@barrister.2u posted:My two cents: Boxes take up too much room. Over decades, one acquires many boxes and one must ask: why? As for storage, I use large rubber containers and put the stock in paper bags. When there are many paper bags in a container, they act as cushions. The boxes, I concluded, are marketing ploys. In fairness, some large locomotives require special consideration. But by saving all the boxes, I was creating a monster, that would require a small warehouse for storage. That is no longer the case. As for value, I do not generally sell my trains & they will go out the door with me somewhere in the future. Why worry about it?
Mark
Most boxes include form-fitting inserts specifically to protect THAT item, far from a "marketing ploy." The value of original boxes becomes very evident: 1) if/when you move & need to use them for secure shipping; 2) if/when you decide it's the time in your life to thin, or dispose of, your collection & wish to sell; & ultimately, 3) for the day you croak & your family is stuck trying to sell & ship your stuff. They will not be "going out the door" with you at that point.
