Level Up Your Game Room: The Ultimate Guide to Board Game Storage

For board game enthusiasts, the collection often grows faster than the available space. From beautifully illustrated boxes to the myriad components within, managing your board game library can quickly become a chaotic challenge. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to conquering board game clutter, ensuring your cherished games are protected, easily accessible, and ready for the next game night. We’ll explore various storage solutions, organization techniques, and tips for maintaining your collection in pristine condition.

Why is Proper Board Game Storage Important?

Before diving into the how, let’s understand the why. Effective board game storage isn’t just about aesthetics; it plays a crucial role in:

• Protecting Your Investment: Board games, especially the more elaborate ones, can be expensive. Proper storage shields them from dust, moisture, sunlight, and physical damage, extending their lifespan.
• Organizing and Efficiency: A well-organized collection means less time searching for a specific game and more time playing. It prevents missing components and allows for easier setup.
• Preserving Game Components: Cardboard tokens can become bent, cards can warp, and wooden pieces can be damaged if not stored properly. Good storage minimizes these risks.
• Maintaining a Tidy Space: A cluttered gaming area can be overwhelming and detract from the enjoyment of playing. Proper storage helps create a more welcoming and relaxing environment.

Step 1: Assess Your Collection and Space

Before you buy any storage solutions, take stock of what you have and the space you have available. This crucial first step lays the foundation for effective storage.

1. Take Inventory: Count how many games you own, and also note their size and dimensions. Are they standard-sized boxes, larger “big box” games, or smaller card games? This information will heavily influence the type of storage solutions you need.
2. Categorize Your Games: Consider how you’d like to group your games. Some options include:
   • By Type: Strategy, cooperative, party, worker placement, etc.
   • By Player Count: 1-2 players, 2-4 players, 4+ players, etc.
   • By Frequency of Play: Games you play often versus those that are infrequently played.
   • Alphabetical Order: A simple and effective method, especially for large collections.

   Choose the categorization method that makes the most sense for your gaming habits.

3. Measure Your Available Space: Determine the dimensions of the area where you intend to store your games. This includes the height, width, and depth of shelves, closets, or any other designated space. Don’t forget to account for any potential obstructions like doors or windows.
4. Consider Future Growth: If your collection is still growing, factor in space for new additions to avoid immediately outgrowing your storage solution. It’s better to plan for more space than to underestimate.

Step 2: Choosing the Right Storage Solutions

Now that you’ve assessed your collection and space, it’s time to consider the various storage options. Here’s a breakdown of popular choices:

1. Shelving Units

Shelving units are a classic and versatile solution for board game storage. They provide easy access and visual appeal. Here’s what to consider:

• Types of Shelving:
  • Bookcases: Readily available in various sizes and styles, providing a familiar and flexible option.
  • Cube Shelving: Offers individual compartments, ideal for different box sizes, and you can use fabric cubes for smaller games or components.
  • Floating Shelves: Wall-mounted shelves provide a modern, space-saving solution, perfect for smaller collections or displaying favorite games.
  • Custom Built-Ins: For a more personalized solution, consider having built-in shelves constructed to fit your exact needs and space.
• Material: Choose durable materials like wood or metal. Avoid flimsy particleboard that may not be able to handle the weight of multiple games.
• Adjustable Shelves: Shelves that can be adjusted to different heights offer great flexibility for storing games of varying sizes.
• Sturdy Construction: Ensure the shelving unit is stable and won’t topple over under the weight of your games. Consider anchoring it to the wall for extra safety, especially if you have children or pets.

2. Closets

Closets can be a practical option if you have the space and they are generally out of the way from your gaming area. However, they may require a little more creativity to optimize for board game storage.

• Shelving Inserts: Add shelving inserts to maximize vertical space and compartmentalize games.
• Stackable Bins: Use stackable bins for smaller games or component storage. Choose clear bins to easily identify contents.
• Hanging Organizers: Consider hanging organizers for storing rulebooks or smaller items.
• Accessibility: Make sure the games you want to access frequently are within easy reach and not hidden behind other games or items.

3. Rolling Carts

Rolling carts offer a mobile storage solution, perfect for small spaces or gamers who move their games around frequently.

• Multi-Tiered Carts: Carts with multiple tiers maximize storage space and can organize games by size or type.
• Sturdy Wheels: Ensure the cart has sturdy wheels that move smoothly and can handle the weight of the games.
• Lockable Wheels: Lockable wheels prevent the cart from rolling unintentionally.
• Size and Dimensions: Choose a cart with the appropriate dimensions to accommodate your games and fit within your space.

