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Transform Your Board Game Chaos Into an Organized Paradise: The Ultimate Storage Guide
Contents
Board game organization feels like solving a 1,000-piece puzzle blindfolded, doesn’t it?
Your game closet looks like a tornado hit it. Pieces scatter everywhere when you pull out one box. Half your games have missing components because nothing stays put.
I’ve been there, staring at my collection wondering why I thought buying 47 board games was a brilliant idea.
After years of trial and error (and finding Monopoly money in my sock drawer), I’ve cracked the code on organizing board games effectively.
The Two Golden Rules of Board Game Storage
Here’s what works and what doesn’t.
Rule #1: Keep games in their original boxes and store them vertically like books
Rule #2: Ditch the bulky boxes entirely and use uniform storage containers
Pick your fighter based on your space, collection size, and patience level.
Vertical Storage: The Game-Changer Method
Storing board games upright prevents that avalanche effect when you grab Settlers of Catan from the bottom of the pile.
No more playing Jenga with your game collection.
How to Prep Games for Vertical Storage
Here’s my foolproof system:
- Bag everything small: Dice, tokens, cards, and tiny pieces go into resealable plastic bags
- Size matters: Use different bag sizes for different components
- Secure the fortress: Wrap each box with XL rubber bands to keep lids locked tight
- Stand them up: Arrange games spine-out on shelves like books
This method keeps original organization trays intact. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself when playing games with built-in compartments like Monopoly or Life.
The Rubber Band Revelation
Those heavy-duty rubber bands are absolute lifesavers.
No more picking up 200 scattered pieces because someone bumped the shelf. Your future self will worship you for this simple step.
Breaking Free from Box Prison: Alternative Storage Solutions
Some boxes are ridiculously oversized for what’s inside. Looking at you, Ticket to Ride.
If bulky boxes drive you crazy, here are space-saving alternatives:
The Zipper Pouch Method
- Store each game in large zipper pouches
- Print mini box art labels and attach to zipper pulls
- Corral pouches in bins or baskets
- Perfect for travel and kids’ games
Portfolio Box Paradise
Clear plastic portfolio boxes create that satisfying uniform look.
Add simple labels with your label maker. Everything looks clean and professional.
Photo Case Magic
Card games love photo organizing cases.
No more bent corners from sad cardboard boxes. These cases protect cards better than original packaging.
Furniture Hack: The Armoire Solution
An old armoire transforms into board game heaven.
Vertical storage on one side. Stacked storage on shelves. Doors hide the collection when company comes over.
Organization Systems That Actually Work
Choose your sorting method based on how your brain works:
Alphabetical Order
- Simple and logical
- Easy for guests to navigate
- Works best with consistent box sizes
Category Clusters
- Strategy games: Heavy thinking required
- Party games: Loud and social
- Family games: Everyone can play
- Quick games: Under 30 minutes
Audience-Based Organization
- Solo games: For quiet evenings
- Kids’ games: Colorful and simple
- Family games: Multi-generational fun
- Adult games: Complex or mature themes
Visual Organization
- Group by color for aesthetic appeal
- Sort by box size for neat appearance
- Mix and match for Instagram-worthy shelves
The Essential Supply List
Stop overthinking the fancy organizers. You need exactly two things:
Must-Have #1: Various sized plastic bags
- Snack bags for dice and tokens
- Sandwich bags for cards
- Gallon bags for larger components
Must-Have #2: Heavy-duty rubber bands
- XL size works for most game boxes
- Buy them in bulk
- Replace them when they lose elasticity
That’s it. Everything else is optional.
Common Mistakes That Kill Your Organization
Mistake #1: Mixing pieces between games
Keep each game’s components separate, even if pieces look identical.
Mistake #2: Ignoring weight distribution
Heavy games go on lower shelves. Physics doesn’t care about your alphabetical system.
Mistake #3: Overstuffing containers
Leave breathing room in bags and boxes. Cramming everything tight leads to torn bags and damaged pieces.
Mistake #4: Forgetting about expansion packs
Plan extra space for future additions. Your collection will grow, guaranteed.
