This DIY Pokemon trading card game portable storage idea helps kids keep all their cards, coins, and game mats together and neatly organized.
My son loves Pokemon cards, and he has quite a big collection of them. We have tried out multiple storage solutions, but none of them really stood out as a helpful method. Until now. I finally found a storage solution that actually keeps Pokemon cards tidy, but still easily accessible. And the whole thing costs under $15 to pull off. If your kiddo has a stash of Pokemon cards scattered all over his room, this tutorial is for you!
DIY Pokemon Card Tool Box Organizer
Supplies You Need:
- Small Toolbox (I got this one from Walmart for $5)
- Small Card-Size Office Storage Containers (I got these from Walmart for $1 each)
- Trading Card Sleeves For Three Ring Binder (or a special Pokemon Card Binder like these)
- Label Maker (optional, but helpful! I love this one) or sticker paper labels
How To Organize A Pokemon Cards Toolbox For Kids
Energy Cards
Start by separating all the Energy cards by type into stacks. Then put each stack inside the clear storage containers. If there are a few small stacks of lesser-used Energy cards, you can double them up into one container to save space.
Next, label the side of each Energy card storage container with a label maker or adhesive paper labels. This is super helpful, because even though the containers are clear, when they’re turned on their side in the box, you can’t see what’s inside.
There was a little gap between the last storage container and the side of the toolbox, so I slid two folded gameplay mats there.
Playing Deck
If your kiddo actually plays the trading card game with friends, they probably have one deck that they play for battles. These decks are strategically built and need to stay together to make gameplay easy. The top left compartment of the toolbox I got from Walmart conveniently holds a whole Pokemon playing deck perfectly!
To get them out, just open the compartment’s lid and turn the box upside down. (I mention that because the first thing my own son said was “how do I get it back out??”)
Coins
The right side top compartment works perfectly for storing coins. Coins are also used during gameplay, and they’re the one thing that seem to get lost most often. Giving them their own little home keeps them all in one place and less likely to end up in random spaces of your house, like the pantry and litter box. (Just my house??)
How To Organize Pokemon Cards In A Binder
Now that the energy cards, playing deck, and coins have a home, it’s time to tackle the actual Pokemon cards. There are a few ways you can organize the cards in a binder, so I’ll share all the different options and then tell you which one works best for us.
Ways To Categorize Pokemon Cards In A Binder
- Energy type (this is how my son stores his)
- Evolution
- Promotional sets
- Pokedex number
- Strength (HP numbers)
- Alphabetically
Once your child chooses the method for organizing the cards, start separating on a large table into stacks. When all the cards are categorized, add them to slots in trading card binder sleeves and use page dividers to separate the categories.
If you have a LOT of Pokemon cards, it’s better to create separate binders for each energy type. This makes it easier to add more to the collection later without running out of room.
Don’t forget to create a section of sleeves for Trainer cards, too. And slide doubles/triples in behind the first card to save space.
Want More Game Storage Ideas?
In our house, we have a LOT of games. Here’s one of my most popular posts that teaches you my biggest hack for storing and organizing board games, as well as knowing which ones are actually getting played and which ones are ready to be donated. I even share some fun ideas of places to donate used games, and Goodwill isn’t even on the list.
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