How to Organize and Store Your Board Game Collection

Board games have been a popular form of entertainment for decades. They bring people together, encourage friendly competition, and provide hours of fun. However, as any board game enthusiast knows, collecting and storing these games can quickly become a challenge. With the right organization and storage methods, you can ensure that your board game collection stays in pristine condition and is easy to access when you’re ready for game night. In this article, we will guide you through the process of organizing and storing your board game collection to keep it in top shape.

1. Assess Your Collection

Before you begin organizing your board game collection, take some time to assess its size and composition. Determine how many games you have and consider categorizing them based on genre, complexity, or number of players. This initial step will help you develop a system for organizing your games effectively.

2. Choose the Right Storage Solution

Selecting the appropriate storage solution is crucial for keeping your board game collection neat and well-preserved. There are several options to consider, depending on the size and shape of your games. Here are a few popular storage choices:

• Shelving Units: Invest in a sturdy shelving unit to neatly display and store your board games. Look for adjustable shelves to accommodate games of different heights and widths.
• Storage Boxes: Opt for stackable storage boxes with lids if you prefer to store your games out of sight. Make sure the boxes are durable and large enough to hold your collection comfortably.
• Game Bags: If you frequently take your games to different locations, consider using specialized board game bags. These bags are designed to protect your games during transportation and often come with additional storage pockets for accessories.

3. Arrange Games by Usage

Once you have chosen the right storage solution, it’s time to organize your games. One effective method is to arrange them based on frequency of use. This way, the games you play more often will be easily accessible. You can apply the following strategies:

• Prime Spot: Assign a prime spot on your shelves or storage unit for your most-played games. This spot should be at eye level and easily reachable.
• Secondary Spot: Dedicate another area for games that you play less often but still want to keep within reach. This secondary spot can be slightly higher or lower than the prime spot.
• Long-term Storage: Games that you rarely play or are collecting for sentimental purposes can be stored in a less accessible location, such as the top or bottom shelves.

4. Categorize by Theme or Genre

Organizing your games by theme or genre is another excellent way to group them. This method makes it easier to find games with similar themes and adds an aesthetic appeal to your collection. Consider the following categorization options:

• Genre: Group games by genre, such as strategy, party, cooperative, or card games. This categorization allows you to quickly find the type of game you’re in the mood for.
• Theme: Arrange your games based on their themes, such as fantasy, science fiction, history, or abstract. This method can create an intriguing display and make your collection visually appealing.
• Family-Friendly: If you have a mix of games suitable for different age groups, separate them into family-friendly and adult-only sections.

5. Utilize Storage Accessories

To further enhance the organization of your board game collection, consider using storage accessories. These accessories can help keep components organized and prevent damage to the games. Here are a few worth considering:

• Plastic Bags: Use resealable plastic bags to store small components, such as dice, tokens, or cards. Label the bags for easy identification.
• Plastic Containers: For larger pieces or multiple components, plastic containers with dividers can be helpful. These containers keep everything organized and prevent items from getting lost or damaged.
• Card Holders: If you have games with a significant number of cards, consider using card holders or deck boxes to keep them tidy and prevent bending.

6. Maintain Proper Condition

To ensure the longevity of your board game collection, it’s essential to take some precautions. By following these steps, you can keep your games in top condition:

• Handle with Care: When handling your board games, be gentle to avoid bent cards, chipped components, or torn game boards.
• Store Upright: Keep your games stored upright to prevent any warping of the game boards. This is especially important for games with foldable boards.
• Avoid Moisture: Store your games in a dry area away from moisture to prevent damage to the components. Moisture can cause cards to stick together or warp.

7. Expand Your Collection with Summer Shop

As your love for board games grows, you’ll likely want to expand your collection. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to board games, the summer shop is a great place to find exciting additions to your collection. Explore a wide range of games suitable for summer gatherings, family vacations, or backyard parties.

Conclusion

Organizing and storing your board game collection doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a clear plan and the right storage solutions, you can keep your games in excellent condition and easily accessible for future game nights. Remember to assess your collection, choose appropriate storage solutions, categorize your games, utilize storage accessories, and take proper care of your games. By following these steps, your board game collection will bring joy and entertainment for years to come.

So what are you waiting for? Start organizing your board game collection today and prepare for endless hours of fun and excitement!

*Note: This article is not sponsored by the mentioned summer shop, but it’s suggested as an additional resource for expanding your board game collection.