How to Maintain an Action Figure Collection

Once upon a time, action figures were merely the stuff of backyard play sessions. Nowadays, action figures aren't just for kids. Many adults enjoy collecting action figures, whether for personal aesthetics or for small-time investment. It is quite important to maintain an action figure collection, giving it the utmost care to keep it collector-worthy for years to come.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Keep the action figures factory sealed. This can be more difficult than it sounds, especially since most action figures are usually accompanied by a bevy of awesome accessories. However, as all good collectors know, the item depreciates in value as soon as the package is opened.

2. Invest in a feather duster if you keep your action figure collection on display. Keep the packages free of dust and debris or else a film of dusty grime could end up clouding the plastic.

3. Use caution when hanging the action figures on the wall for display. Do not run tacks or nails directly through the packaging. Rather, use the plastic or cardboard hanging loop and use sturdy tacks to hold the package in place.

4. Find a clear, undisturbed location for action figures housed in storage boxes. Do not pile loads of boxes on top, as this may put pressure on the cargo and mar the packaging.

5. Use extra padding when packing action figures in storage boxes. Bubble wrap or styrofoam peanuts work very well.

Tips & Warnings

• Double up on action figure purchases if you're weak to temptation. That way, you can have one figure to open and play with (or display with the accessories intact) and another to preserve.