Board games are a fun way to spend quality time with family and friends. But as your collection grows, keeping those boxes organized can become a game in itself! A proper storage solution is essential to protect your games from damage, keep pieces from getting lost, and make it easy to find the one you want to play.
With a wide variety of options to suit any space and budget, getting your board games in order has never been easier. Read on for 25 storage ideas to keep your precious tabletop titles neat, tidy and close at hand.
Choosing Board Game Storage
When selecting storage for your board game collection, there are a few key factors to consider:
Storage Capacity
First, think about how many games you need to store. Are we talking a few family favorites or an extensive library of heavyweight Eurogames? Make sure to measure both the number and dimensions of boxes you need to accommodate. Shelving and cabinets should have adjustable shelves to customize spacing.
Accessibility
You’ll want to grab games easily, so look for open or transparent styles that allow you to see and reach contents. Drawers and a labeling system also help identify which game is where.
Protection
Storage should shield boxes from dust, moisture, sunlight and other elements that could damage components. Hard sided containers or closed cabinets offer the most protection.
Portability
If you transport games to game nights or conventions, portable solutions with handles or wheels ensure safe, easy transport. Interlocking stackable storage is ideal.
Aesthetics
Finally, choose an organizational style that looks pleasing and fits your available space. Display cabinets show off your collection while closed storage conceals a game hoarder’s chaos!
With these factors in mind, let’s look at 25 fabulous storage solutions to organize your board game collection.
Budget-Friendly Board Game Storage
If you’re looking for affordable and easy board game storage, these options won’t break the bank:
1. Wire Shelving Units
Basic wire shelving is a popular choice for game collections. The open design allows you to easily view contents and grab what you want. Adjustable shelves accommodate various game sizes. Just be sure to avoid direct sunlight that could damage boxes.
2. Bookcases
Simple bookcases or wall-mounted shelving can readily store board game boxes. Look for solidly constructed units with adjustable shelves. Make sure shelves can handle the weight of dense game boxes.
3. Plastic Stackable Crates
Plastic storage containers are inexpensive and come in tons of sizes. Stackable crates with lids allow you to neatly organize games while protecting them from dust. They’re easily transportable for game nights away from home.
4. Shoe Organizers
Hanging shoe organizers make use of vertical wall space. Clear plastic pockets let you identify game titles at a glance. Use one pocket per game to keep all contents together. Just be sure mounts can support heavy game loads.
5. Underbed Storage
For spare bedrooms or kids’ rooms, underbed storage containers slide neatly out of sight. Airtight sealing protects contents while clear or labeled lids help identify stacked games. Wheeled units make accessing stored boxes a breeze.
6. Office Supply Storage
Office and school storage supplies like file crates, magazine holders and desktop organizers can neatly arrange smaller game boxes and decks of cards. Label each container so you can quickly find what you need.
Display Storage for Game Collections
Proudly show off your board game hobby with these stylish display solutions:
7. Bookcases
Open bookcases let you neatly line up board games like books while providing dust-free storage. For easy browsing, organize by genre or categories like family games, strategy titles, and party games.
8. Wall Mounted Shelves
Floating wall-mounted shelves can make an artistic display with clever game organization. Group by color, stack horizontally or vertically, or go totally eclectic museum style! Just ensure brackets can handle heavy loads.
9. Picture Ledges
For a budget display, use decorative picture and photo ledges to stand games upright. Layer ledges against a wall salon gallery style or mount them floating for a contemporary feel.
10. Detolf Cabinet
IKEA’s glass-door Detolf cabinet is beloved by collectors. The slim profile fits tight spaces, while glass doors elegantly show off contents dust-free. Use risers or DIY displays to creatively arrange.
11. Corner Shelves
Got a tight corner? Make use of awkward angled space by installing corner shelves. Display favorite titles or organize less accessed games to free up prime real estate for most-played ones.
