How to store your LEGO Minifigures, the proper way!
The is nothing worse than retrieving your minifigures that have been put away in storage for some time, only to find out that they have cracked torsos, cracked arms, or heavy discolouration.
Improper storage of your minifigures will do much more harm than you think in the long run. If you're a reseller, collector, or just want to know how to store your minifigures effectively, then this article will help you achieve this. I will run through the main obstacles which cause the most lasting damage to your figures.
Quick disclaimer: The points set out in this article are my own opinions, developed through many years of experience buying, selling, and storing minifigures. The minifigures that I store are always in great condition with little to no damage using the methods below.
1. Temperature
Quite possibly the most important aspect of storage is temperature. Generally, if we store something and want it out of the way, it goes to a designated storage space like a shed, outbuilding, or the attic. The problem with these spaces is that they tend to get cold in the winter (unless you live on the equator).
Even though LEGO is extremely durable, prolonged exposure to cold and damp air can cause it to become brittle and weak.
Plastic is also no different from other materials and is subject to thermal expansion. This expansion and contraction causes stress within the plastic.
You can often tell how a figure has been stored with a simple test. If the legs and arms are stiff and difficult to move, then it is most probable that they have had prolonged exposure to cold weather.
If you want your figures to avoid brittleness and stress, then keep them inside the house where the temperature is consistently around room temperature. A cool, dark area sheltered away from any form of light is also necessary, which leads us to the next point.
2. Choosing Your Container and Location
As mentioned previously, temperature is key when storing your figures. Having established that you should be storing them at room temperature, the next step is figuring out the location.
Great locations include under the bed, at the back of wardrobes or closets, or in designated storage boxes around the house. These are all viable options as they are generally out of the way of natural light and visibility.
Anywhere where natural light can reach the figures is inadvisable, as UV rays react with ABS plastic which in turn causes discolouration.
A solid plastic tub or box with a lid will further protect your minifigures from becoming caked in dust and help keep them free from damage. A non-transparent tub is better as it allows less light to pass through, but clear tubs work just as well if the area is mostly dark.
3. Loosened Legs, No Accessories
We now know where to store minifigures and what containers to use — now it's about how to store them.
The most common defects I find on minifigures are cracked arms and cracked torsos. This can be caused by a combination of factors such as age, play wear, and what has already been mentioned, such as temperature.
Another big factor is stress. Stress occurs from pressure that is sustained over a long period of time. This stress builds up and begins to break down the integrity of the affected part (most commonly the torso and leg pieces).
Below is an example of the correct and incorrect way for long-term minifigure storage.
As you can see from the Imperial Navy Trooper example, the legs on the right side have been loosened off considerably. This removes a remarkable amount of pressure from the torso and significantly reduces the likelihood of stress fractures appearing. The legs are still firm enough on the torso to prevent them from falling off easily.
No weapons or accessories should be attached, as this reduces stress on the arms and lowers the chance of cracking, further enhancing the longevity of your figures.
Its easy to chuck them away somewhere and forgot about them - Months or years down the line and you retrieve them only to find them damaged and neglected.
The better preparation you put into looking after your figures and storing them correctly means you will reap the rewards further down the line. whether that be for monetary purposes, display or even flexing, just don't be lazy! :)