15 Storage Solutions for Board Game Collections

Envision your board game collection neatly organized on IKEA's KALLAX shelves, with their modular design accommodating various box sizes and preventing toppling stacks. Transform your chaotic game area into a stylish and organized haven using clever vertical storage solutions or custom inserts for specific games.

To maintain game quality and ensure quick access for game nights, explore practical strategies for board game storage. These options can revolutionize how your collection is stored, making it both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Modular Board Game Shelves

Modular board game shelves offer versatile design and customization, allowing you to adjust shelves and frames for games of all sizes. Systems like Jasper Shelves provide shape control and options like doors or drawers. Omni 3 enables printing additional pieces to match your growing collection. BoxThrone allows seamless unit bridging for a unified look. These shelves not only organize but also enhance aesthetics with real wood finishes and hand-sculpted themes, providing endless possibilities for crafting the ideal storage solution. BoxThrone's expandable shelving system adapts to the size of your board game collection, ensuring that your storage solution can grow as your collection does.

Vertical Game Storage Ideas

Maximize your board game collection's space and accessibility with vertical storage solutions.

First, empty your storage area to evaluate your collection, discarding incomplete or unused games. Reinforce boxes with clear packing tape if necessary, and secure game pieces in plastic bags with large rubber bands to prevent spills. Store games vertically on shelves to prevent toppling and simplify retrieval, making it easier to maintain an organized system.

Use labeled bags or mesh filing pouches for organized visibility. Arrange games vertically on shelves by size, category, or color for a neat appearance.

Place larger games on top shelves, avoiding horizontal stacking for easy access. Keep game labels visible and frequently used games within reach to maintain an organized system everyone can follow.

Clear Storage Bins

Clear storage bins offer an efficient way to organize board games, keeping everything neat. Their transparency allows you to easily locate games without searching. These durable, space-saving bins are ideal for managing collections, while smaller bins or baggies organize tiny pieces like dice or cards. Available at Ikea, Target, or Amazon, grouping games by size and labeling bins creates an easy-to-maintain, visually appealing space. Implementing a "one in, one out" policy for new game additions helps maintain a manageable collection size.

DIY Board Game Organizers

DIY board game organizers offer a customizable, cost-effective way to declutter your collection. Gather materials like zipper pouches, scissors, tape, and rubber bands.

Sort game pieces: large ones in bigger pouches, cards with rubber bands in smaller pouches, and tiny pieces in ziplock bags. Cut labels from original boxes and tape them to pouches for easy identification.

Use a trunk basket from stores like Home Goods or Target to store pouches neatly. Organize games alphabetically or by size for quick access, keeping your collection tidy and ready for game night!

Custom Game Inserts

Custom game inserts enhance board game experiences by keeping components organized. Choose from foam core, wood, plastic, or laser-cut wood, each offering unique benefits.

Foam core inserts, like Folded Space's designs, are lightweight yet sturdy. ShipShape Gamer's wood inserts snap together without glue, while PRINTserts' plastic options are sleek and require no assembly.

Inserts from Broken Token provide custom organization for tokens and cards, and Laserox options integrate thematically with games. With video and written instructions, assembly is easy.

Explore over 150 options from Folded Space or travel boxes from Store All The Bits.

Repurposed Furniture Solutions

Repurpose furniture to creatively organize your board game collection.

Transform a bookcase or shelving unit into a hutch to maximize space and accessibility.

Convert a closet into a game area, sorting games by usage frequency with less-used ones on top shelves.

Use metal bins or storage boxes in cube shelves for tidiness.

Large woven baskets under coffee tables are ideal for frequently played games.

Install pull-out shelves for easy access, and use salvaged materials for custom shelves.

Reinforce game boxes with clear tape for vertical storage.

Explore these ideas to enhance your gaming space and organization.

Rolling Game Carts

Rolling game carts offer a creative and versatile solution for organizing board games. They provide mobile storage for easy movement between rooms.

With compartments like drawers or shelves, they accommodate games of all sizes and are ideal for small spaces. Various types, including rolling library carts and multi-drawer utility carts, are available.

Wide Load Smart Carts fold for storage. Sturdy handles and wheels ensure smooth mobility. They can also store bathroom items or office supplies, maximizing home utility.