12. Media Console
A media console or entertainment center with glass doors lets you tastefully display games while concealing clutter in cabinet storage below. For easy browsing, consider open shelving above and closed storage below.
Storage for Large Game Collections
If you’ve accumulated a vast library of tabletop titles, storage space is at a premium. Maximize capacity with these high-volume solutions:
13. Storage Cubes
Modular storage cubes are infinitely customizable to your space. Adjustable dividers allow shelving to fit all game sizes. Cubes can be stacked tall or used side by side. Add doors, wheels and drawers to customize.
14. Utility Shelving
No-frills metal utility shelving stores the most games for the lowest cost. Wire, wood or steel options have open construction for grabbing what you want quickly. Weight-bearing posts and braces provide industrial strength.
15. Billy Bookcase with Doors
IKEA’s popular Billy bookcase series offers budget-friendly storage with options to upgrade. Start with a basic open unit, then add glass doors, drawers and interior organizers as your collection grows. Mix and match to fit your space.
16. Closet Storage
For the ultimate concealed storage, take over a hall, bedroom or office closet. Install shelving cut to fit your game box dimensions. A closet’s enclosed space prevents dust buildup so games stay pristine.
17. Cabinet with Drawers
For easy organization, a cabinet with stackable drawers stores tons of games neatly out of sight. Label drawers by genre or game type. Roll-out trays in deeper drawers hold game boards securely.
18. Racks and Risers
Store more games vertically using wall-mounted racks or risers placed on shelves. Racks with adjustable tiers or slats hold a variety of game sizes. Risers raise back rows for visibility and access.
Portable & Travel Board Game Storage
Heading to game night or a convention? Keep your games safe for transport with these portable solutions:
19. Backpack/Shoulder Bag
A roomy backpack or messenger bag with inner organization and padded protection transports a few games anywhere. Look for bags with outer pockets for small game accessories too.
20. Rolling Suitcase
For serious portable storage, a rolling suitcase is perfect to transport a large collection, plus it won’t strain your back! Look for interlocking stackable styles to prevent sliding and damage. Add organizing cubes.
21. Plastic Storage Totes
Plastic storage containers are ideal for safe portability. Clear lids help identify stacked games. Larger sizes with wheels and a telescoping handle are great for big hauls. Secure lids prevent spilling during transport.
22. Craft Storage Caddies
Interlocking craft caddies neatly organize decks of cards, pieces and accessories when traveling. Carry handle options help make transport a breeze. Stack, nest or mix sizes for custom portable storage.
23. Wrap/Elastic Bands
Prevent box lids from opening in bags or cases by wrapping an elastic band around each game box. Packing tape also secures lids shut. Label boxes so you can ID wrapped stacks.
Specialty Board Game Storage Solutions
Beyond basic shelving, specialized storage options cater to gamers’ organizational needs:
24. Inserts and Custom Foam
Interior game box organizers keep pieces neatly sorted and protected. Laser-cut foam trays cradle oddly shaped pieces in custom cutouts. Consider inserts for your most-played games.
25. Cabinet with Dividers
For ultimate organization, look for storage cabinets with interior dividers that create custom compartments sized for your shelves and games. Felt-lined drawers prevent scuffs too.
Get Organized and Game On!
A proper storage solution makes it easy to find, grab and enjoy your favorite board games while protecting them from potential damage. With such a wide variety of organizational styles and features to choose from, you can tackle game clutter no matter your space or budget constraints.
The key is to assess your needs in terms of capacity, accessibility, protection and aesthetics. Measure your collection, plus anticipate future expansion, and select storage to grow with you. Focus on smart solutions that make your games easy to identify, access and transport so you can spend less time organizing and more time playing!
With your collection neatly ordered, you can stop stressing about the state of your game closet and simply savor time gaming with family and friends. A game storage strategy helps protect your collection investment and ensures you can continue the fun for years to come. The result? Playtime bliss and game night glory!
What unique ways do you store and organize your board game collection? Do you have a favorite storage solution or tips to share? Let us know in the comments!