I store all my stuff like books, spine facing out. Boxed sets, same way. I find when they are standing on end, the lids don't dish. As far as less stable modules, I board and bag all my stuff, and the extra stiffness of the board make sure they don't bend over. I also use hardcover books as "bookends" if the shelf isn't full enough. Spreadsheet works fine for organization. I line mine up by Edition, according to module number; A1, A2, A3 etc. Just my 2 cents.

Zenfinite

1. In your experience what's the best way to catalog your collection? Spreadsheet? Do any have a template you recommend?
Excel.

2. What categories do you divide your collections into?
1e (a1, a2, etc.), 1e shrink, 2e, 2e shrink, other tsr stuff (sf, gw, bh, gb, etc.), nontsr stuff. About 25 tabs.

3. Do most of you take photos for insurance?
Some - probably should take more.

4. On a shelf should you stack boxed sets and books or do you store them like books (spine facing toward you)?
Spine facing out, on a bookshelf (well, many of those). How else can you easily access them? Box sets I empty out (except dice and pencil) and stack spine facing out. Certain special sets or books (like H1, or OCE) I'll lay flat, but then nothing on top. Miniatures lay flat, sometimes double stacked (and if so, they'll be staggered). Dragons lay flat, stacked on top of each other in groups of 10. Many of the 2E thick softcovers - Encyclopedia Magica, Wiz Spells, Priest spells, etc. - are stacked.

5. Finally, in regards to boxed sets do you put bubble wrap or in something in the box to help keep its shape?
I don't, but that seems like a good idea. Most of my sets have good shape, and storing vertical should protect them. I put some boxes in bags to protect against rubbing wear, but these are few.

I use an Excell spreadsheet.

I sort items by categories:   Company     Title     Author    Product Number     Year    Game System     Comments


In the game system column I distinguish between OD&D, D&D, AD&D, AD&D 2nd, D20 3.0, D20 Modern, D20 3.5, D&D 4th and Pathfinder.

I sort items not specifically for a certain game system by categories such as:  Magazine, Poster, Catalog, Promtional Item, Boardgame, Brochure, Book, CD, Comic, Computer, Generic, Miniatures Wargame or Pamphlet.

A Generic item is any RPG module that absolutely refuses to name a system.

I list DRAGON as a Magazine but I sort DUNGEON by era of D&D.

The Comments column says things like:  "Free RPG DAY 2010," "Gift from John Gaunt," "Paizocon 2011" or "Acquired Directly from the Author"

Nogrod wrote:Greetings Collecting Hivemind!

Following a successful trip to GC and an equally successfull private sale through here (thx Zenfinte) I have outgrown my old one shelf stacked method of storing my collection by at least a factor of two. I wanted to ask some questions of those of you that have the kind of collections I aspire to, I am still sorta new so please bear with me. I did a search, but didn't find (more accurately know how to find) what I was looking for. Feel free to give me a link or PM me if I missed an obvious thread.

This is my project tomorrow and Monday, but I would like to do it right so I don't have to do it again later  :D.

1. In your experience what's the best way to catalog your collection? Spreadsheet? Do any have a template you recommend?

2. What categories do you divide your collections into?

3. Do most of you take photos for insurance?

4. On a shelf should you stack boxed sets and books or do you store them like books (spine facing toward you)?

5. Finally, in regards to boxed sets do you put bubble wrap or in something in the box to help keep its shape?

Thanks again,

Zach

Excel spreadsheet.  I have a rather elaborate system that I use to track by type per sheet (one sheet has TSR modules, the next accessories, then another sheet for FASA Battletech miniatures, another for FASA Battletech books, yet another for GDW stuff, etc, etc, etc).  Per product I try to keep track of sales via ebay and highlight what I alread have bought.  This also partially answers your next question.  I generally segregate by publisher, then system.  I have alot of crap and this tends to work out well.  (OK, stuff, not crap).

Photos might be a nice to have, but if you ever really have to make an insurance claim your company is going to want to probably see reciepts and proof of purchase.  This comes down to credit card charge reciepts (your statement will suffice - it's OK to use paypal, but ALWAYS pay via credit card.  Even if you have to empty your paypal account to do so) and a copy of the ebay listing or similar documentation.  Save it off somewhere in your email when you get the "congratulations, you won" automated spam from ebay.  These 2 things will a claim make (at least if you have USAA).  My house was robbed a few years ago and thieves like to take things that are small, easily transportable and hideable, have a fairly high value, and are easy to pawn.  This translates to netbooks, cellphones, tablets, PS3s, Wiis, digital cameras, and PSA10 graded beta and unlimited dual lands that happen to be out on display (collectibles).  Best thing to do is contact your insurance company BEFORE you have to make a claim to see what thier burden of proof is, your deductable, and the max they will cover you in a particular category (jewelry is different than electronics is different than collectibles, etc).  Be sure to ask about APPRECIATION.  There is no such word in insurance.  If you paid $300 for it 4 years ago and it costs $4000 to buy it now, TFB.  You get $300.

Modules are all bagged, boarded, and boxed.  Except for a few noteworthy exemptions which are in magazine hard cases out on display (RPGA1-4, etc).  I go back and forth on box sets.  There are arguments for prolonged storage for both upright and flat.  Right now mine are all flat, stacked on top of eachother to account for weight (IE, Wilderlands and Rappan Athukk boxed sets are on the bottom because they are heavy, etc).  I dont really have the space to put cardboard spacers between them all to keep them from really dishing and keep them on display.  Ill probably change my mind next month and put them all back upright.  Shrug.

I also recommend life size poly bags for boxed sets to prevent damage to the box itself while stored (or on display).

For opened box sets, I put all components in bags and boards.  I have yet to meet a boxed set that will not allow you to bag the contents and put the contents back in the box (preventing rubbing).  Boards will fit into some but not all.  I then do stick some bubble wrap into the box to keep the lid and bottom from dishing from prolonged storage.  Shrinkwrapped boxed sets i dunno.  I go back and forth.  Upright makes me sad to know that there is nothing solid inside the box providing support to the books and flat makes me cry for dishing.  Maybe I'll invent a boxed set winerack that holds them all at 45 angles or something.  Shrug.

Thank you all very much. I just finished cataloging what I have and I  am now looking at how to store and display them safely. It is the thoughtful answers to such questions that makes this forum second to none.

Thanks again (as he goes back to add a settings tab to his spreadsheet)

Zach

After reading all your posts, I'd like to reorganize my collection on the shelves...