What separates Transformers from other action figures is the transforming factor. This allows for some good flexibility when it comes to prepping the figures for storage. You can choose to store your Transformers in robot mode or the alternate mode (or somewhere in between). Keep in mind, there are some Transformers figures that have more than two modes, however, for the most part, figures only have a robot mode and one alternate mode.
Usually, the alternate mode is preferable for storage. Alternate modes tend to be smaller and more compact, with less parts that extend too much.
There are some cases where the alternate mode may not be the preferred mode for storage. If the figure transforms into an animal, dinosaur, or insect of some kind (as is the case with many figures from the Beast Wars, Beast Machines, and other similar toy lines), they are likely going to be far less compact than a car or truck. In these cases, it is possible the robot mode may be better for storage. Every figure is ultimately going to need to be handled on a case-by-case basis.
Certain Transformers figures (like the ones that Transform into jets) have protruding parts that can make storing them difficult. If a figure has long protruding parts, try to bend or remove those parts before storing them, if this can be done without damaging the figure of course.
What to Use to Store Your Transformers Figures
When storing your Transformers figures, you have a variety of different options. A reliable, tried and true method of storage for your action figures and collectables is almost always going to be plastic totes/storage bins. Plastic has an advantage over cardboard because it is more durable, and will do a better job at protecting your figures from potential flooding and spills. Here are some options for you:
Plastic Storage Tubs/Bins:
- Black Storage Bins – 13.66 x 11.3 x 8.11 inches (Tyminin)
- Black Storage Bins – Various Size Options (IRIS USA)
- Clear Storage Bin-Various Size Options (7.5 Quart – 112 Quart) (HOMZ)
- Collapsible Plastic Bins – 16.54 x 11.22 x 9.33 inches (BOSSJOY)
- Clear Storage Bins-Various Sizes (6 Quart – 95 Quart) (Rubbermaid)
- Roughneck Storage Container-3 Gallon – 50 Gallon (Rubbermaid)
That being said, there is nothing saying that cardboard boxes are not a great option as well. It seems like all of us have Amazon boxes around our homes these days. Instead of throwing them out, why not repurpose them for Transformers storage?
Bankers box stor/drawers are another great option for storing your Transformers figures. These types of Bankers boxes are very easily stacked, and the figures inside can be easily accessed without taking down any of the boxes. Bankers box stor/drawers function much like storage drawers. This means you don’t have to take down a whole stack of boxes in order to get the bottom box, you can just slide it open.
Bankers Box stor/drawers:
Storing Small Pieces and Accessories
Transformers figures tend to come with accessories like guns, firing projectiles, swords, shields, etc. Some Transformers come with a number of different accessories. Sometimes it’s simple to store the accessories with the figure itself, but other times it’s going to make much more sense to store the accessories separately.
The key to storing your accessories is organization. You want them to be easily accessible for when it comes time to pull a figure out for display or some other purpose, so having a box full of a bunch of random Transformer accessories is not going to work, that’s why some kind of tackle box may work very well.
Tackle containers are frequently used for storing things like tools and jewelry; however, they also work great for storing your action figure accessories. Dividers can be removed or added to account for the sizes of the parts that need to be stored.
- KastKing Tackle Boxes – Various Sizes
- DUOFIRE Plastic Organizer Container—Various Sizes
- Ehhyson Organizer Box – 10.8 x 7 x 1.7 (inches)
- SGHUO 3-Tier Stackable Storage Container Box with 30 Compartments – 10.23 x 6.69 x 7.48 (inches)
- RUNCL Fishing Tackle Box – 10.65 x 7.1 x 1.89 (inches)
While tackle containers are probably the best option out there for storing your Transformers’ parts and accessories, there are other options. You may want to use sealable bags to store numerous firing projectiles. When it comes to sealable bags, some may be tempted to use sandwich bags—this is a bad idea because sandwich bags are not made to be used for long-term storage. Over time, the acids in the plastic of those bags may damage your figures. polypropylene bags are going to be ideal for storing those small, detachable Transformers parts. After all, polypropylene bags are acid free and are used by museums.
Some of the methods for storing parts and accessories may also be great ways to store smaller Transformers figures like mini-cons.
Packing Materials to Use
Whatever you choose to store your Transformers in, whether that be plastic bins, Bankers boxes, etc., you’re now going to need packing material of some kind. Bubble wrap is always a good packing material. You want to choose something that is made for long term storage. Some may be tempted to wrap their figures in plastic grocery bags; however, those bags are not meant for long-term storage. Much like with sandwich bags, the acids in the plastic grocery bags may end up damaging your Transformers in the long run.
The reason you need packing materials is because otherwise the figures will be pressed against each other. Figures pressed against each other are going to be more prone to getting scratched and damaged. Meticulously bubble wrapped figures are going to be much safer in the case that someone is digging through the box looking for a specific figure, or, heaven forbid, your storage containers get knocked over or dropped and the figures inside are shaken up.
Probably the best type of packing material for Transformers storage is going to be bubble wrap, as I’ve already mentioned.
Storing Boxed VS Loose Transformers
Are your Transformers opened or are they in their original packaging? Storing loose (opened) figures is going to be a little different of a process then storing unopened or boxed figures. One thing for certain is that boxed figures take up more space than opened figures. The fact that they take up more space means that you will need more plastic totes, boxes, or whatever you choose to store your figures in.
Personally, when it comes to unopened Transformers, I go light on the packing material. I really only use bubble wrap to provide cushioning for the figures against the walls of the box or bin—even this may be a little much.
For loose Transformers, I wrap every single one of them in bubble wrap. This could be overkill, however, if you’re concerned about figures getting damaged if the storage bin gets knocked over or shaken, the bubble wrap may provide an extra layer of protection.
I’ll cover environmental hazards in the next section; however, I’d like to note that humidity is going to be much more of a problem for boxed figures than loose ones. No, it’s not good to store your loose Transformers in a humid environment, but it’s even worse to store you unopened figures in humid conditions. The moisture in the air will cause the cardboard that makes up the packaging to warp.
Hazardous Conditions to Avoid
Okay, so now we’re onto environmental hazards as a whole. A good rule of thumb is: if its comfortable for you, it’s comfortable for your figures. Let’s go through the main things to avoid anyways those.
Extreme Temperatures:
Extreme temperatures are terrible for your Transformers and any other plastic collectibles you own, especially extreme heat, which is partially responsible of dicoloration. For this reason, storing your figures in the garage or attic are usually terrible ideas.
Sunlight:
If you’re storing your Transformers away, sunlight is probably not one of your major concerns; however, there are some cases where maybe it should be. If you’re storing your Transformers in clear plastic tubs/totes, then the UV rays from the sunlight will be able to hit your figures. Also, if the boxes or tubs that you’re storing your figures in do not have lids, or the figures are exposed in any way, then you should be concerned about sunlight hitting them.
The UV rays from sunlight have a detrimental affect on certain action figures. White plastic may turn a shade of yellow or brown and other discoloration may result as well. This occurs due to a chemical reaction caused by UV rays hitting the plastic. I talk more about this here if you’re interested.
Remove Any Batteries
If any of your figures have batteries, take them out! They will corrode over time!
Keeping an Inventory of Your Transformers Figures
No matter how small or large your collection is, its probably a good idea to take in inventory of what you have and to keep that up-to-date, so you know which figures you own and where they are stored. You can do this with pen and paper or digitally. I prefer digitally myself.
Programs like Microsoft Excel, or Libre Office Calc may be ideal for this. You can have a spreadsheet which contains a list of all the figures that you own in one column and the storage unit number in the next column. I have an article on how to take an inventory of your action figures here.