COMIC BOOK STORAGE TRANSFORMATION! - MY FIRST COMIC FILE CABINET

[@Lexaire]

That filing cabinet wrap looks incredible! Love that you used a scan of your own comic!

[@northgardencomics]

Thanks! I’m really happy with the result.

[@ptah_thecreator3501]

I need yo switch to these. I have taller cabinets but i want something to put my short boxes in.

[@Rollormotor]

very cool looking cabinet magnet, thanks for sharing

[@BrianLCS]

I want one now. Really nice way to store your books.

[@northgardencomics]

Took me a while to warm up to them but now I really like it. Not sure I’ll convert my whole collection to this method but it’s a nice addition!

[@RonDale-jy8et]

Really dug the large ,LARGE magnet featuring your FIRST COMIC....very cool!

[@Sledhead]

Definitely want to get a file cabinet like yours, it just makes a lot of sense to me

[@TimboToys]

I really like this idea for storage. Might have to do this myself.

[@geraldwright5283]

The file cabinet is a great idea. I need to get one. Love your comic book room.

[@northgardencomics]

Thanks so much!

[@darthrooster1]

I have to be honest…those checklists are the best. I loved those toys as a child.

[@northgardencomics]

So good! So many hours I spent staring at them.

[@jamesleonhard2247]

Sorting comics, boxes by type/series. I had a box for Image. It held my stuff from the '90s but as I collected more Spawn, Gunslinger Spawn and Scorched I had to start a second box. I currently have 2 boxes near capacity going to have to start a 3rd. I have 4 Thor boxes. If you separate your boxes by titles/series you don't have to shuffle everything.

[@northgardencomics]

I appreciate you sharing. Since I made that video I’ve separated my boxes into Marvel, DC, Indy. I also have separate sections, one for X-Men/mutant titles and one for Transformers since they are larger chunks of my collection. It’s interesting you mention having separate boxes by title/series. Even though I haven’t gone fully down that path, I have decided that instead of shuffling everything and adding new boxes only at the end of the alphabet, I’ll add boxes wherever they are needed so I don’t have to move everything before and after it.

[@amazingmurfinator6338]

It's so satisfying to have an entire run of a title placed in one spot. 😅 love mine

[@Matt_Likes_Comics]

I have numbered my boxes. When I started boxes were sequential. Every time one got full and I needed more space ( for example box 18) I just create a box 18,5 and add to it and spread in from both sides.

[@northgardencomics]

Good idea, thanks for sharing!

[@jamesfoley2413]

Same. I did learn for data bases it helps to have them as 3 digits 018 019 etc I have a few I have had to do 018.25 018.50 018.75 etc

[@michaelgallant1977]

Great looking comic book room

[@jackrapier6748]

I limit myself to two boxes. Forces me to really reevaluate what I really like. It’s also hard for me to really appreciate the books if I have much more than that. I don’t want a bunch of comics I like, I want a few I love. When the boxes are full I have to get rid of something to get something new, which makes me really critical about what I add. I really like this method. I really enjoy the books I have and appreciate them often. There are none I’ve forgotten about taking up space.

[@hennyellswo5244]

Listening to someone else rationalize how they are organizing their books made me feel at home. I collect mostly marvel, a decent amount of Image among other indies, and a little bit of DC. I have DC box, a few Image boxes, and a "Misc." Box of other indies. Now for Marvel I made an random cut-off at the year 2000. There is pre 2000 and post and I add more short boxes as needed but I also pull out a few characters like Avengers, Wolverine, and X-Men for their separate boxes. Completely All alphabetical order seams like chaos for some reason but so does my system as I read it lol

[@northgardencomics]

one collector's chaos is another collector's perfect organization system!

[@cardsfan5100]

9:30 I switched to lateral file cabinets years ago. Moving comics about has become so much easier.

[@RonDale-jy8et]

Gotta tell you how much I enjoyed your video! One thing had a me laughing. You said you wife said too many comic boxes looked too much like a warehouse. I had same comment from my Mom! Also thanks for the room tour, but as dedicated FF collector I had hope to see your FANTASTIC FOUR run! Also, really got a kick out of the new file cabinet (It would be nice to get those $#!@! boxes off the floor!!!) Very cool comics room/family/ extra large dog bed.

[@northgardencomics]

I didn’t get into the FF until about 2015 so my collection isn’t very impressive yet. What are some of your favorite FF books you have?

[@ccsportsfan7886]

excellent very enjoyable

[@RonDale-jy8et]

Chris, what I find myself doing is I have a box of more recent/unread items. Also have a couple of boxes marked 'Various' Marvel or DC! ( Obviously my system is NOT as organized!)

