The HEIYING Memory Card Case can hold both SD and MicroSD cards.

Jack Wallen/

For the longest time, I tossed my SD cards around like they were indestructible items that would always be there, ready to serve. It wasn't until a few months ago that my lackadaisical approach to keeping them organized and safe turned on me. I lost a 256GB card containing several videos I'd only just shot. No matter where I looked, I couldn't find it. To this day, that card has yet to appear. I'm confident that someday that card will show itself and I'll be able to see the clips I so desperately needed (and eventually had to reshoot).

I wish I'd gotten organized before the loss.

Also: The best microSD cards you can buy

Besides the lost video files, SD cards can get costly. Currently, a256GB Sandisk Extreme Pro SD card sells for$45.89 on Amazon. Most creators work with multiple cards (because video files can get very large), so you could wind up with hundreds of dollars invested in SD cards.

RECOMMENDS

HEIYING Memory Card Case

A basic, inexpensive, and reliable case to hold your SD and MicroSD cards.

View at Amazon

Don't risk losing or damaging those cards, especially when a handy and effective case can be had for less than the price of a single 64 GB SD card. 

Also: What do all those microSD and SD card numbers and letters mean?

The case in question is the HEIYING Memory Card Case. I only recently purchased one such case and wished I had done so years ago. This case is as simple as it gets. It opens to reveal 20 slots that can hold either SD or MicroSD. If you have 20 SD and 20 MicroSD cards, this case can hold them all (with the MicroSD cards under the SD cards). And with a magnetic closure, the case will stay shut until you open it. 

The only thing this case does not have is a lanyard or clip. That's probably a good thing, as I can see the case accidentally flying open when hanging from your neck or clipped to a bag or your pants. Instead, toss it in your bag or slip it into a drawer -- and you're good to go.

The specs

The HEIYING Memory Card case is as basic as it gets. (What do you expect for only$12.99?) The specs look like this:

• Capacity - Stores 20 SD cards and 20 Micro SD cards.
• Material - Made of high-grade ABS plastic with a soft silicone lining.
• Features - Easy-to-handle clasp makes the SD card case easier to open.
• Dimensions - 5.94 x 3.43 x 0.63 inches.
• Weight - 4.9 ounces

The HEIYING Memory Card Case is available in these colors and styles: faux carbon fiber (which is what I purchased), black, cow print, game console black, game console blue, checkerboard, khaki plaid, red, and stripe. 

I purchased the case in black carbon fiber print (it's not real carbon fiber).

Jack Wallen/

It's basic. It holds SD cards and nothing more. It has no bells and whistles, doesn't protect your cards from powerful magnets, isn't waterproof, and won't charge your phone or make your coffee. It's just a case, but it works really well to keep your SD cards organized and protects them from the damage that can be caused by tossing individual cards in your purse, backpack, or pocket.

After stuffing my SD cards into this case, I no longer worry about those small devices getting lost in the fray. As long as I don't lose my case, I'm good. 

Also: You might be using the wrong microSD cards

If you work with a lot of SD cards, I highly recommend you purchase thisinexpensive case to keep your cards corralled together. 

See also

This$30 gadget claims to add years to your phone's lifespan. Here's howThis is the USB flash drive James Bond would useHow to strip wires like a pro (and my must-have tools)Stop! Your Apple charger may be a counterfeit, and this tiny gadget can tellThis$10 gadget is my favorite repair tool of all time

• This$30 gadget claims to add years to your phone's lifespan. Here's how
• This is the USB flash drive James Bond would use
• How to strip wires like a pro (and my must-have tools)
• Stop! Your Apple charger may be a counterfeit, and this tiny gadget can tell
• This$10 gadget is my favorite repair tool of all time