Board games have seen a huge resurgence in popularity in recent years. From classics like Monopoly and Scrabble to modern hits like Settlers of Catan and Ticket to Ride, board games are a great way to spend quality time with family and friends. But with all those boxes and pieces, board games can be tricky to organize and store properly. Here are some tips and ideas for keeping your board game collection neat, accessible and display-worthy.
Use Designated Board Game Storage
Specialized board game storage solutions are available that are designed to neatly hold multiple games. Options include:
- Board game shelves – Free standing shelving units with shelves sized and spaced to hold board game boxes.
- Bookcases – Adjustable shelves can be spaced to fit game boxes.
- Cabinets – Mounted cabinets with shelves or drawer stacks to stash games inside.
- Wall mounts – Mounted rails or ledges to display game boxes on the wall.
- Storage ottomans – Lift-top ottomans that can store games inside the hollow base.
- Gaming trunks – Trunk-like cases with handles to hold stacks of games.
Look for storage options that maximize vertical space and neat organization. Sturdy materials like wood, metal or heavy duty plastics will hold up best over time. Include dividers or small shelves to separate and support piles of games.
Repurpose Existing Furniture
With some clever adaptation, you can convert pieces you already own into functional board game storage:
- Bookshelves – Adjust shelves to game box heights.
- Cabinets & sideboards – Use drawers and shelves to allocate space.
- TV stands – Fitting use when the TV is elsewhere.
- Trunks – Vintage trunks offer character and hidden storage.
- Ottomans – Lift-top or cube storage ottomans conceal games.
- Under bed storage – Plastic bins or specialized drawers slide under the bed.
- Media cabinets – Repurpose entertainment center cabinets.
Measure game box dimensions beforehand so shelves and compartments can accommodate them. Try to group smaller games together separate from larger boxes so space isn’t wasted. Spinning media racks, drawer organizers and vertical partition frames also make handy board game storage aids.
Containers & Bins
Plastic, fabric or wood storage bins are an affordable and adaptable way to corral board games. Look for bins sized close to game box dimensions to save space. Some approaches include:
- Stackable plastic bins – Lidded uniform bins neatly stack like drawers.
- Cubby shelves – Square fabric bins fit on cubed shelves.
- Decorative trunks – Vintage-look covered trunks store games attractively.
- Wall-mounted bins – Bins mounted on a wall organize games vertically.
- Under-bed bins – Long, low bins slide neatly under the bed frame.
Bins are ideal for categorizing types of games or corralling all the pieces for a single game. Consider labeling bins so you can easily ID contents. Display books, baskets and decorative crates serve a similar purpose with added visual appeal.
Racks & Holders
Specialized racks and holders provide vertical or stacked storage custom fit for board games. Options include:
- Wall-mounted racks – Hold games vertically on the wall with dividers.
- Ceiling racks – Racks mount to the ceiling above easily in reach.
- Over the door racks – Door-mounted racks utilize back of door space.
- Freestanding racks – Portable racks stack games with shelving and dividers.
- Multi-level holders – Stacked ledges hold games on multiple levels.
Look for solidly constructed racks that give adequate support and protection to games. Space dividers for an organized look and easy game retrieval. Hang racks securely following manufacturer guidelines for safety and stability.
Creative Display Shelving
for a fun approach, use display shelving and accents to show off your game collection attractively:
- Picture ledges – Mounted ledges display games like wall art.
- Floating shelves – Wall mounted floating shelves neatly suspend games.
- bookends – Upright bookends support and divide stacked games.
- railings & banisters – games line up nicely along stairway railings.
- Mantel shelves – Games stack attractively on the fireplace mantel.
Mix in framed game artwork, decorative bookends and accents like statues to embellish your displayed games. Arrange games vertically or horizontally for visual interest and easy selection. Stagger large and small boxes on shelves for optimal fit. Lighting shelving to highlight prized games in your collection.
Table Top Display
Coffee tables, side tables, kitchen counters…any flat surface can provide quick access to games by just stacking horizontally. Tips for table top display:
- Use bookends to neatly corral stacks of games.
- Angle games attractively on risers or easels.
- Consider stacking boxes sideways to see all game titles.
- Try a tiered display with larger games on the bottom.
- Mix in decor like vases or candleholders for visual interest.
Rotate the top few games periodically to refresh the selection on easy display. Coordinate game colors and arrange by height for a coordinated look. Add trays to corral decks of cards, poker chips and other game pieces.
Sort & Divide
Like books on a shelf, neatly organized board games are much easier to browse and select from. Some sorting tips:
- Group by general type – party games, strategy games, family games, etc.
- Separate kid games from adult/family games.
- Alphabetize for easy title lookup.
- Coordinate box sizes so shelves look tidy.
- Keep seasonal games together for easy rotation.
Additionally, store expansion sets with their base games. Identify multi-box games with labels so lids stay with the right base. Weed out damaged boxes regularly to keep the collection tidy.
