Last updated on April 6, 2026
Cold Storage | Illustrated by Greg Simanson
The more I play Magic, the more I realize that I’m being smothered by an avalanche of cardboard. Fancy cardboard, but cardboard nonetheless. I poke fun at the hobby we all share to point out that these items we all enjoy are a couple of steps above paper, and paper is fragile.
You need to protect your cards if you want to keep them long term. For play, this means playmats and sleeves. But what about when the cards aren’t in our decks and their boxes? Surely they can still degrade or get damaged if I left them out on my bedside table like an ironically placed AOL CD used as a coaster.
Navigating the world of storage is daunting. There are a ton of different items and ways to store your MTG cards. Here I go over what you need to consider when you buy or create card storage, and my recommendations to help protect these oddly pretty and expensive yet valuable pieces of paper.
The Best Overall
BCW 800-Count Card Boxes
Before I talk you through every point of this and that, here's the best solution: BCW cardboard 800-count card boxes.
Yep. That’s it. That simple. All the products out there in the world and I recommend that you wrap your precious cardboard up in more cardboard. For the general collector, sometimes the simplest solution is the best. I like the 800-count variety myself. All that said, if you want to know more and how I came to this decision, please read on.
- Superior Durability: This card storage box is crafted from white corrugated cardboard, featuring a remarkable 200 lb. test strength, which guarantees durability and robust protection against wear and tear for your valuable trading card collections.
- Flexible Storage Capacity: With the ability to accommodate approximately 700 standard 20 pt. trading cards or up to 1140 gaming cards, this trading card box is versatile and suitable for a variety of collectibles.
- Designed for Organization: Compatible with BCW Horizontal Trading Card Dividers, this small card box is designed to enhance your organizational system, allowing you to sort, store, and access your card collection with utmost ease.
- Compact and Efficient: Once assembled, this corrugated cardboard box measures 15" x 3" x 4 1/8" on the outside and 14 1/8" x 2 3/4" x 3 3/4" on the inside, perfect for maximizing storage space without sacrificing accessibility.
- Universal Compatibility: Specifically designed to store and protect a wide range of collectible cards from sports like baseball, basketball, football, as well as trading card games such as Magic The Gathering and Pokemon.
Figure Out Your MTG Storage Needs
Storage Matrix | Illustrated by Patrick Ho
What storage do you need for MTG? Well, this greatly depends on the quality and quantity of your collection. Are we talking about less than 1,000 cards? Between 1,000 and 5,000, or greater than that, like card shop levels?
On the quality spectrum, do you look to store bulk, the commons and uncommons from past sets that might be useful to build a deck someday (I’m in this category) or maybe you are a collector who needs to store your very rare and expensive cards safely, but still organized and within reach.
Ask yourself these key questions:
- How much am I willing to spend?
- How much room am I willing to dedicate to this?
- How much time am I willing to dedicate to this?
- How much protection to I feasibly need for this?
The answers to these will help guide you more. Beginners in Magic really don’t need much space at all.
I’ll use myself as an example as I go through this, both because I know myself best and also because I’m currently going through this. I’m moving from a considerably basic storage solution to one that will be more dedicated and that I can easily expand and customize in the future.
So, for the above questions, I gave these answers:
- I want to spend as little as possible; no more than $100.
- I want it to take up just a few cubed feet in my office (for now).
- I am willing to put in some work. I can sort with the best of them, but my heart gets taken over by red's chaos and green's nature.
- My collection is several thousand cards (small to some, decent to others), and not worth much in the end to anyone but me and other weird collectors like myself, so basic protection is fine.
I know what my baselines for my search are with this info. This is important since it helps me rule out some solutions. It helps to keep me focused and not drift toward temptation.
Buyer’s Guide
Chasm Guide | Illustration by Johannes Voss
What is it that makes a storage solution good? Since price is always a constraint, I think the better question should be, “What’s a good storage solution within my budget?” There are fantastic solutions that will check all the boxes that you might be looking for but will also cause your bank to call you in concern. Speaking of those boxes, let’s talk criteria!
