Model Storage - Keeping them In good Shape

I know that I have a bunch of old models in boxes in my garage.  I'm in SW Idaho, and it stays pretty dry year round and the temp range is from the teens in the winter to low 100's in the Summer months.  They collect a bit of dust but are otherwise in pretty good shape.  Maybe if you stored them in plastic totes in the garage that would help.

+1 on plastic totes. It may help keep the decals from yellowing further. Maybe put towel atop of them to cover them as well before sealing the tote. I know that sounds kinda extreme but hey, anything to protect it more.

What about adding those crystal pouches you get in electronics from china.  The furniture stores get large pillows of the stuff in cabinets, see if you can get some of those and make your own smaller pouches with panty hose.  I'm in southern Ontario so we get those things in everything, not so sure about the drier areas.

I'd love to see these closets, you got any pictures you can share?  :)

Ditto on the totes and moisture absorbent. They make it in little plastic buckets with holes in the lid too.  I keep one in my old Ford truck.  It would help prevent condensation forming during severe temperature shifts which would wreck your decals and moisten the chipboard boxes that most kits are packaged in. If mold forms on your boxes in a dark container, they're toast.

Also,  photograph the contents of a long storage tote and tape the photo on the side of the box to show what's inside.  Way easier than popping the top and digging through it.

I would also suggest storing them on their sides or ends. Stacking can cause the lids or bottoms to curve inward.

Ditto on the absorbant. Even if the tote is air tight there will be moisture in the air trapped inside and in the cardboard itself. Temperature extremes will cause absorption and condensation inside the sealed tote.

Another thing that I would do, is keep the more valuable ones inside in the closet, and store the other ones has suggested in the garage.

Cody

I have kits going back to 1980 and they have been stored in the garage all this time and they are fine. I just recently brought them into my newly expanded man cave cause its easier to access. The only place they may get damaged/warped is in the attic, specially during the summer. That is one place I would not store plastic models just in case.