How to Store and Organize Your Board Games: A Comprehensive Guide

Board games have experienced a significant resurgence in popularity, offering a welcome alternative to digital entertainment. From complex strategy games to lighthearted family favorites, the variety available is staggering. However, as your collection grows, so does the challenge of storing and organizing it effectively. A disorganized board game collection can lead to damaged components, forgotten favorites, and a general sense of overwhelm. This guide provides a comprehensive approach to storing and organizing your board games, ensuring they remain in good condition, are easily accessible, and contribute positively to your living space.

Assessing Your Collection and Space

Before diving into storage solutions, take a moment to honestly assess your current situation. This involves evaluating both the size of your collection and the space you have available for storage.

Inventory and Categorization

Start by taking a complete inventory of your board games. This might seem tedious, but it's a crucial step in understanding the scope of your storage needs. Consider creating a spreadsheet or using a dedicated board game tracking app like BoardGameGeek to record the following information for each game:

• Game Title: Essential for identification.
• Box Dimensions: Crucial for determining shelf space requirements. Measure the height, width, and depth of each box accurately.
• Weight: Heavier games may require sturdier shelving.
• Frequency of Play: Games played more often should be more accessible.
• Game Type/Theme: Categorizing by genre (e.g., strategy, family, cooperative) or theme (e.g., fantasy, sci-fi, historical) can aid in organization.
• Component Complexity: Games with many small pieces require more careful storage to prevent loss or damage.

Once you have this information, you can begin to categorize your games. This can be done in several ways, depending on your preferences and playing habits. Common categorization methods include:

• Frequency of Play: Separate games into categories like "Frequently Played," "Occasionally Played," and "Rarely Played." This allows you to prioritize accessibility for your favorites.
• Game Type: Group games by genre, such as strategy games, party games, cooperative games, or family games. This can be helpful for choosing games based on the occasion.
• Player Count: Organize games by the number of players they support. This is especially useful if you frequently host game nights with different group sizes.
• Theme: If you have a particular fondness for certain themes, such as fantasy or science fiction, you can group your games accordingly.
• Box Size: Group games based on their physical size for efficient storage.

Evaluating Your Storage Space

Next, assess the available storage space in your home. Consider the following areas:

• Shelving Units: The most common and versatile option. Consider existing shelves, or plan for new ones.
• Cabinets: Offer concealed storage, protecting games from dust and light.
• Closets: Can be a good option for larger collections, especially if you can dedicate an entire closet.
• Under-Bed Storage: Suitable for games played less frequently.
• Attic or Basement: Only consider these options if they are climate-controlled and dry. Temperature fluctuations and humidity can damage game components.
• Wall Space: Consider vertical storage solutions like wall-mounted shelves.

Measure the dimensions of your available storage space accurately. This will help you determine how many games you can realistically store in each area. Also, consider the weight capacity of your shelves, especially if you have many heavy games.
Tip: Before investing in new storage solutions, consider decluttering your collection. Be honest with yourself about which games you truly enjoy and play. Selling or donating unwanted games can free up valuable space.

Choosing the Right Storage Solutions

With a clear understanding of your collection and space, you can begin to select appropriate storage solutions. The ideal solution will depend on your individual needs and preferences, but here are some popular options:

Shelving Units

Shelving units are a versatile and customizable storage solution for board games. They come in a variety of sizes, styles, and materials, making it easy to find one that fits your aesthetic and storage needs.

• Standard Bookshelves: Affordable and readily available, but may not be deep enough for larger board game boxes.
• Cube Shelves: Offer modular storage, allowing you to customize the layout to fit your collection. They are particularly well-suited for games of varying sizes.
• Adjustable Shelves: Provide flexibility in shelf height, accommodating different sized games. This is a great option for a diverse collection.
• Floating Shelves: Offer a minimalist and modern look. Ensure they are securely mounted and can handle the weight of your games.

When selecting shelving units, consider the following factors:

• Depth: Ensure the shelves are deep enough to accommodate the depth of your largest board game boxes. Ideally, aim for a depth of at least 12 inches.
• Weight Capacity: Choose shelves that can support the weight of your games, especially if you have many heavy games. Solid wood or metal shelves are generally more durable than particleboard.
• Adjustability: Adjustable shelves offer greater flexibility in organizing your collection.
• Material: Consider the durability and aesthetic appeal of different materials, such as wood, metal, or laminate.
• Style: Choose shelving that complements the décor of your room.