Over-Door Storage Options

Optimize storage with over-door options for board games. Choose from metal, wood, mesh, or fabric organizers to suit your style and needs.

Metal is sturdy for heavier games, wood adds a classic look, mesh provides visibility, and fabric offers flexibility. Easy to install without tools, simply hang over a door, but watch for door frame scratches.

Adjustable hooks and shelves accommodate various game sizes. These organizers utilize unused space, keeping games accessible and organized.

Available at major retailers; check reviews for the best option and enjoy a clutter-free game area!

Stackable Storage Bins

Stackable storage bins revolutionize board game organization by maximizing space.

Durable plastic containers prevent wear and tear.

Sterilite's ClearView bins offer visibility and built-in handles, while Room Essentials bins have snap closures for portability.

Brightroom provides larger sizes for bulkier games.

Bin sizes range from 1.9qt to 72qt.

Use dividers and file bags for organization, and latching mechanisms to secure contents.

Pre-printed labels help you quickly locate games.

Alphabetical Game Arrangement

Organizing board games alphabetically across multiple bookcases can greatly enhance storage efficiency. Each bookcase covers a subset of the alphabet, like A-B or C-D, simplifying game retrieval.

Larger boxes are placed at the bottom, with smaller ones on higher shelves to optimize space. Within each shelf, games are also sorted alphabetically for easy access. This method ensures a neat appearance and saves time searching.

Stay flexible, as different box sizes may require adjustments, and adding new games might disrupt the order, necessitating occasional rearrangement.

Secure Game Box Closures

To keep board game boxes secure and organized, consider using rubber bands—affordable yet prone to snapping.

For durability, opt for premium elastic fabric bands that grip well without damaging boxes and can fit various sizes.

For larger boxes, Grifiti Band Joes are ideal, as these silicone bands are durable and form secure shapes.

Before applying any band, repair packaging with clear tape and organize pieces in sealed bags.

Ensure bands don't cover labels for a tidy, accessible collection.

Hidden Storage Spaces

Ensure board game boxes are securely closed.

For hidden storage, use under-bed space with bags or boxes, adding bed risers if needed. Label containers for easy identification and ensure they can support the game's weight.

Alternatively, use a closet, organizing by frequency of use, with less-used games higher up. Use bins and dividers for tidiness.

In the living room, consider woven baskets under the coffee table or furniture with hidden compartments like ottomans.

Cabinets or shelves with dividers are also good options. Label everything for an organized, accessible system.

Game Collection Maintenance

To maintain your board game collection, store games in a cool, dry room, avoiding attics or garages.

Use shelves or cabinets with doors to protect from dust and keep organized. Label shelves by genre, player count, or alphabetically for easy access.

Handle fragile components carefully, using resealable bags or card sleeves. Clean with a soft cloth, using mild solutions sparingly.

Check for pests and store games in sealed containers if necessary. Rotate games regularly to ensure all are used and stay in good condition.

Purge Unused Games

How do you decide which board games to keep or let go?

Start by displaying your collection and taking inventory. Use BoardGameGeek.com to catalog and rank them.

Identify incomplete, duplicate, or damaged games. Note which haven't been played in a while and assess their condition.

Keep games that are played regularly, offer a satisfying experience, or add variety.

Sentimental value matters, but if a game is never played, consider letting it go.

Be decisive in your choices.

Donate unwanted games to libraries or trade them online.

Preserve memories by taking photos before parting with them.

Game-Specific Organizers

Board game enthusiasts may find their collections unwieldy, making game-specific organizers essential. Custom insert organizers, designed for games like Ark Nova or Terraforming Mars, keep components secure and organized.

These inserts, with compartments for pieces, boards, and cards, streamline setup and cleanup, enhancing gameplay. Although they range from €11 to €170, their efficiency is worthwhile.

For budget options, use plastic bags and rubber bands to store small pieces and secure game boxes, ensuring easy access and order.

Whether investing in custom organizers or using simple bags, maintaining a neat collection enhances every game session.

Conclusion

Transform your board game collection into an organized masterpiece where everything is easily accessible. Start small with solutions like clear bins, and witness how effortlessly your collection becomes both functional and visually appealing.