Tame Game Clutter
Game pieces easily spread across the table during play. Corral them afterward with these tactics:
- Plastic divided organizer trays neatly sort pieces.
- Label small zip bags for each game to contain pieces.
- Store rulesheets and boards inside game boxes.
- Use small bins or trays to hold decks of cards.
- Roll up game mats tightly to fit inside boxes.
When possible, store all contents for a game inside its original box. This keeps all the components together for quick setup next time. Consider adding custom foam inserts or dividers to securely hold pieces inside boxes.
Protect Expensive Games
For extra protection or portable transport, encase expensive, special edition orsentimental games in protective layers.
- Game bags – Heavy duty bags with handles and padding protect games.
- Sleeves – Clear acrylic sleeves slide over game boxes like book covers.
- Foam wrap – Foam sheets pad and insulate game boxes.
- Custom inserts – Die-cut foam securely holds game contents.
Storage bags also help contain all game materials for transport to game nights or vacations. Hard-shell carrying cases with custom foam provide maximum protection during travel.
Maximize Closet Space
Inside closets and cabinetry, maximize vertical storage with these approaches:
- Add shelving suited to game box dimensions.
- Install stacked cabinets with adjustable shelves inside.
- Use over-the-door racks to utilize back of door space.
- Fit a tension rod across the closet for a hanging rack.
- Use wall-mounted clips suited to hold game boxes.
Also utilize oft-overlooked small spaces like under staircases or awkward corners. Even slim closet doors can be adapted to hold single game boxes on mounted racks.
Keep Games Accessible
The more accessible your games, the more likely they are to get played with. Keep favorites within easy reach:
- Display go-to games on open shelving near play areas.
- Store kid-friendly games in baskets they can reach.
- Designate a game cupboard in the main living area.
- Keep seasonal games handy during the appropriate months.
- Have a few choice games by the front door for spontaneous play.
Rotate games on display so selections stay fresh. Maintain a donated pile for games that consistently get overlooked. Keeping played games accessible makes it easier to continue the fun.
Label Strategically
Labels can help identify games tucked out of sight and keep your collection orderly.
- Number shelving and use corresponding numbered stickers to identify box locations.
- Label the spines and/or edges of stored boxes facing out.
- Use color-coded stickers to denote category, such as blue for kids’ games.
- Label boxes containing multiple game sets or pieces.
Include brief key details like title, age range, number of players and estimated duration. Organize labels neatly for a clean look. Updated labels when contents change.
Entertainment Centers
Media consoles and entertainment centers often have versatile cabinets and shelving well-suited for board game storage. Tips for using these spaces:
- Replace DVD/CD shelves with adjustable shelves for games.
- Utilize compartments and cabinets designed for media storage.
- Install pull-out shelving under TV space to access more games.
- Repurpose media racks to hold games vertically.
Spinning media carousels and drawer storage are also great built-ins for keeping games organized and accessible. Just check vertical clearances and shelf/rack sizes to ensure your larger game boxes will fit.
Repurpose the Boxes
For a space-saving solution, remove games from their original boxes and store them in more efficient containers:
- Multi-level toolboxes hold game contents securely.
- Storage crates allow custom dividers for game pieces.
- Small tackle boxes are great for decks of cards.
- Craft storage casos have lots of small compartments.
Just be sure to label new storage clearly so game contents aren’t mixed up. Original boxes take up more room, but do help identify games and keep all materials together.
Take Inventory
Like any collection, it helps to take occasional inventory of your board games. This allows you to:
- Identify missing or incomplete games needing replacement.
- Get a sense of your unplayed new games to try.
- Weed out games your group no longer enjoys.
- Find forgotten games to bring back into rotation.
- Assess storage space needed for existing and upcoming games.
Make notes on play quantity, review ratings, expansion sets you own, and any storage issues or damage to boxes. Adjust your storage setup as needed based on current inventory.
Add Portable Storage
For gaming on the go, keep a selection of portable games ready to grab and take anywhere:
- Designate a shelf or bin for portable games.
- Look for compact travel cases to consolidate small games.
- Use hanging toiletry bags to contain loose cards/pieces.
- Have deck boxes ready to pack cards for quick trips.
Card games, dice games, small party games and compact versions of classic titles are all easily portable options. Pack a separate bag with essential accessories like dice, timers and pencils too.
Digital Organization
Digital apps and platforms help keep your collection straight when you’re away from your physical library. Options include:
- Game library apps to catalog and track your owned titles.
- Online wishlists and collections on retailer sites.
- Spreadsheets detailing purchases, ratings, notes and more.
- Groups and forums to track plays and trades.
Back up digital lists periodically in case they are lost. But also keep physical labels updated for real-world reference. The two methods complement each other.
Conclusion
Board games require some special considerations for smart storage and organization. But a little upfront planning to find space and containers suited to game box sizes will result in an orderly, visible collection you can proudly display and easily enjoy for game nights, family gatherings and more. Just don’t let the time spent organizing instead of gaming get out of hand! Try out different solutions until you find a board game storage method that works for your space and habits.