[@tommypiffington3374]

That’s what I do🤘🏽

[@richardvieth2094]

Ok, normally I just reply from my phone when I don't have a lot to say. I had to pull out the laptop for this one, but I'll be brief! lol 1. Love the new intro! Makes it more about what you enjoy with the hobby(s) and what got you collecting. 2. Awesome room tour! Loved seeing the setup. Have to admit, it was different than I had though it would be, but I don't know that I can explain how. I like how you mention it's a "shared space". I believe it's a shared space in that you allow the family to be in it!🤣 But really, it's a great layout. Wish I had the same amount of room, but we all make do with the area we have. Looks great! 3. I have to admit, I've never really liked the idea of the file cabinet for comic storage. But I may be leaning the other direction a little more after seeing your setup. Not sure I like having loose (unboxed) books though. How do you keep them from tipping over? Seems like they could get damaged easier that way. I would definitely line mine out the same way I think. Definitely in some sort of pattern for sure. Then there was the magnet. I audibly said "WOAH" when you "moved that bus" lol. That looked amazing! Really enjoyed the personal touch you added with it as well. Great video, Chris. Really enjoyed it!

[@northgardencomics]

You had me laughing at the pull out the laptop comment! I’ll try to reply in turn: 1. Funny you mention that. I’ve had it for a while but only used it when I did straight up Transformers related content. Just kind of used it on a whim for this one since I wasn’t showing a haul like normal. Glad you like it! 2. I think you’re the one who originally asked about a tour and this seemed to be the opportune time to show it. I’m so grateful to have this space now. It’s definitely the most space I’ve ever had. I’ve had homes where there was no space at all and one was just unfinished basement space. But you’re right, we do what we can with what we have. 3. The file cabinet isn’t for everyone so you have to do your own thing. Took me a while but now I really like it. As for keeping the rows protected, I plan to keep a stack of backing boards at the back of each row that’s not in a box for now. There’s a lip in front that keeps them from sliding forward. I may ultimately make dividers that will keep them more secure. I keep looking at peoples solutions in the comic file cabinet Facebook group. Thanks as always for the engagement!

[@cardsfan5100]

20:47 I covered mine with contact paper. My cabinets all look mahogany.

[@thetoyboxthetoybox8305]

I invested in plastic BCW short bins, and Mylar bags late last year to upgrade my entire collection. I'll never go back to cardboard boxes or polybags.

[@ndfnd424]

ive been wanting to make the switch too, still looking around for the right filing cabinet for me

[@northgardencomics]

Take your time. It’ll come. I know that’s torture to hear when you want to make the shift though!

[@amazingmurfinator6338]

The HON 4 drawer lateral file cabinet is the Cadillac of all cabinets! Love mine

[@northgardencomics]

Agreed! So glad I found one.

[@cardsfan5100]

Oh yes, Hon is great. The price is not. 2nd hand Hon is still expensive. If you are only buying 1 or 2 2nd hand Hon will still be a pretty penny.

[@amazingmurfinator6338]

@@northgardencomics hell yah brother

[@jarredsmith9187]

Can you do a video of your top 10 comic books?

[@islord372]

Love the video. Great looking magnet. I’m going to order one myself. ? 4 U. Did you cut the magnet to get in your drawer or you just take the whole magnet off?

[@northgardencomics]

I cut it. I made a short that shows the finished product if you want to see it.

[@keithtwombley]

books are sorted by the release date of issue #1 of the series, this makes new issues mostly go into the final box. Boxes are numbered and I have an index of which box each series is in. Hardly ever have to move books unless I get a chunk of back issues.

[@JamesHoward-l4o]

Wow😅

[@privateprivate31337]

If you ever want a reprint in HD of that TF print out I can probably provide that digital service especially if you're going to reprint or POC the cut out with your current low res one. I specialize in HD digital restoration/blow up for modern printing especially of comic covers/pages.

[@northgardencomics]

That’s awesome. I’ll keep that in mind!

[@cardsfan5100]

I separate my comics by publisher, then category, then alpha numeric by title. For example, under Marvel I have an area just for books with characters that originated outside of comics. This is where I put things like Bevis and Butthead, Transformers, Star Wars, etc.

[@northgardencomics]

Nice system. Sometime after getting my cabinet I’ve split by publisher too. And then alphabetical by character/team. I also keep separate sections for all X Men related books and then Transformers since they are two of my larger groupings.

[@cardsfan5100]

Hold on…you’re showing your magnet

[@cardsfan5100]

Okay? So with the magnet, how do you open the drawers?

[@cardsfan5100]

Ok, like I was saying, I have my x-men separated as well. All are together unless, they are a reference material, a child’s comic, or part of a cross over. All of those categories have their own spaces.

[@amazingmurfinator6338]

That magnet is so cool, but sounds like a lot of work.

[@northgardencomics]

Not too much. The image resolution and the cutting were the most time consuming. That and the waiting for it to arrive!

[@Traction311]

Great video! I have to say though, as talented as you are, why don't you hide your TV wires? It's a real easy job compared to the rest of what you did. You simply buy the kit, drill a couple of holes, and fish out the wires. It will look much better!