Looking at storage solutions, I weigh them in terms of:
- Capacity
- Durability
- Expandability
- Ease of use and locating cards
- Look and appeal
- Security
- Total Price
Let’s take binders as an example. They’re somewhat flimsy, are limited in pages, or can only contain as many pages as will fit on the rings. They’re also very easy to yet also a chore to find specific cards and they may look terrible unless you get the expensive ones. The ones you can find in any office supply store range from $1 to more than $20, but offer no real security.
To say I went through a lot of solutions like this is an understatement. For many, it was an easy decision to just toss in the bin but for others it was a little tougher to pick.
The bad or cheap storage solutions tend to not have anything to protect the cards such as a very thin cardboard that looks like your fingers would go through just touching it. There are some plastic options that, while transparent, don’t latch properly.
I recommended the BCW brand of cardboard boxes for a reason. I what card shops use so I know that these were what I was predominately looking at, but that’s enough of that.
Before we move on to official recommendations, let’s look at some common examples players use.
Bundle and Fat Pack Boxes
- Capacity: Can only store 250 cards at a maximum.
- Durability: Fairly durable, but packaging can be cumbersome.
- Ease of use and locating cards: Good. You pull the top off and there are your cards, but needs your own labels
- Expandability: If sources can be found, they do sit well together.
- Look and appeal: Nice art, and if I don’t have a ton of that specific set, it’s already labeled.
- Security: None to speak of, and loose cards can be endangered when you close it.
- Total Price: The boxes alone are around $5-$7 a piece, while new bundles are around $40 each. Unless you buy the fat pack/bundle, or your LGS sells the boxes, good luck!
You find them for the recent set like a bundle of Edge of Eternities at big box stores and at a nice price point. Fat pack boxes are great for a beginner but not good for long term or high-capacity storage.
- BATTLE FOR THE FATE OF A DYING STAR—Explore distant planets, wield dazzling magic, and wage war with alien factions
- LAUNCH YOUR COSMIC COLLECTION—Behold the wonders of the Sothera system with a Bundle full of out-of-this-world cards and play accessories
- ALTERNATE-ART PROMO CARD—Every Bundle comes with 1 promo card featuring Bundle-exclusive alternate art and a shiny Traditional Foil treatment
- 9 BOOSTERS FOR PLAYING WITH FRIENDS—Perfect for building decks, playing Limited games, and tons of fun to open, this Bundle includes 9 Play Boosters, with at least 1 Traditional Foil card and the possibility of multiple Rares in every pack
- BORDERLESS LAND CARDS—Explore The Edge with 15 Traditional Foil and 15 nonfoil Basic Land cards, including 10 Borderless Lands (5 foil, 5 nonfoil) offering cosmic vistas
Stanley 10 Compartment Organizer
No products found.- Durability: High thanks to its tough plastic exterior.
- Capacity: Able to store approximately 1,000 to 1,200 cards.
- Expandability: High since they stack very nicely on top of one another.
- Ease of use and locating cards: Great, and you can pull each compartment out freely. Finding cards is abysmal; cards are stacked vertically on top of each other and you have to pull out the entire stack to go diving.
- Security: Better than other basic solutions as these are heavier to lug around, but it doesn’t lock.
- Total Price: About $35-$40 (Look for a deal in person) and available in most big box hardware stores.
No products found. are great for storing decks or moving them from place to place, but having to pull out entire stacks of free cards to go looking for one hurts it a lot. The price is also a bit high for the amount of storage provided.
No products found.
The “Cadillac” of MTG Storage
Mesa Safe
For this category, I look for max protection and security. Make it something that can withstand the elements as well as theft. For that, we have the No products found..
Yes, I realize that I recommend a safe. At the end of the day, if security and durability are your concerns and price isn’t, this is the way to go. I wouldn’t suggest throwing your bulk in here but a safe this size could easily fit more than 12 of the standard card boxes inside. It is difficult to bust open and survives most disastrous events.