4. Creative and Alternative Solutions

Think outside the box with some alternative storage solutions:

• Under-Bed Storage: Flat, shallow storage containers can fit under your bed and are ideal for storing infrequently played games.
• Ottomans with Storage: Ottomans with built-in storage provide a dual-purpose furniture piece.
• Wall-Mounted Magazine Racks: Magazine racks can be repurposed to hold rulebooks and smaller game components.
• Decorative Trunks: Vintage trunks can add character to your room and provide ample storage for larger games.

Step 3: Organizing Your Games and Components

Once you have your storage solutions in place, the next crucial step is organizing your games and their components. A well-organized collection makes game selection and setup much more enjoyable.

1. Organizing Game Boxes

• Orientation: Stacking board game boxes horizontally is often the most space-efficient method but can damage thin boxes or cause components to shift. Storing them vertically like books can prevent this, especially for larger games. If you do stack, place heavier, sturdier boxes on the bottom.
• Grouping by Category: Group games based on your preferred categories (type, player count, frequency of play, etc.) on your shelves to facilitate easy retrieval.
• Game Box Dividers: Use dividers to prevent games from toppling over on shelves, and create distinct sections. This is crucial with vertically stored games.
• Labeling: Consider labeling shelves or sections for extra clarity and quicker access, particularly if you have a large collection.

2. Organizing Game Components

The real challenge is often managing all the pieces, cards, and tokens inside the game box. Here are some techniques for optimizing internal game storage:

• Resealable Bags: Use resealable bags of various sizes to organize tokens, cards, and other components. Label each bag with its contents to eliminate the need to search. Ziploc bags are very affordable, and the different sizes are useful for different needs.
• Component Trays: Small plastic trays or tackle boxes are great for separating and organizing different component types. You can also find custom inserts designed specifically for particular games to keep things even more organized.
• Card Holders and Sleeves: Protect your game cards from wear and tear with card sleeves. Use card holders or deck boxes to organize and keep decks separate and in great shape.
• Binder Sleeves: Use photo binder sleeves to store punchboard tokens for better visibility and organization, especially after you’ve punched them out.
• Rubber Bands and Elastics: Use them to keep decks and component stacks neatly organized. Don’t wrap too tightly to avoid bending the components.
• 3D Printed Inserts: If you have access to a 3D printer or are willing to buy them, custom 3D-printed inserts can be fantastic for organizing specific games.
• Original Inserts: If your game comes with a custom molded insert, try to use it effectively. Often, they are designed for optimal storage. Be careful of breaking fragile parts though, and consider replacing with a better option if necessary.

3. Storing Rulebooks and Manuals

• Separate Binder or Folder: Keep rulebooks separate from the game boxes in a binder or folder. This can prevent them from getting damaged and can make it easier to find and use.
• Hanging Folders: Use hanging folders if your closet or storage area is large enough to accommodate them.
• Plastic Sleeves: Protect rulebooks by placing them in plastic sleeves to prevent wear and tear.

Step 4: Maintaining Your Organized Collection

Once your board games are organized, it’s important to maintain your system to prevent clutter from building up again. Make these actions part of your regular gaming routine:

• Return Everything to its Proper Place: After every game, take the time to put all the components back in their designated bags, trays, or spots within the game box. This prevents lost pieces and makes setup easier next time.
• Regularly Purge Your Collection: As your collection grows, it’s a good idea to occasionally evaluate your games. Consider donating, selling, or trading games that you no longer play.
• Dust Regularly: Dust your shelves and game boxes regularly to prevent buildup. This will help keep your game room clean and your games in top condition.
• Address Damage Immediately: If a game box or component is damaged, address it right away to prevent further harm. You can often use glue, tape or replacement components to maintain the integrity of the games.
• Review and Improve: Regularly evaluate your storage solutions and organization system. Make changes as needed to optimize for your growing collection and changing gaming preferences.

Tips for Success

• Start Small: Don’t feel like you need to organize your entire collection all at once. Start with one shelf or category, and gradually work your way through your games.
• Be Flexible: Storage needs can change over time as your collection grows or your space changes. Be willing to adapt your storage solutions to meet those needs.
• Use What You Have: You don’t necessarily need to buy all new storage items. Repurpose containers you already own before purchasing new ones.
• Get the Family Involved: If you live with others who play board games, encourage them to participate in the organization process. This will help them feel ownership and responsibility for maintaining the system.
• Have Fun: Organizing your board game collection should be an enjoyable process. Put on some music and embrace the opportunity to appreciate your games and get them in order!

Conclusion

Proper board game storage is more than just tidiness – it’s an investment in your games and gaming enjoyment. By carefully assessing your collection, choosing suitable storage solutions, and organizing your games effectively, you can create a board game library that is both visually appealing and highly functional. With the right system in place, you can spend more time playing the games you love, and less time searching for missing pieces or sorting through disorganized boxes. So, grab a storage container, sort out your collection, and prepare to level up your game room!