[@robphoenix1182]

I go more broad with my organization of my comics. First by publisher. Then I break that up by popularity (the books that I own the most of in a series) ie does a character get his own box(es). Then I break it up by cosmic, "street" level, avengers (counting solos of team members), teams and lastly solo series(any odd balls). A basic look into my segmenting. Grant it, I have a lot fewer comics. Maybe just one of your metal shelving units. I also have changed it up quite a lot, and it keeps evolving. Though, I tend to stay true to the core of my organization. No clue if that helps any or if you even follow what I mean.😂 Maybe it does help someone out there. 🤷

[@northgardencomics]

Thanks for sharing. That actually sounds like a really cool way to organize them.

[@cardsfan5100]

22:00 there are office furniture stores that sell used cabinets. They will be more expensive than $10, but much less than new, they will be in better condition, the company will deliver and place the cabinets exactly where you want them. I also recommend small furniture movers that can be bought from a hardware store. If the company can get the cabinets to your carpet or hard floor, the small movers allow you to slide the cabinets extremely well. Hope this helps!

[@northgardencomics]

Definitely help. I’m on the lookout for a three drawer cabinet next.

[@cardsfan5100]

@@northgardencomics sounds great!

[@Comiccomplter55]

Can u fit long boxes in the cabinet?

[@northgardencomics]

Hmm, not sure. I think you could fit at least one sideways but don’t know if it would hold two next to each other. If you’re thinking of doing something like this, best to just measure the drawer first. There’s a lot of variance among cabinets.

[@KendallKidd63]

How many comics do you have in your collection? I like the new file cabinet setup, except for my Avengers, Spider-Man & Iron Man, my collection is kind of a haphazard boxing, a future project

[@northgardencomics]

There’s a never ending list of projects with this hobby. It’s part of what makes it fun too. I have about 10k comics now, gathered over the last 35+ years.

[@mr.e3768]

Do you have the brand / type of the cabinet? I have one but the books have to be leaned back when I close cause the books are like 1 cm taller than the top

[@northgardencomics]

I can tell you mine is a brand called HON. From what I've read, they can vary so everyone says to bring a tape measure tp check the internal drawer height. I'd recommend joining the FB group, Comic File Cabinets. There are very knowledgeable people in the group and have seen just about every question from members and people looking to get cabinets to store their comics.

[@COMICBOOKCOLLECTORKING]

How many books do get per row?

[@northgardencomics]

Basically I can fit one short box per row.

[@lastairbenderdude7854]

I may have overlooked it but a link for the cabinet itself?

[@lastairbenderdude7854]

Oh I see you found it on Marketplace.

[@northgardencomics]

Yep, there may be other options depending on your area but Marketplace is where I found mine.

[@vivalarazausarmyvet4453]

Doing this would be too expensive for me. What I do is label a longbox by what's inside (DC, X(titles), A(vengers), 2099, JLA, M(alibu), etc) and keep track on them on a spreadsheet. Avengers West Coast would be under A10 or Uncanny X-Men would be under X1, Dinosaurs for Hire would be under M, etc. so I never reshuffle them, just add a new box. $10 file cabinet wow. I think that's cheaper than a long box.

[@pjizzle5]

Most cabinets I've seen say the drawers are 9.5" tall.... How is yours tall enough?! 😩😩

[@northgardencomics]

not sure. I do see a wide variety of sizes for sale on places like FB Marketplace. Took me a bit to find that one. I'm starting to look for a 3 drawer version but so far the pickings are pretty slim.

[@TheStoneken]

I have my books in alphabetical order, But I mix my books I don't separate Marvel , D.C. etc. I just fill a box and then start a new one, if that makes sense. I have complete runs just not together.

[@northgardencomics]

That sounds like a very efficient system. I’ve heard others doing something similar.

[@huntercapone]

the comic between the lid and the box seems like a spine tick waiting to happen! =[

[@northgardencomics]

True, there’s some risk but I try to be careful.

[@HYDRAKOMIKS]

Hello

[@RonDale-jy8et]

Chris PLEASE don't chop up your great magnet!! There's gotta be another answer!!

[@sak2881]

I don’t do alphabetical because of that exact reason. And I do not want to keep shuffling thousands of comics that’s ridiculous. I have about 25 long boxes and 12 short boxes and they’re all categorized differently sort of as in those boxes there that’s what I was collecting in 2005 for example, and those boxes there those are my original comics from way back in the 80s .. those boxes there they’re all 90’s comics. But Marvel with Marvel and DC with DC etc but within that marvel box they’re not alphabetical their stored in the box as I buy the comics throughout the year you know what I’m saying ? and then the box fills up and then I started a new box .. and I leave full boxes alone. But sometimes when you fill in runs as any, collector, I’m sure has to do you pull out that entire run and put it in a new box or you figure something out, but keeping alphabetical is too much work.

[@northgardencomics]

That’s very cool. And it’s like each box becomes a time capsule of what you bought each year.

[@RonDale-jy8et]

Yeah, I know none of my business!!

[@northgardencomics]

It’s totally fine! Cutting/not cutting, I’ve seen people do both. Gotta go with what you like!