So, Claudio, what do you store YOUR paper counters in? (Not just for Claudio)

[Henry]

Just thinking a bit...

I now own two collections of the Counter Collection I, one pack of Counter Collection II, and I am soon to pick up the Modern (III) Counter Collection.

That's a LOT of counters!

My problem is, I cannot find a good storage mechanism for all of these carboard counters to seep them separate. I am currently using inexpensive plastic single-layer fishing tack boxes, but I have two problems.

1) The counters do not fit well. A lot of space is wasted, and in 99% of all tackle boxes I have tried, they do not have a tight seal at the top. All it takes is turning the box vertical, even while closed, and several counters get mixed together from each stack.

2)Not enough spaces. I have had to resort to keeping my reptilians together (kobolds & lizardfolk in the same box), my multi-square counters together (from dragons to horse-drawn wagons), and so forth. It doesn't help to separate them if I STILL have to look for five minutes for a counter.


I had thought of small plastic bags, but I cannot find them in my area. Apparently, the obvious use of these as nickel bags and dime bags for narcotics in my area has caused them to be outlawed. (I kid you not.) I really don't have too many other options.

Does anyone have any obvious suggestions that I am missing?

Those of you who have the counter collections - how are you storing yours???

 

[Droogie]

Are you american? If you are, then you live near a Walmart. Go there.

The arts-and-crafts section has packs of those little dime-baggies you seek. Better yet, go a few isles over to the sewing supplies, and you'll find a package of little baggies to keep sewing thread in. They have a white area on the bag that you can write on (bag 3: humanoids) and a couple holes that allow you to put them in a binder.The holes are nice cuz you don't have to squeeze and burp the stupid things after sealing them.

If you have no Walmart, try anyplace that sells arts/craft supplies or sewing supplies.

I keep all my counter baggies in a pencil box.

Edit: AAHHGGGGG!!!!!!! I just reread your post. Dime bags outlawed? Well, the sewing supply and craft places should still have plastic boxes for holding thread. They have lots of little compartments and they close tight without compartment spillage.

Sorry about the wasted breath above.

 

[Shallown]

I use a small zip loc baggie I got from Office depot. And put them in a 4X6 file draw I bought at the Depot along with Alphebet dividers. I just keep them in alphebetical order and can pull them out at a moments notcie. The individual ones are put according to race so individual humans all go in one bag. I do kee those seperate in the back of the box for ease of access. I have like 2 counter collections and 2 packs as well plus some stuff from modules and dragon magazine cut outs as well. They all sit in the back of the box which is probably 6.5 X 10 inches or so in size. Makes it easy for me.

Later

 

[Sir Whiskers]

I don't use the counter collections, but for the cardboard heroes I used with Champions, I found that the old photo album sheets work well. Just place the counters on the cardboard, then cover with the plastic laminate. Over time the counters don't stick as well, so I've had to replace the sheets a couple times.

 

[jester47]

I have counter collection 1 & 2, Along with Counterpacks 1,2, & 3.

That is a lot of counters. Over a 1000.

Storing them is a problem. I sorted mine by general type. But finding a way to sort them better would be good. I think I will look at a wal-mart.

Not to mention the counters from Dungeon. I will never lack for representation again!



Aaron.

 

[Painfully]

I scanned mine into my computer, and having bought some heavy card stock can now print out whatever counters I need whenever I need them. No more waste.

I use a 3-ring binder for my adventures and in the back keep 2 sheets of archival card holders (they look like sheet protecters but are made for holding baseball cards). I do have to worry enough to keep my notebook rightside-up, but it hasn't been a problem so far. I'm sure if you check out your local office depot they might even have sheets for holding computer disks that could also be used.

 

[Klaus]

Right now I'm using a toolbox. It has compartments in several sizes (not one of those that open several tiers of compartments, mind you, looks like a plastic briefcase), and I separate the counters by type (PCs being kept separately). There;s even room for dice!

But the best advice to give you is to take with you the counters specific for the adventure in letter envelopes, so you can pop them out right when you need 'em.

Game on!

 

[Arken]

I haven't seen these so this may not be appropriate but if the counters are small a very easy way to store them that I found for some counters I use is plastic sheets of collectible card holders.

They come in big sheets with maybe 9 compartments for cards and can be put in a binder. Hope this is helpful instead of stupid

 

[Henry]

Thanks for the info, all!

Claudio, that's some toolbox! Unfortunately, I have to take my whole collection, because I provide counters for the other DM's as well. I think I will check a little deeper on the dime-bag issue, but they are extremely hard to find in my area. (I took the "drug use thing" at face value from a friend, but in hindsight I think he was "handing me a line."

 

[Red Baron]

At our last meeting (last weekend), Fiery Jason brought along a few little boxes from a craft store (Michael's, if you have such a place nearby). I got one, and it's great! (Thanks, JK!)

I had been using a tackle-box with plastic bags for some bigger counters, but this little storage box works really well (for the little counters) -- no spillage at all, and it fits in the bottom portion of the tackle-box.