Comic Book Storage Ideas

Moderators: Daniel Jackson, greg

Post Reply
User avatar
IMJ
I have a Quasar collection. And I love it. So there.
I have a Quasar collection. And I love it. So there.
Posts: 4752
Joined: Thu Mar 17, 2005 12:05:45 am
Valiant fan since: VH1 X-O Manowar #1
Favorite character: VH1 Sting | VH2 Rai
Favorite title: VH2 Rai
Favorite writer: Kurt Busiek
Favorite artist: Sean Chen
Location: Chicago, IL
Comic Book Storage Ideas

Post by IMJ »

So, I'm getting sick to death of cardboard comic boxes. I need a storage medium that classes the whole thing up a bit. I've looked into filing cabinets, but while the pictures online always look pretty, they are accompanied by stories regarding how the books don't align, or stack or stand up appropriately, etc.

I was thinking about going with an "Expedit" cube system from Ikea. Has anyone tried this? Are there drawers that can be inserted into them to accomodate comics, or will short boxes even fit on the shelves nicely? Any ideas? There's some great images of this here, but the guy responded to his post back in 2012 stating that Ikea doesn't make those drawer things anymore.

Let's call this a thread for comic storage that moves past cardboard, and only embraces the "filing cabinet" if full details and part numbers can be given. There's too many other mostly ambiguous threads online about comic storage out there.

User avatar
nycjadie
Especially "dude." And "balls." Those terms work in the tech industry.
Especially "dude." And "balls." Those terms work in the tech industry.
Posts: 7288
Joined: Tue Sep 25, 2012 12:38:36 am
Valiant fan since: Solar #1
Favorite character: Rai
Favorite title: Bloodshot
Favorite writer: Kindt
Favorite artist: Too many to choose.
Location: Virginia
Re: Comic Book Storage Ideas

Post by nycjadie »

Still cardboard, but they are the nicest you can get. I could never find a nicer looking and better solution.

User avatar
Phantom
I will call my mum and ask what the *SQUEE* is going on.
I will call my mum and ask what the *SQUEE* is going on.
Posts: 4217
Joined: Thu Nov 17, 2005 4:28:24 pm
Location: I would rather be under the stars in a tent, or on a park bench.
Re: Comic Book Storage Ideas

Post by Phantom »

in the UK the shelving unit is available
http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/categ ... ies/09064/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
butnot the drawers to slip inside.

I need a system like this, as carboard doesn't look nice, and either does a filling cabinet.

Either that or bind them all and put on a bookcase.

Just so happens I have been looking arround ~ will share if Ifind any i like.
I wish their was a Spinal Tap comic, and I had a copy CGC graded at 11.

User avatar
nycjadie
Especially "dude." And "balls." Those terms work in the tech industry.
Especially "dude." And "balls." Those terms work in the tech industry.
Posts: 7288
Joined: Tue Sep 25, 2012 12:38:36 am
Valiant fan since: Solar #1
Favorite character: Rai
Favorite title: Bloodshot
Favorite writer: Kindt
Favorite artist: Too many to choose.
Location: Virginia
Re: Comic Book Storage Ideas

Post by nycjadie »

Like an idiot, I forgot to paste a link.
http://www.collectiondrawer.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

User avatar
Phantom
I will call my mum and ask what the *SQUEE* is going on.
I will call my mum and ask what the *SQUEE* is going on.
Posts: 4217
Joined: Thu Nov 17, 2005 4:28:24 pm
Location: I would rather be under the stars in a tent, or on a park bench.
Re: Comic Book Storage Ideas

Post by Phantom »

http://boards.collectors-society.com/ub ... er=4780312" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


The image on image shack is not so good. But page two of the thread has a good image, just needs drawer front.

May do this, as I recall building comic boxes with my father :thumb: .
I wish their was a Spinal Tap comic, and I had a copy CGC graded at 11.