Placement of Games on Shelves:

• Heaviest games on the bottom shelves: This improves stability and reduces the risk of the shelf tipping.
• Frequently played games at eye level: Makes them easily accessible and encourages play.
• Less frequently played games on higher or lower shelves: Keeps them organized but out of the prime real estate.
• Organize by category or theme: Enhances visual appeal and helps you find the game you're looking for quickly.

Cabinets and Credenzas

Cabinets and credenzas offer concealed storage, protecting your games from dust, light, and prying eyes. They are a more aesthetically pleasing option than open shelving, especially in living rooms or dining rooms.

• Cabinets with Doors: Keep your games hidden and protected. Look for cabinets with adjustable shelves for maximum flexibility.
• Credenzas: Provide ample surface space for displaying other items, such as artwork or lamps.
• Media Consoles: Can be adapted to store board games, especially those with shallow boxes.

When choosing cabinets or credenzas, consider the following factors:

• Internal Dimensions: Measure the internal dimensions carefully to ensure they can accommodate your games.
• Door Style: Consider whether you prefer solid doors or glass doors. Glass doors allow you to see your collection, while solid doors offer more privacy.
• Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation to prevent moisture buildup, which can damage game components.
• Style: Choose a cabinet or credenza that complements the décor of your room.

Dedicated Board Game Storage Furniture

Several companies now offer furniture specifically designed for board game storage. These pieces often feature adjustable shelves, specialized compartments for card storage, and other features that cater to the needs of board game enthusiasts.

While these options can be more expensive, they provide a tailored solution for storing and organizing your collection. Consider researching companies that specialize in board game furniture and reading reviews before making a purchase.

Portable Storage Solutions

For those with limited space or who frequently travel with their games, portable storage solutions can be a valuable asset.

• Rolling Carts: Offer mobile storage, allowing you to easily move your games from one room to another.
• Storage Bins: Can be used to store games under beds, in closets, or in other tight spaces. Choose bins with lids to protect your games from dust and moisture.
• Game Bags: Designed specifically for carrying board games, these bags often feature padded compartments and adjustable straps.

Optimizing Internal Game Organization

Storing the game boxes is only half the battle. Effective internal organization is crucial for protecting components, reducing setup time, and enhancing the overall gaming experience.

Component Organization

Many board games come with a plethora of components, including cards, dice, tokens, miniatures, and tiles. Without proper organization, these components can easily become mixed up, lost, or damaged.

• Plastic Bags: A simple and inexpensive solution for separating and protecting components. Use resealable bags to keep components organized and prevent them from spilling. Label each bag clearly with the component name.
• Plastic Containers: Offer more durable and structured storage than plastic bags. Choose containers with dividers to keep different types of components separated.
• Tackle Boxes: Perfect for storing small components like tokens, dice, and meeples. They offer numerous compartments and a secure closure.
• Card Dividers: Essential for organizing card-heavy games. Use card dividers to separate cards by type or function. You can purchase pre-made dividers or create your own using cardstock.
• Foam Core Inserts: Custom-made foam core inserts provide a tailored solution for organizing game components. These inserts are designed to fit snugly inside the game box, preventing components from shifting during transport. Many online resources offer templates and instructions for building your own foam core inserts.
• 3D Printed Inserts: A growing trend, offering highly customized and aesthetically pleasing solutions. Websites like Etsy have vendors that create these for many popular games.

Choosing the Right Component Organization Method:

• Consider the frequency of play: Games played often benefit from more robust and easily accessible storage.
• Consider the component types: Cards need different storage than miniatures.
• Consider the game box size: Ensure the organization solution fits within the game box without causing bulging.

Protecting Cards

Cards are often the most vulnerable component in a board game, prone to wear and tear from shuffling, handling, and storage. Protecting your cards is essential for extending their lifespan.

• Card Sleeves: The most common and effective way to protect cards. Choose sleeves that are the correct size for your cards and are made from a durable material. Consider using different colored sleeves for different types of cards to aid in organization.
• Card Dividers: As mentioned earlier, card dividers are essential for organizing card-heavy games.
• Card Storage Boxes: Provide a dedicated space for storing sleeved cards. Choose boxes with dividers to keep cards organized.

