usually good places to keep your collection of action figures. You can also store them in a finished basement, as long as it’s not too cool or wet.

Display Shelves

Investing in display shelves is a great way to showcase your figures while keeping them safe from dust and damage. Choose display cases made of glass or plastic that have shelves that can be moved to fit different-sized figures.

Open the container and carefully place the figure inside. Then, close the container and seal it according to the instructions. The container keeps dust and moisture out. Sealed containers do not protect figures from sunshine or temperature fluctuations. Please keep this in mind when storing your collection.

You can often find these containers online through websites specializing in storing collectibles. But, if a store near you specializes in selling storage solutions, try calling them to see if they have them in stock.

Packing For Long-Term Storage

Original Packaging

Whenever possible, keep the original packaging and boxes. They are designed to provide the best protection during storage.

When you have a set of things, like a collection of anime figures from the same series, the original package helps you make sure you have all the pieces and can show them as a whole set. This makes the whole thing look better and makes it more valuable as a collector.

Over time, the original package can become something that people want to keep. Old packaging from well-known names or popular series can be interesting and may even be appreciated for its history.

Bubble Wrap

To avoid scratches and dust, wrap each figurine in bubble wrap or tissue paper. Bubble wrap has options for areas with little storage space. If you want to easily store and preserve your anime models, seal them in these bags, stack them on each other, or put them almost anywhere.

You can compress the air from the bags to create a sort of vacuum seal for easy storage. This is a great little option if you want to avoid buying large storage containers and want to keep your loose figures organized in a drawer or dresser.

Airtight Containers

Place wrapped figures in airtight containers or plastic storage bins. This helps to keep them safe from moisture, dust, and pests. These are my favorite storage units because of these containers’ wide range of sizes and types. They are readily available and can range from cheap to expensive in some cases.

These containers have a thick rubber strip that runs along the inside edge of the lid. When the lid is snapped on top of the main section, it creates an airtight seal.

I’ve found these to be best for storing twisters and small trading figures. They are roomy, easy to store, and can hold hundreds of plastic miniatures in an organized fashion. Highly recommend these types of containers!

Dusting and Cleaning

Dust can accumulate on your figures over time, diminishing their appearance. Regular cleaning is essential to keep them looking their best.

You can gently wipe off the dust from the doll with a soft bristle brush or a microfiber cloth before putting it away. Materials that are rough and can scratch the surface should be avoided.

You can also use compressed air to clean hard-to-reach places and small details. You can blow the dust away with a can of compressed air. Keep a safe distance from the compressed air canister to prevent damage to your anime character’s details.

Finally, always avoid using liquid cleaners, which can damage paint and materials. Use a slightly damp rag to wipe up stubborn stains if necessary, but use it sparingly. Once you’re done, you can store your anime figures better.

FAQs About How to Store Anime Figures

Why is it important to store anime figures properly?

Storing anime figures properly helps preserve their condition, value, and aesthetic appeal. It protects them from dust, damage, and environmental factors that can degrade their quality over time.

Can I store anime figures in a regular cardboard box?

While it’s possible, it’s not ideal for long-term storage. Cardboard boxes don’t provide the same level of protection as original packaging or plastic containers. If using cardboard, ensure figures are well padded and protected from moisture and pests.

How should I organize my anime figure collection?

Organize your collection by series, character, or theme. Adjust your shelves to fit the sizes of your figures, use clear signs or tags, and keep records of your collection for future use.

Conclusion

You need to know how to store anime figures to preserve their value, look, and emotional meaning. You can ensure your collection gives you joy and pride for years by giving it regular care, putting it in the right place, and taking steps to keep it from fading or breaking.

Remember that each figure has a special link to one of your favorite anime characters, so you should keep them. So, go ahead and take care of your anime figures, and let your love for the anime world show through how well you keep your collection in order.