- 2 story impact rating, factory tested
- U.L. Listed Group 2 Combination Lock
- 4 pre-drilled anchor holes (anchor kit included)
- Solid steel construction
Maybe this would be a good place to keep your Power 9?
4-Row Card Storage Box
This 4-Row Trading Card Storage Box (3,200 capacity) has a lot to offer with card holders for each row plus dividers to sort your stacks into. The removable top is a huge plus and provides a nice clean surface to sort or play on. There are two capacities to consider at 2,400 (with three rows) or 3,200 cards and a few colors as well.
I understand that this is not for everyone, but I really appreciate the option to grab two of these and scrape by on my budget.
- Not compatible with toploader.
- Spacious Storage: Our card box holds over 3,200 unsleeved cards, offering plenty of room to store and organize your card collection with ease. Whether you're a casual collector or a dedicated enthusiast, the large capacity ensures you can keep your cards neatly arranged and accessible, making it easier to browse, display, or prepare for trading events.
- Efficient Card Organization: SENVINI box includes 24 dividers and 4 adjustable card supports that attach to the columns, keeping your cards upright and neatly organized. With 4 top loader slots for displaying your favorite cards, the box also has a magnetic closure for secure sealing, allowing you to customize your storage setup while keeping everything safe and easily accessible.
- Enhanced Portability: The included carrying strap securely wraps around the card box, making it easy to transport to trading card meetups, tournaments, or unboxing parties. Designed for collectors on the go, this lightweight strap ensures your cards are safe and easily accessible, perfect for any gathering.
- Superior Protection: Expertly crafted from high-quality PU leather, this card box includes a thicker, soft interior and striking colored stitching. It effectively shields your cards from scratches, water damage, and other potential hazards, keeping them in pristine condition. Designed for durability, this box combines superior protection with a stylish design that complements your collection.
Best Budget MTG Storage
BCW 400-Count
It’s hard to beat the BCW card boxes. There’s a reason that card shops use them. With card dividers and a flat white front that allows for clear, concise labeling (my favorite is to put the set icon on the front), it’s difficult to find something that works better.
The counts are perfect for a playset of most sets, as well. BCW also offers plastic variants in their 6 drawer card catalog and partitions, but it’s hard to beat the price and dimensions of the cardboard ones. I highly suggest buying these from your LGS, slip the 400-count ones into your deck bag and you're good to go.
- Durable Bulk Card Storage: Keep your collection protected with this sturdy baseball card box made from durable corrugated cardboard. A reliable sports card storage box for long-term use.
- Versatile Trading Card Box: Holds up to 350 standard 20pt trading cards or about 560 collectible gaming cards, making it the perfect sports card box storage for a variety of collections.
- Optimized for Organization: Designed to work with BCW Horizontal Card Dividers, this trading card bulk storage solution helps you sort and access cards easily. A must-have for baseball card boxes storage cardboard setups.
- Compact & Stackable Design: This bulk card storage box maximizes space while keeping your collection neat. Its sports cards storage box design allows for easy stacking to expand with your growing collection.
- Universal Compatibility: Ideal card boxes for sports cards, trading card games, and collectibles. Perfect as trading card and sport card storage boxes for baseball, basketball, football, Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, and more.
Best MTG Card Boxes
BCW 5k Super Monster Storage Box
For larger collections or if you’re someone who wants to maximize your space, the BCW 5k Super Monster storage boxes are king. Just like the 800-count variant, these come in 200lb-test cardboard to protect the collection from outside bangs and damage. Everything I said about the 800-count applies here, although their larger plastic offering is smaller than this.
As an added bonus: with Magic cards being thinner than other collectible sports cards, you can expect to fit closer to 6,000 cards in one of these. I strongly suggest finding a way to put these on shelves, though, as moving them around can get mighty heavy.
One suggestion for moving them? Pizza delivery bags. Here's what former pizza store owner ShastaPie told us:
We use a LOT of the 5 row monster boxes. If we happen to need them to move, we use pizza carry boxes. Yes pizza carry boxes. They will hold these monsters, keep them warm and dry and the bags have handles. We owned pizza parlors and this jumped to our head the minute we needed to carry boxes of cards for trades.