User avatar
IMJ
I have a Quasar collection. And I love it. So there.
I have a Quasar collection. And I love it. So there.
Posts: 4752
Joined: Thu Mar 17, 2005 12:05:45 am
Valiant fan since: VH1 X-O Manowar #1
Favorite character: VH1 Sting | VH2 Rai
Favorite title: VH2 Rai
Favorite writer: Kurt Busiek
Favorite artist: Sean Chen
Location: Chicago, IL
Re: Comic Book Storage Ideas

Post by IMJ »

nycjadie wrote:Like an idiot, I forgot to paste a link.
http://www.collectiondrawer.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I've got a zillion drawer boxes right now. Trying to get away from them, hence the thread. ;)
Phantom wrote:in the UK the shelving unit is available
http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/categ ... ies/09064/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
butnot the drawers to slip inside.

I need a system like this, as carboard doesn't look nice, and either does a filling cabinet.

Either that or bind them all and put on a bookcase.

Just so happens I have been looking arround ~ will share if Ifind any i like.
The shelving is still available here too - it's allegedly Ikea's highest selling product. But the drawer inserts from the first link I posted have been phased out apparently.

I can't understand how the market for this hobby hasn't responded with better, more realistically priced storage solutions than cardboard boxes. Seriously.

User avatar
Intrepidxc
Clinkin' bottles with Aram
Clinkin' bottles with Aram
Posts: 2538
Joined: Sat Apr 27, 2013 11:51:09 pm
Valiant fan since: 1992
Favorite character: Divinity
Favorite title: Divinity
Favorite writer: Dysart
Favorite artist: LaRosa
Location: Dealing with some gov't bullsh*t
Re: Comic Book Storage Ideas

Post by Intrepidxc »

IMJ wrote:
nycjadie wrote:Like an idiot, I forgot to paste a link.
http://www.collectiondrawer.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I've got a zillion drawer boxes right now. Trying to get away from them, hence the thread. ;)
Phantom wrote:in the UK the shelving unit is available
http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/categ ... ies/09064/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
butnot the drawers to slip inside.

I need a system like this, as carboard doesn't look nice, and either does a filling cabinet.

Either that or bind them all and put on a bookcase.

Just so happens I have been looking arround ~ will share if Ifind any i like.
The shelving is still available here too - it's allegedly Ikea's highest selling product. But the drawer inserts from the first link I posted have been phased out apparently.

I can't understand how the market for this hobby hasn't responded with better, more realistically priced storage solutions than cardboard boxes. Seriously.
If money isn't an option then check out comic cubes. I've thought about buying some of the CGC cubes, but just can't spend the money.

http://comiccubes.com/index.html

User avatar
nycjadie
Especially "dude." And "balls." Those terms work in the tech industry.
Especially "dude." And "balls." Those terms work in the tech industry.
Posts: 7288
Joined: Tue Sep 25, 2012 12:38:36 am
Valiant fan since: Solar #1
Favorite character: Rai
Favorite title: Bloodshot
Favorite writer: Kindt
Favorite artist: Too many to choose.
Location: Virginia
Re: Comic Book Storage Ideas

Post by nycjadie »

I think the reason most of us stick with corrugated cardboard and plastic is because it is light and portable. It's not easy organizing if you have a big collection. I just moved 60 boxes 1000 miles and eve of though I have lovers, I still must have picked up each box 2-3 times to alphabetized, move rooms, etc. Plus, just keeping my collection organized requires a lot of moving.

I looked into furniture grade options, and just couldn't find much that was scalable for my collection.

If I ever win the lottery and get that 1000 Sq ft comic room, I still think k it will have some cardboard boxes in it.

