A Collector's Guide on how to sort your Pokémon cards!
Collecting Pokémon cards can be a thrilling hobby, but as your collection grows, so does the need for organization. Whether you're a seasoned collector or new to the Pokémon universe, sorting your cards can enhance your collecting experience. This guide will provide you with tips and strategies for organizing your Pokémon cards, making it easier to track, display, and enjoy your collection.
Establish Your Sorting Criteria
Before diving into organizing, decide on the criteria you will use to sort your cards. There are several approaches, depending on what aspect of your collection you value most. Common sorting criteria include:
By Set: Organizing cards by their set is a popular method. This helps you keep track of which cards you have from each release, making it easier to complete specific sets.
By Type: Sorting by Pokémon type (such as Water, Fire, Grass, etc.) can make your collection visually appealing and is useful for players focusing on deck-building.
By Rarity: Organizing cards by rarity (Common, Uncommon, Rare, Ultra Rare, etc.) is another approach. This can help highlight the gems of your collection and make it easier to manage trades or sales.
Alphabetically: Sorting cards alphabetically, either by the Pokémon's name or the card's title, can make finding specific cards straightforward.
By Pokémon Evolution: Organizing cards to reflect the evolution chain of Pokémon offers a unique way to display your collection, showing the growth and development of your favorite Pokémon.
A SlowBro'sTCG tip is to sorting cards first by their type and then by their number, as sorting them by type will automatically sort them into their correct sections. From there, you can then sort the cards by their alphabetical order. This should mean that all your Pokémon cards will be sorted.
Choose Your Storage Solution
Selecting the right storage solution is crucial for protecting and organizing your Pokémon cards. Options include:
Binders: Binders with plastic card sleeves are perfect for collectors who like to display their cards. They make it easy to flip through and enjoy your collection while keeping the cards in mint condition.
Boxes: Card boxes are a more compact storage solution, ideal for larger collections or for those who prefer to keep their cards in a more discreet manner.
Card Sleeves: Individual card sleeves provide extra protection against wear and tear, especially for rare or valuable cards.
A personal SlowBro'sTCG recommendation is using a large card storage case can be an excellent solution for collectors with extensive Pokémon card collections or for those who prefer a more consolidated and secure method of storage. Large card storage cases are designed to hold a significant number of cards, often in the thousands, providing both protection and organization. This RHCOM Large Card Storage Case is perfect for storing a large collection of sorted cards.
Begin Sorting
With your criteria and storage solution in hand, begin sorting your cards. Take your time to carefully place each card in its designated spot. If using binders, consider leaving some space for new additions so you can continue to grow your collection without reorganizing frequently.
Catalog Your Collection
Keeping a catalog of your collection can be incredibly helpful, especially as it grows. You can use a spreadsheet, a dedicated app, or a notebook to track your cards, noting down information such as the card name, set, rarity, and any personal notes (like where or when you got the card. A personal recommendation is to catalogue your collection using an app such as the Pokellector: Pokemon Cards which is available on android and ios. This app is a complete consortium of all the standards sets that have ever been released including Japanese collections,
Maintain Your Collection
Finally, regular maintenance is key to a well-organized collection. Periodically review your collection to ensure it stays organized according to your chosen criteria. This is also a great opportunity to dust off your cards and storage solutions, keeping everything in pristine condition.
Conclusion
Sorting your Pokémon cards can be as much fun as collecting them. By establishing a sorting criterion that suits your collection goals, choosing the right storage solution, and maintaining your collection regularly, you can enjoy your Pokémon cards to the fullest. Remember, the most important aspect of collecting is to have fun and appreciate the journey of building your Pokémon universe.
