Empty Box Storage a Real Dilemma; Thinning Out Criteria Welcome (1 Viewer)

[Arnhemjim]

To All Members of the Forum,
A perplexing dilemma. Over the decades have diligently saved all the original boxes acquired with sets of toy soldiers. Even as a boy hand-made boxes for acquisitions that came without a box. In the past twelve or so years this has been expanded to include boxes from Dragon, Forces of Valor, etc., which contained armored fighting vehicles, large scale aircraft, and a limited number of 1:6 scale action figures. Obviously do not intend to get rid of any vintage W. Britains, Greenwood & Ball, Wm. Hocker, King & Country boxes.

Becoming extremely cramped for storage space in both the attic and garage, would like to solicit opinions/judgment from members of the forum as to a set of evaluation criteria I can apply in thinning out the larger boxes. Is the value added for the larger items as significant as it is for the sets of toy soldiers? In the past have had independent storage (at a substantial additional cost) which I can no longer afford.

I’m certain many of you have faced a similar circumstance, and I would earnestly welcome any advice. Thanks in advance.

Arnhem Jim
Arizona Territory

 

[villagehorse]

One method which probably goes against the grain, is to place the item back in the box and sell it. How I was able to justify and come to grips with this was to ask myself when had the item last seen the light of day, do I ever display it or look at it, would someone else get enjoyment out of having it, will I seriously ever use it again in a diorama, do I need to free up some space and could I use some extra money. When you apply these questions to an item, sought of makes it much easier to let go, plus you can take the high ground with your partner that you are finally doing the right thing and down sizing, all the time knowing secretly you are getting ready for the latest releases. I had 2 off site storage units which was costing a fortune, the above method has done away with them. Good luck, cheers, Robin.

 

[waynepoo]

One thing you may try is.....if possible flatten the boxes out (that is if no glue was used) most fatten out, then store them within bigger boxes. Just one idea which worked for me.
Wayne.

 

[Arnhemjim]

Hello Robin and Wayne,
Sincere thanks to both of you for at least responding to my query. Apparently my dilemma is either unique or so trite that people have chosen acquiescence.
Best Regards,
Jim

 

[Mitch]

Jim...

A problem everyone must face. I suppose the only person who really knows how to solve the problem will be your good self. Do you see yourself selling your collections? are you keeping boxes for resale value in the future or, for those you will leave your collection too (may you have many many more years but, you know what I mean). If yes then you must keep them and the additional space and or, money this involves or, be Alexandrian make a clean cut and do what I did. I sold, swapped or tossed many of the boxes I had as I know that a substantial core of my collection is going nowhere. I now have a substantially smaller area containing boxes than I did and, at the end of the day what is inside them is what matters not the boxes.
Mitch

 

[jager7080]

Jim...

A problem everyone must face. I suppose the only person who really knows how to solve the problem will be your good self. Do you see yourself selling your collections? are you keeping boxes for resale value in the future or, for those you will leave your collection too (may you have many many more years but, you know what I mean). If yes then you must keep them and the additional space and or, money this involves or, be Alexandrian make a clean cut and do what I did. I sold, swapped or tossed many of the boxes I had as I know that a substantial core of my collection is going nowhere. I now have a substantially smaller area containing boxes than I did and, at the end of the day what is inside them is what matters not the boxes.
Mitch

Mitch ,

I never plan on selling anything in my collection...Every piece i own has a story or some type of reason or time associated with it...But i still have all the boxes stored away in big boxes in my basement...I might use the boxes if i was rearranging or removing some of my pieces from display , which has never happened but who knows ?! The only thought i have is when i am gone , that if my wife & daughter part with my collection , that i know they would receive more for it than without the boxes...

Joe

 

[johnnybach]

If you don't buy them in boxes in the first place - then you don't have a box storage problem. The soldiers will be cheaper to buy - (though you won't get a higher price - if you plan to sell them at some future time). If you plan to leave them to someone after you have gone - then it's also NOT your problem any more.

So.... my advice is - don't buy boxes - just the soldiers - and save some money ( or buy more of what you REALLY want).

PS If you also buy them as castings - you also save on the painting costs. Just logic really. jb