User avatar
IMJ
I have a Quasar collection. And I love it. So there.
I have a Quasar collection. And I love it. So there.
Posts: 4752
Joined: Thu Mar 17, 2005 12:05:45 am
Valiant fan since: VH1 X-O Manowar #1
Favorite character: VH1 Sting | VH2 Rai
Favorite title: VH2 Rai
Favorite writer: Kurt Busiek
Favorite artist: Sean Chen
Location: Chicago, IL
Re: Comic Book Storage Ideas

Post by IMJ »

nycjadie wrote:I think the reason most of us stick with corrugated cardboard and plastic is because it is light and portable. It's not easy organizing if you have a big collection. I just moved 60 boxes 1000 miles and eve of though I have lovers, I still must have picked up each box 2-3 times to alphabetized, move rooms, etc. Plus, just keeping my collection organized requires a lot of moving.

I looked into furniture grade options, and just couldn't find much that was scalable for my collection.

If I ever win the lottery and get that 1000 Sq ft comic room, I still think k it will have some cardboard boxes in it.
The majority of my stuff would remain in long boxes and drawer boxes on a steel shelving unit in the basement, but the stuff I read or value the most I'd like to have in an office or cave room and have it be a bit more decorative. The Ikea Expedit thing is the beginning of a great idea, but until there are drawers for them then they are just basically empty squares without shelves to put in them, hence the issue.

User avatar
Intrepidxc
Clinkin' bottles with Aram
Clinkin' bottles with Aram
Posts: 2538
Joined: Sat Apr 27, 2013 11:51:09 pm
Valiant fan since: 1992
Favorite character: Divinity
Favorite title: Divinity
Favorite writer: Dysart
Favorite artist: LaRosa
Location: Dealing with some gov't bullsh*t
Re: Comic Book Storage Ideas

Post by Intrepidxc »

IMJ wrote:
nycjadie wrote:I think the reason most of us stick with corrugated cardboard and plastic is because it is light and portable. It's not easy organizing if you have a big collection. I just moved 60 boxes 1000 miles and eve of though I have lovers, I still must have picked up each box 2-3 times to alphabetized, move rooms, etc. Plus, just keeping my collection organized requires a lot of moving.

I looked into furniture grade options, and just couldn't find much that was scalable for my collection.

If I ever win the lottery and get that 1000 Sq ft comic room, I still think k it will have some cardboard boxes in it.
The majority of my stuff would remain in long boxes and drawer boxes on a steel shelving unit in the basement, but the stuff I read or value the most I'd like to have in an office or cave room and have it be a bit more decorative. The Ikea Expedit thing is the beginning of a great idea, but until there are drawers for them then they are just basically empty squares without shelves to put in them, hence the issue.
We've got an expedit drawer unit in our quest room. Target makes a square canvas basket (for lack of a better term) that fits in them perfectly. The basket probably isn't great for storing comics though.

User avatar
Rubiks-Q-Bert
Deathmate: Opinions vary. I liked it.
Deathmate: Opinions vary.  I liked it.
Posts: 5466
Joined: Sat Feb 11, 2006 5:07:26 pm
Favorite character: Master Darque
Location: Oz
Re: Comic Book Storage Ideas

Post by Rubiks-Q-Bert »

There was a really old thread about this somewhere. I'll try and dig it up. Anyway, there's is a specific type of filing cabinet that can fit 2 comics side by side. Throw a divider down the middles and you've got some good storage.

Edit: http://spider-bob.com/comics_corner/com ... ner.htm#b4" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

User avatar
Heath
The Saints will win the Super-Bowl!
The Saints will win the Super-Bowl!
Posts: 11527
Joined: Thu Dec 30, 2004 7:05:06 pm
Valiant fan since: 1992
Favorite character: VH1 Shadowman; VEI X-O
Favorite title: VH1 Shadowman; VEI X-O, Harb
Favorite writer: Bob Hall; Dysart, Van Lente
Location: Torque's Hundred-Yard-Long New Orleans Saints' Themed Dining Hall
Re: Comic Book Storage Ideas

Post by Heath »

If you want something like the Comic Cubes, can cover the cost of materials and shipping, are not in a hurry (I only get workshop time on the weekends, and then not the full weekend), and depending on the amount of storage you need, I might could work with you on building something like it.
I would agree with you, but then we'd both be wrong.

