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There’s something special about a board game night—it brings everyone together for a few laughs, a bit of strategy, and some good old-fashioned fun. But if you’re an avid board game fan, you know that keeping your collection organized can quickly become a challenge. Without the right storage, game boxes get crushed, pieces go missing, and finding your favorites can feel like a game itself.
Don’t worry, though! With a few smart storage solutions, you can keep every game in perfect shape and ready for play. Let’s dive in.
Assessing Your Collection and Space
Before diving into storage solutions, it helps to understand what you’re working with. Knowing exactly what you have and how much space you need will make organizing your games a lot simpler.
Take Inventory of Your Games
Start by taking a quick inventory of your collection. Separate games by size, type, or how often you play them. This helps you see the big picture: Do you have more compact card games or full-size board games? Do you keep all your games or regularly add the latest and best family board games to your collection? Organizing them into categories like this makes it easier to find the right storage for each group.
Measure Available Storage Space
Once you have a sense of your game collection, it’s time to measure where you’ll be storing them. Whether it’s a closet, a shelf, or even a dedicated game room, knowing your available space will help you plan better. Measure the height, width, and depth so you can find storage options that fit comfortably without cluttering up your home.
Identify High-Traffic Storage Spots
If you have go-to games for family game nights or quick card games, consider storing these in a high-traffic area. Places like your living room or home office work well since they’re easily accessible and don’t require you to dig through an entire collection. This way, your favorite games are always within reach when the game night mood strikes.
Smart Storage Solutions for Board Games
Now that you’ve assessed your collection and space, it’s time to explore some practical storage solutions. These ideas are flexible enough to suit different room sizes, collections, and preferences, so there’s something for everyone.
Shelving Options
- Adjustable Shelves: Adjustable shelves offer flexibility, letting you customize the height to fit both smaller card games and larger board games. This option is ideal for growing collections, as you can always adjust to fit new additions.
- Cube Shelving Units: Cube shelves are great for organizing and displaying games. They give each game its own “home,” making them easy to find and visually appealing. Cube shelves look great in living rooms or game rooms, turning your collection into part of the decor.
- Wall-Mounted Shelves: If floor space is limited, consider wall-mounted shelves. They keep games off the floor and create a clean, organized look. Plus, they’re perfect for adding a touch of style to your game space, especially when paired with small decorations.
Cabinets and Drawers
- Media Cabinets: Media cabinets, often used for DVDs, are also a great choice for board game storage. They offer closed storage to keep dust out and create a neat appearance. Plus, the adjustable shelves work well for different game sizes.
- Rolling Drawer Carts: A rolling cart with drawers provides mobile storage for games and accessories, making it easy to bring everything to the table. It’s also a versatile option if you have multi-use spaces and need flexibility.
- Repurposed Dresser Drawers: If you have an old dresser, repurposing it for board games can be a great solution. Use the drawers to store games by category or size. It’s perfect for rooms where closed storage is a priority and adds a unique touch to your space.
Containers and Bins
- Clear Plastic Bins: Clear bins are a fantastic option for storing games in closets or under beds. They allow you to see what’s inside at a glance, making it easier to grab your favorite game without opening each bin.
- Labeled Baskets: Labeled baskets are both functional and stylish, especially if you prefer a softer look over plastic bins. Assign each basket a category, like “Family Games” or “Card Games,” to keep everything organized and accessible.
- Under-Bed Storage Bins: For smaller games or game accessories, under-bed storage bins are a space-saving solution. They’re ideal if you’re short on closet space and need to maximize every inch of storage in your home.
Creative Game Room Organization Ideas
If you’re lucky enough to have a dedicated game room or area, there are some fun ways to make it both functional and stylish. These ideas double as decor and keep everything ready for your next game night.
Board Game Wall Display
Turn your game collection into art by displaying them on a wall. Use shelves or wall-mounted racks to show off your collection and keep games within easy reach. It’s a bold, creative way to store games that also makes your space look inviting and fun.
Game Table with Built-In Storage
If you’re a dedicated game night host, consider investing in a game table with built-in storage. These tables have compartments underneath to store games, making setup easy and keeping everything in one place. It’s perfect for serious board game enthusiasts!
Magazine Racks for Compact Games
Magazine racks or file holders are ideal for storing smaller games or card sets. This keeps them neat, visible, and easy to grab, without taking up too much space. Plus, it’s an inexpensive solution that works well in almost any room.
Storing Game Accessories and Extras
Games come with lots of little extras—pieces, cards, dice, and instructions. Here’s how to keep all those accessories organized so you’re never scrambling to find missing pieces.
Conclusion
With these storage solutions, your board game collection can be as organized as it is fun. From shelves and cabinets to creative game room ideas, there’s a storage option for every home and every collection size. With everything neatly stored and easy to access, you’re always ready for a game night. So, gather your board games, get your storage set up, and make game night a regular, stress-free event that everyone can enjoy.