Sleeve Thickness and Type:

• Standard Sleeves: Offer basic protection and are generally affordable.
• Premium Sleeves: Thicker and more durable, offering better protection for valuable cards.
• Clear Sleeves: Allow you to see the card art.
• Opaque Sleeves: Hide the card back, preventing wear patterns from giving away card identities (useful for games with hidden roles).

Organizing Rulebooks and Instructions

Rulebooks and instructions are often the first things to become damaged or lost. Keep them organized and protected to ensure you can easily reference them when needed.

• Plastic Sleeves: Protect rulebooks from creases and tears.
• Binders: Use binders to store rulebooks and other game-related documents.
• Digital Copies: Consider downloading digital copies of rulebooks and storing them on your computer or tablet. This can be a convenient way to access the rules without having to physically handle the rulebook.

Labeling Everything

Labeling is key to maintaining an organized board game collection. Use labels to identify the contents of boxes, bags, and containers. This will make it much easier to find what you're looking for and will prevent components from getting mixed up.

• Label Makers: Provide a quick and easy way to create professional-looking labels.
• Permanent Markers: Can be used to write directly on plastic bags or containers.
• Color-Coded Labels: Use different colored labels to differentiate between different types of components or games.

Maximizing Space and Aesthetics

Beyond functionality, consider how your board game storage contributes to the overall aesthetics of your living space. A well-organized and visually appealing collection can enhance the ambiance of your home.

Vertical Storage

When space is limited, vertical storage is your best friend. Utilize wall space with shelves that extend to the ceiling, maximizing storage capacity without taking up valuable floor space.

• Floor-to-Ceiling Shelving: Provides maximum storage capacity.
• Wall-Mounted Shelves: Offer a more minimalist look and can be placed at varying heights.
• Pegboards: Can be used to hang smaller games or components.

Stacking Strategies

When stacking games on shelves, consider the following:

• Stack heavier games at the bottom: This prevents lighter games from being crushed.
• Stack games of similar sizes together: This creates a more visually appealing and stable stack.
• Avoid stacking games too high: This can make it difficult to access the games at the top and can increase the risk of the stack tipping over.

Rotating Your Collection

If you have a large collection, consider rotating your games on a regular basis. This will allow you to keep your favorites within easy reach while storing less frequently played games in a less accessible location.

You can rotate your collection seasonally or based on your playing habits. For example, you might keep lighter, family-friendly games out during the summer and more complex strategy games out during the winter.

Creating a Display Area

If you have particularly beautiful or valuable games, consider creating a display area to showcase them. This could be a dedicated shelf, a glass cabinet, or even a wall-mounted display case.

Choose games that you are proud to own and that complement the décor of your room. Arrange them in an aesthetically pleasing way, and consider adding other decorative elements, such as figurines or artwork.

Hiding the Clutter

Even with the best organization, some components and game boxes can still look cluttered. Use baskets, bins, or decorative boxes to hide these items and create a more streamlined look.

Choose containers that complement the décor of your room and that are large enough to hold all of your loose components.

Lighting

Proper lighting can enhance the visual appeal of your board game collection. Consider adding accent lighting to highlight your display area or to make it easier to browse your shelves.

LED strip lights are a popular option for adding a subtle glow to your collection. You can also use spotlights or pendant lights to draw attention to specific games.

Maintaining Your Organized Collection

Organizing your board games is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. To maintain your organized collection, follow these tips:

• Put games away immediately after playing: This prevents components from getting lost or damaged.
• Regularly declutter your collection: Get rid of games you no longer play or enjoy.
• Periodically reorganize your collection: As your collection grows, you may need to adjust your storage solutions.
• Inspect games for damage: Regularly inspect your games for damage and repair any issues promptly.

Conclusion

Storing and organizing your board games effectively is essential for protecting your investment, maximizing your enjoyment, and enhancing the aesthetics of your living space. By assessing your collection and space, choosing the right storage solutions, optimizing internal game organization, and maintaining your organized collection, you can create a board game storage system that is both functional and visually appealing. Remember to tailor your approach to your specific needs and preferences, and don't be afraid to experiment until you find a system that works best for you. With a little effort, you can transform your board game collection from a source of clutter into a cherished and well-organized asset.

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