User avatar
Phantom
I will call my mum and ask what the *SQUEE* is going on.
I will call my mum and ask what the *SQUEE* is going on.
Posts: 4217
Joined: Thu Nov 17, 2005 4:28:24 pm
Location: I would rather be under the stars in a tent, or on a park bench.
Re: Comic Book Storage Ideas

Post by Phantom »

In the uk, I have been a contact that makes solid pine drawers for kitchens at £10 a piece.
Going to chat to him about making drawers for me.
I could make them myself, but for £10, not worth the time or cost of materials.

Making the unit, that holds them either myself. Or buy all from him.
Just don't have time, with so much building work myself to do.
Last edited by Phantom on Thu Apr 03, 2014 1:12:51 am, edited 1 time in total.
I wish their was a Spinal Tap comic, and I had a copy CGC graded at 11.

User avatar
Rubiks-Q-Bert
Deathmate: Opinions vary. I liked it.
Deathmate: Opinions vary.  I liked it.
Posts: 5466
Joined: Sat Feb 11, 2006 5:07:26 pm
Favorite character: Master Darque
Location: Oz
Re: Comic Book Storage Ideas

Post by Rubiks-Q-Bert »

Heath wrote:If you want something like the Comic Cubes, can cover the cost of materials and shipping, are not in a hurry (I only get workshop time on the weekends, and then not the full weekend), and depending on the amount of storage you need, I might could work with you on building something like it.
That's pretty badass. :thumb:

User avatar
Intrepidxc
Clinkin' bottles with Aram
Clinkin' bottles with Aram
Posts: 2538
Joined: Sat Apr 27, 2013 11:51:09 pm
Valiant fan since: 1992
Favorite character: Divinity
Favorite title: Divinity
Favorite writer: Dysart
Favorite artist: LaRosa
Location: Dealing with some gov't bullsh*t
Re: Comic Book Storage Ideas

Post by Intrepidxc »

Heath wrote:If you want something like the Comic Cubes, can cover the cost of materials and shipping, are not in a hurry (I only get workshop time on the weekends, and then not the full weekend), and depending on the amount of storage you need, I might could work with you on building something like it.
PM Inbound.

User avatar
The Noto
Ninjak and Ninjil went up a hill
Ninjak and Ninjil went up a hill
Posts: 147
Joined: Sun Dec 15, 2013 3:31:16 pm
Valiant fan since: 1993
Favorite character: Armstrong
Favorite title: Harbinger
Favorite writer: Dysart
Favorite artist: Henry
Location: San Tan Valley, AZ
Re: Comic Book Storage Ideas

Post by The Noto »

Rubiks-Q-Bert wrote:There was a really old thread about this somewhere. I'll try and dig it up. Anyway, there's is a specific type of filing cabinet that can fit 2 comics side by side. Throw a divider down the middles and you've got some good storage.

Edit: http://spider-bob.com/comics_corner/com ... ner.htm#b4" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I quite like this set up.

User avatar
Heath
The Saints will win the Super-Bowl!
The Saints will win the Super-Bowl!
Posts: 11527
Joined: Thu Dec 30, 2004 7:05:06 pm
Valiant fan since: 1992
Favorite character: VH1 Shadowman; VEI X-O
Favorite title: VH1 Shadowman; VEI X-O, Harb
Favorite writer: Bob Hall; Dysart, Van Lente
Location: Torque's Hundred-Yard-Long New Orleans Saints' Themed Dining Hall
Re: Comic Book Storage Ideas

Post by Heath »

I like the setup, but hate the look of metal filing cabinets.
I would agree with you, but then we'd both be wrong.

User avatar
Intrepidxc
Clinkin' bottles with Aram
Clinkin' bottles with Aram
Posts: 2538
Joined: Sat Apr 27, 2013 11:51:09 pm
Valiant fan since: 1992
Favorite character: Divinity
Favorite title: Divinity
Favorite writer: Dysart
Favorite artist: LaRosa
Location: Dealing with some gov't bullsh*t
Re: Comic Book Storage Ideas

Post by Intrepidxc »

The Noto wrote:
Rubiks-Q-Bert wrote:There was a really old thread about this somewhere. I'll try and dig it up. Anyway, there's is a specific type of filing cabinet that can fit 2 comics side by side. Throw a divider down the middles and you've got some good storage.

