When storing your loose action figures, you’re probably going to choose to store them in plastic tubs. Storing them is a simple enough process: wrap the individual figures in bubble wrap, stack the bubble wrapped figures in the tub, and put the tub somewhere where environmental conditions can be regulated.
One thing you may be asking yourself is: “does it matter which plastic tubs I choose to store my figures in? Are some plastic tubs better than others?”
The answer to this is “Yes”, some are better than others, but which tubs are the best for you will be somewhat dependent on your needs. That being said, there are some factors that make for good plastic tubs across the board:
- They are sturdy.
- They are NOT clear.
- They are stackable.
So, sturdy, stackable plastic tubs that are not made of clear plastic–that should narrow down the options for you. Rubbermaid make many quality plastic tubs that check all of these boxes.
Other good options:
- IRIS USA Stack & Pull Storage Box (Various sizes from 5 – 72 Qt.) (Amazon)
- IRIS USA Utility Tote (20 Gal.) (Amazon)
- IRIS USA Utility Tough Tote (27 Gal.) (Amazon)
Find the Plastic Tubs That Suit Your Needs Best
There is no “best plastic tub for action figures”, because not everyone’s needs are the same. For example, someone storing twenty Marvel Legends figures may not buy the same tub as someone who is storing twenty Transformers figures. There is a lot of size variety when it comes to Transformers figures, so that will probably warrant buying a bigger tub.
How Many Figures Will You Be Storing?
Will you be storing five, fifty, or five hundred action figures? Do you plan on storing them all in one giant 50-gallon tub, or would you prefer to separate them into small tubs?
There are pros and cons to both options. Going with one big tub limits the number of tubs you will need to buy, and also ensures that everything is in one place. On the other hand, multiple small tubs may be better for keeping things organized. Which option is more manageable depends on your unique situation.
What Are the Sizes of the Figures You Will Be Storing?
Are you storing Star Wars Black Series figures, which all tend to be the same size; or are you storing Transformers figures, which come in wide variety of sizes? The various sizes of the figures you are are storing will be determining factor in what plastic tub(s) you choose.
Where Will You Be Storing Them?
Also, where you will be storing the storage tub is another factor to consider. Will you be stacking them in your closet or in a corner in your room; or will you be sliding them under your bed. Some of the storage tubs mentioned earlier may be suitable for storage in your room, basement, or closet; but if you’re sliding them under your bed or into a more cramped area, then you probably want to go with a tub that is longer and shallower:
- Sterilite Storage Tub (28 Qt.) (23 x 16.25 x 6 Inches)
- Rubbermaid Cleverstore Plastic Tubs (16 Qt.) (18.75 x 13.38 x 6.63 inches)
- Rubbermaid Cleverstore Plastic Tubs (41 Qt.) (29 x 17.75 x 6.13 inches)
As to where in your home you should store your action figures, you want to choose some place where the figures will not be exposed to sunlight and the temperature and humidity can be regulated. I have other posts where I go into more detail about this:
Conclusion
So, basically, there are a few things you want to take into consideration when buying a tub for your loose action figures:
- How many action figures will you be storing?
- Will you be storing them all in one tub, or will you use multiple tubs?
- What are the various sizes of the figures you will be storing?
- Where do you plan on storing the tubs?
- Are the tubs durable and sturdy?
- Are they stackable?
- Are they clear? (if they are clear, then they cannot be exposed to sunlight; because the harmful UV rays will go through the clear plastic)
Answer these questions first, then decide on the tubs that best suit your needs.
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