When it comes to miniatures, there are a few things you need to keep in mind: transporting them safely, protecting them from damage, and ensuring they don’t get lost during transit. Here are some tips on transporting your miniatures without drama or mishaps!
The following article will teach you how to:
- Choose the correct container for your miniatures
- Pack your miniatures securely
- Label your container correctly
What is the best way to store miniatures?
One of the best ways to protect your miniatures during transport is using foam trays. This will help to keep them in place and avoid any damage during transit. You can buy pre-made foam trays or make your own out of foam board.
If you are making your own, ensure that the tray is big enough to fit all of your miniatures and that there is plenty of room around each one to avoid movement. Also, ensure the tray is thick enough to protect them from damage.
Label the tray with your name, contact information, and other important information (e.g., “Do Not Bend”). This will help ensure that it doesn’t get lost during transit.
Choosing the Right Container for Your Miniatures
The first step in transporting your miniatures is to choose the correct container. You’ll want something sturdy to protect your models from being jostled or crushed. Some good choices include:
- Plastic storage boxes with lid
- Cardboard boxes with lid
- Bubble wrap envelopes
Packing Your Miniatures Securely
Once you’ve chosen a container, it’s time to start packing your miniatures. You’ll want to ensure they are secure so they don’t move around during transit and get damaged. Here are some tips:
- Wrap each miniature in bubble wrap or tissue paper.
- Place each wrapped miniature in a foam egg crate.
- Fill empty spaces in the container with crumpled tissue paper or packing peanuts.
Labeling Your Container Correctly
The last step is to label your container. You’ll want to include the following information:
- Your name and contact information
- The contents of the box
- Fragile! Handle with Care
How to store and care for your miniatures
When it comes to transporting your miniatures, the first thing you need to do is make sure they are correctly stored. The best way to do this is to get a foam tray with cut-outs designed explicitly for miniatures. You can find these at most hobby stores or online. If you have multiple models, you can invest in a storage box with compartments for each figure. This will help keep them organized and protected from damage.
10 Ways to store your miniatures
(1) Store your miniatures in a display cabinet.
This is an excellent option if you have the space for it. Not only will your miniatures be protected from damage, but you’ll also be able to show them off to your friends and family!
Display cabinets are made from various materials, including wood, glass, and plastic. They come in a wide range of sizes, so you should be able to find one that fits your needs. You can get ones with rotating shelves or doors that open from the front or top. These will cost you more than an ordinary cabinet but will display your models in the best light. It is always good to get a display cabinet with the correct lighting. Make sure to paint your models before they go on display, making them look even more amazing!
Advantages
- Your miniatures will be protected from damage.
- You’ll be able to admire your collection quickly.
- You have the added benefit of lighting.
- You can get cabinets that move and have unique designs.
Disadvantages
- Display cabinets can be expensive.
- They take up a lot of space.
(2) Invest in a foam tray.
Foam trays are specifically designed to protect your miniatures from damage. They come in various sizes, so you can find one that fits your needs. Most foam trays have compartments that are the perfect size for miniatures. This will help keep them organized and prevent them from being damaged.
You can get foam cases such as the foam case from Citadel. This is an excellent option to protect your miniatures while traveling. The foam case has a sturdy exterior and compartments for each model.
Advantages
- Your miniatures will be protected from damage.
- Foam trays are relatively inexpensive.
- They take up less space than a display cabinet.
Disadvantages
- Your miniatures won’t be on display for others to admire.
(3) Use a storage box with compartments.
This is a great way to keep your miniatures organized and protected. You can find storage boxes at most hobby stores or online. They come in various sizes, so you can find one that fits your needs. Most storage boxes have compartments that are the perfect size for miniatures.
Some storage boxes will be explicitly designed for miniatures, and you can get separate foam trays to add that extra layer of protection. Foam trays are one of the best ways to store models and ensure they are protected when undergoing transportation.
Advantages
- Your miniatures will be protected from damage.
- You can easily see all of your miniatures at once.
- Storage boxes are relatively inexpensive.
Disadvantages
- They take up a bit more space than foam trays.
(4) Line the bottom of a cardboard box with foam.
This is a great way to protect your miniatures if you’re transporting them in a cardboard box. Just line the bottom of the box with foam, and your models will be safe and sound.
You can make your cardboard box with a foam tray by following the steps below:
- Cut a piece of foam to fit the bottom of the box of your choice.
- 2. Place the foam in the bottom of the box, making sure each layer is adjusted and cut to the size of the box.
- Place your miniatures in the box on top of the foam. You can cut rectangles into the foam to make your tray.
- Close the lid and transport as usual.
Advantages
- Your miniatures will be protected from damage.
- This method is relatively inexpensive.
Disadvantages
- Your miniatures won’t be as well protected as they would be in a foam tray or storage box.
(5) Wrap your miniatures in bubble wrap.
This is a great way to protect delicate miniatures from damage. Wrap each figure in bubble wrap, then place them in a box or foam tray. This will add an extra layer of protection and help keep your models safe.
You can find bubble wrap at most hardware stores or online. Make sure to get the right size for your miniatures.
Advantages
- Your miniatures will be protected from damage.
- This method is relatively inexpensive.
Disadvantages
- Bubble wrap can be a bit time-consuming to use.
(6) Use packing peanuts.