ShastaPie
- Holds 5000 standard sized trading cards
- Brilliant white - High quality
- 2 Piece box
Best Storage Hotel: A Box for Your Boxes
This one was tough. There are lots of cube storage options available out there, so I acknowledge this is a bit over my budget and more focused on availability and ease of use for the standard collector which gives us the Ikea KALLAX shelf unit.
Sadly the internal width is 13” so you can’t fit the 5,000-count boxes, but there’s more than enough room for several 800-count boxes in each cube. I ended up getting a 4×2 one of these for my office and it stores my MTG collection plus my record collection pretty nicely.
If you need anything larger or more specific, start to look at custom cabinets.
DIY Storage Solutions
Obviously, buying something and expecting it to work for you 100% is unlikely. Even the best recommendations may not give you the feel or space that you need. While I’m not the handiest of gentlemen, there are definitely some of you out there who are. You’re welcome to take some inspiration from others who have done some great work.
Mini Card Catalog
One reddit user built their own mini card catalog.
Other MTG Storage Solutions
15,000 Card Storage Box
Multiple Deck Card Box
Two-Layer Storage Box
Unusual Storage Solutions
This is where we can get into some odd, but overall understandable things to store cards in. One of the classics is a library card catalog. With many things going digital, it’s possible to find these at antique stores or other such places. Just make sure the individual drawers fit the full size of a card with wiggle room for sleeves, which is at least 3.5-inches x 2.5-inches.
- Compact Size: our apothecary cabinet is the blend of functionality and style; Measuring around 19.7 x 13.8 x 3.9 inches, this cabinet does not require any assembly, making it the ideal storage organizer for your supplies; It is suitable for various spaces such as living room, dining room, bedroom, porch, office and more
- Ideal Organizer for Your Needs: each of the 16 drawers is just the right size, 4.5 x 3.7 x 2.5 inches for the internal size, allowing you to conveniently arrange your items in a neat and orderly manner; Always keep your desired belongings in these spacious, sturdy and stylish compartments; Please check the partition size before purchasing to ensure good storage
- Bringing Durability to Life: this catalog cabinet brings classic and vintage charm to your living space; It is made of solid wood with a dark brown varnish and the interior of the drawers is also painted for a more beautiful look; More than just an organizer, it is a work of art with steel handles that ensure durability and solidity, giving you cabinets that will stand the test of time
- Unleashing Versatility: the apothecary chests cabinets make it an ideal organizer for an array of items; Store your jewelry, crafts, tea, medicine, crucial office desk accessories, photos, or cosmetics; It could also serve as a tea bag storage box, bathroom, or photo storage box, or even a filing cabinet; It is a tool that makes life organized and stylish and caters to your needs
- Blend of Decor and Utility: with its vintage design, this herb storage box is more than just a storage item, it's a style statement; An ideal companion for your home office desk, bathroom, table or kitchen counter, it effortlessly complements and elevates your space with its dark brown charm; It is also ideal as a bedroom organizing rack or office desk accessory
To take collecting to another level. There are robotic Magic card sorters, but not enough positive experience to recommend or justify the costs. While not a permanent storage solution, where else would I mention this?
Box Up
Vexing Puzzlebox | Illustrated by Zezhou Chen
Don't want to build your own custom storage solution or spend an arm and a leg? Once again, here is the quick and easy option I recommended above:
I hope that this one player’s journey through it helped you come to your own decision! In this way, cardboard begets cardboard, which begets particle board in some strange way. BCW would love your patronage and I hope you love their boxes as well. #notsponsored
If you want to share any great solutions I missed or that you love, we welcome them in the Draftsim Discord or in the comments. Be sure to follow Draftsim on Twitter and Facebook so you know when we publish more great articles like this one. See you next time!
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2 Comments
Once you figure out the storage, how do you recommend sorting them?
Separate by expansion, category and Rank, then creatures , spells, and artifacts.
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