Edit: http://spider-bob.com/comics_corner/com ... ner.htm#b4" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I quite like this set up.
I use this setup, however as more and more of my collection has moved to slabs I'm struggling to properly store my slabs. Raw books fit in a legal file cabinet no problem, but I can only fit slabs in by laying them flat. This limits the number I can get in a file cabinet, unless I want to stack them on their sides. I don't want to do that so I'm at a loss for slab storage. I'm not a fan of CGC short/long boxes. I think I'm going to have to save my pennies and invest in a comic condo.

Aram
I'm just glad it was pretty good, long and drawn out. (that's what she said.)
I'm just glad it was pretty good, long and drawn out. (that's what she said.)
Posts: 3292
Joined: Sat May 05, 2012 9:38:00 pm
Valiant fan since: Unity
Favorite character: Tie between Flo and Andy
Favorite title: Archer and Armstrong
Favorite writer: The ones that wrote 4 Valiant.
Location: Here, there, at some point everywhere.
Re: Comic Book Storage Ideas

Post by Aram »

Well it's not shelving.. but I absolutely love my plastic comic boxes.. combined with mylar.. :cloud9:

CGC I preferred to use cgc boxes inside a cabinet or locker upright, so the slabs lay flat face down and you can read the labels. Lids optional, depending on if there is much light inside the cabinet(gotta protect from them UV rays! :wink: .
It's not that I don't have an avatar... I've just been working on it for the last few hundred years.

Aram
I'm just glad it was pretty good, long and drawn out. (that's what she said.)
I'm just glad it was pretty good, long and drawn out. (that's what she said.)
Posts: 3292
Joined: Sat May 05, 2012 9:38:00 pm
Valiant fan since: Unity
Favorite character: Tie between Flo and Andy
Favorite title: Archer and Armstrong
Favorite writer: The ones that wrote 4 Valiant.
Location: Here, there, at some point everywhere.
Re: Comic Book Storage Ideas

Post by Aram »

Image

Here's a pic of my personal collection storage solution with plastic boxes and the IKEA shelf unit. A little messy because I was still moving and sorting.. well I guess I still am, :lol: , but I have the last 3 boxes in there now and the junk/tpbs and hcs mostly gone from in between the boxes.

I'm using masking tape for temporary labels while I sort.
Last edited by Aram on Tue Jun 24, 2014 3:06:51 pm, edited 1 time in total.
It's not that I don't have an avatar... I've just been working on it for the last few hundred years.

User avatar
slym2none
a typical message board assassin
a typical message board assassin
Posts: 37119
Joined: Wed May 18, 2005 12:08:46 pm
Location: Troll- free zone.
Re: Comic Book Storage Ideas

Post by slym2none »

I hear 4-5 foot stacks of books, no bag&board, are the way to go. Just ask Edward Church!

:P



-slym
Some people spend their whole lives believing in fairy tales, usually because they don't want to give up the fabulous prizes.

User avatar
Phantom
I will call my mum and ask what the *SQUEE* is going on.
I will call my mum and ask what the *SQUEE* is going on.
Posts: 4217
Joined: Thu Nov 17, 2005 4:28:24 pm
Location: I would rather be under the stars in a tent, or on a park bench.
Re: Comic Book Storage Ideas

Post by Phantom »

Still trying to get my collection all in one place.
Speaking to a comic shop guy in Alysbury ~ at Dead Universe Comics.
one guy keeps his comics in boxes, but has a display stand, on which he puts random cool covers on. Once a week he rotates them from is collection.
Cool idea.
I wish their was a Spinal Tap comic, and I had a copy CGC graded at 11.


Post Reply