Packing peanuts are a great way to fill space in a box and protect your miniatures simultaneously. Just place the peanuts in the bottom of the box, and then place your models on top. The peanuts will help keep your representations safe and secure during transit.
You can find packing peanuts at most hardware stores or online. Make sure to get the right size for your miniatures.
Advantages
- Your miniatures will be protected from damage.
- Packing peanuts are relatively inexpensive.
Disadvantages
- They can be a bit messy to work with.
(7) Keep them in the box they came in.
If your miniatures come in a box, that’s the best place to store them. Make sure the box is big enough to fit all your figures. Packaging peanuts or bubble wrap can also fill any space and protect your miniatures.
If you don’t have the original box, you can find one that’s a similar size at a hobby store or online.
Advantages
-Your miniatures will be protected from damage.
-This method is easy and convenient.
Disadvantages
-The box might not be big enough to fit all of your figures.
(8) Make a display board
Creating your display boards is a great way to simultaneously display and store your miniatures. You will need to construct your battle and scenery to express your models in the best possible way. This is a project in itself and can be a great way to make your miniatures come to life!
You can buy display boards that are premade or make your own you can do this by:
- Cut a piece of foam board or cardboard to the size and shape you want.
- Cover the board with the terrain of your choice.
- Arrange pre-bought scenery onto the board.
- Arrange any structures or buildings to work alongside your created landscape.
- Place your models on the board how you want them displayed.
Advantages
- Your miniatures will be displayed creatively.
- You can tailor the display board to your liking.
Disadvantages
- This method is more time-consuming than others.
(9) Use magnet boards
Magnet boards are a great way to store and display your miniatures. You can find these at most hobby stores or online. Adhere your models to the board with magnets. This is a great way to keep your figures safe and organized.
By placing magnets on the bottom of your miniature bases, your miniatures will stick to the bottom of the magnetic case.
Advantages
- Your miniatures will be protected from damage.
- You can easily see all of your figures at once.
- Magnet boards are relatively inexpensive.
Disadvantages
- They take up a bit more space than foam trays.
(10) Use an egg carton
Maybe your friend has given you a miniature, and you do not have access to any of the storage options above. Well, no need to panic; you can use something as commonplace as an egg carton. Just place each figure in its compartment and voila! You have an instant storage solution.
Advantages
- Your miniatures will be protected from damage.
- This method is very inexpensive.
Disadvantages
- The egg carton might not be big enough to fit all of your figures.
As you can see, many ways to safely transport your miniatures. It all depends on your budget and what level of protedrama or mishapfully; these tips will help you get your models from point A to point B without any drama or mishaps!
Tips and tricks for miniature storage
When it comes to storing your miniatures, there are a few things you need to keep in mind:
- Ensure the foam tray or storage box is clean and dust-free before placing your miniatures inside.
- 2. If you’re using a foam tray, make sure the cut-outs are the right size for your miniatures. If they’re too big, the figures could move around and get damaged.
- 3. Always handle your miniatures carefully to avoid damage.
- 4. If you’re traveling with your miniatures, pack them securely in a bag or box to prevent them from getting lost.
FAQs about miniature storage and transportation
How can I protect my miniatures from damage?
There are a few ways you can protect your miniatures from damage:
- Store them in a clean and dust-free environment.
- Use foam trays or storage boxes with cut-outs that are the right size for your figures.
- Handle your miniatures carefully.
- Pack them securely when traveling.
What is the best way to transport miniatures?
The best way to transport miniatures depends on your needs and preferences. Some methods, like using a cardboard box or wrapping them in bubble wrap, are inexpensive. Others, like making a display board or buying a foam tray storage case, might take a bit more time and cost more but offer added protection for your figures.
How should I store my painted and unpainted miniatures?
Painted and unpainted miniatures can be stored together. However, if you want to keep them separate, you can store painted models in a display case and unpainted miniatures in a storage box.
No matter how you choose to store your miniatures, the most important thing is to handle them carefully to avoid damage. With some planning, you can keep your models safe and sound until you’re ready to use them again!
How do your store miniatures in foam storage?
Foam storage is a great way to keep your miniatures safe from damage. Place your figures in the cut-outs and close the lid. Foam trays come in various sizes, so you can find one that fits your needs. You can also cut out larger areas of your foam trays for tanks and larger figurines.
To do this, place the miniature on the foam tray to gauge the size. Then cut out the foam inlets that are a bit larger than the base of the model. This will give the piece some wiggle room and make it less likely to topple over and get damaged.
How do you transport big miniatures?
When it comes to transporting big miniatures, you have a few options. You can use a magnetic miniatures board, make a custom box, or purchase a foam tray storage case.
Magnetic boards are great for keeping your models safe during transport. They allow you to see all your pieces at a glance, and you can arrange them however you like. Plus, if you have multiple boards, you can easily store them in a bag or box.
Making a custom box is another option for transporting big miniatures. You’ll need to find a box that’s the right size for your figures and add some padding, like bubble wrap or foam. Secure the lid with tape, and you’re good to go!
Foam tray storage cases are designed specifically for miniatures. They’re great for both transportation and storage, as they offer padding and protection from the elements. Plus, they come in various sizes so that you can find one perfect for your needs.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to store and transport your miniatures, it’s time to get out there and start collecting! With some planning and care, you’ll be able to keep your figures safe and sound no matter where you take them. Happy hunting!
