camaroz06 Posted March 8, 2014 Share Posted March 8, 2014 Hi All, I'm trying to get an early jump on Spring cleaning. I'm thinking that my unbuilt models take up too much usable space and would like to store doubles and some models I am not going to get to for awhile either in the basement or in the storage spaces on the second floor. Whats the best way to store kits? Take out the decals and store the boxes in plastic storage boxes? Does it really mater if all the models lay flat or is OK to store on the side? Do I even need plastic storage? Regular cardboard moving boxes OK or I guess at least the plastic boxes offer water protection. Just want to see how you guys store your "overflow". As for the spaces I would store in, the updtairs is like a crawlspace, insulated, and pretty dry but no climate control. The basement would be the boiler room, its next to a furnished living space. Any recommendations are appreciated. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
thegoodsgt Posted March 8, 2014 Share Posted March 8, 2014 My advice is to store them wherever they'll be the driest. Humidity will wreck havoc on the boxes, decals, and instructions. I think the containers you use are less important, because even plastic options are usually not airtight (though obviously they will protect the kits in the event of a water event). Steven Brown Scale Model Soup Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Horrido Posted March 8, 2014 Share Posted March 8, 2014 I use either cardboard paper boxes (those that reams of paper come in, 17 1/2 x 11 1/2 x 9 in. / 44 x 29 x 23 cm) or cardboard file storage boxes like here. You also need to think about temperature extremes, since you don't want anything to either freeze, or get above 120 F / 49 C. Rapid shifts between the extremes can also weaken plastic and crack decals from expansion and contraction of the material. If you're concerned about moisture, wrap the boxes in large plastic bags. Also, think about mice and other critters that may try to make the stash a living space and chew stuff up. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
fulcrum1 Posted March 8, 2014 Share Posted March 8, 2014 Uhaul sells big boxes for cheap and their durable. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dean spirkoff Posted March 8, 2014 Share Posted March 8, 2014 I put the kits in a large plastic totes in the garage put the decals in zipp lock baggyies and keep them in a portable file folder box. And keep them inside house. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Horrido Posted March 8, 2014 Share Posted March 8, 2014 I usually keep decals with the kits they came with. Aftermarket decals and photo-etch go here: http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/570600/Office-Depot-Brand-Large-Mobile-File/ Aftermarket resin goes into smaller plastic storage boxes with lockable tops, Rubbermaid, Snapware, Sterlite, etc. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Grant in West Oz Posted March 9, 2014 Share Posted March 9, 2014 My kits are stored complete, in cardboard boxes on shelves in a tin shed. Plastic tubs are used for small kits and accessories, as much for vision as protection. Our climate is Mediterranean, with moderate winter rain and hot, dry summers. This is a major consideration when choosing a storage option. Humidity seems to be the main problem in kit storage. Heat not so much. I bought a lot of kits that had been stored in a seatainer in outdoor storage at a tropical port for over a decade. Temperatures of in excess of 70c (say 156f) would have occurred in that space on 30 days per annum over that period. The damage was limited to ruined decal sheets. Matchbox decals bonded to the protective sheet, tho' I hear that occurs world wide. Good luck with making safe choices. G Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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