How to Organize Board Games: A Comprehensive Guide

Board games are a wonderful addition to any home, but their varied shapes, sizes, and numerous small components can quickly turn a game collection into a cluttered mess. Whether you're storing games in a playroom, living room, or dedicated closet, implementing an effective organization system will make it easy to find what you want to play and put everything back without frustration.

Assess Your Collection and Choose Your Storage Location

The first step in organizing board games is to fully empty out your current storage area—whether that's a shelf, closet, playroom, or living room—and gather all your games in one spot. This allows you to assess what you have, understand the volume of your collection, and evaluate each game's condition. Once you've completed this inventory, you can determine whether your games will fit in existing shelving or if you need a dedicated storage solution like a game closet or storage unit.

Vertical Storage: The Most Practical Approach

One of the most effective organization methods is storing board games vertically, much like books on a shelf. This strategy offers several advantages: you can quickly grab the exact game you want without unstacking others, and the games typically sit securely without requiring bookends or additional support. Vertical storage also maximizes shelf space and makes it easy to see your entire collection at a glance.

To prepare games for vertical storage, follow these two integral steps: First, corral all internal pieces using rubber bands or small plastic bags to prevent components from shifting. Second, band the boxes shut with a large rubber band to keep everything contained. Once each game has been properly prepared, arrange them on your shelves in whatever organizational system works best for you.

Organization Systems

How you sort your games is entirely up to your preferences and household needs. Consider these popular options:

• Alphabetically by game title
• By category (party games, strategy games, word games, etc.)
• By audience (solo players, kids, family, adults only)
• By game length or complexity level
• By number of players
• By color or box size for visual appeal

Alternative Storage Solutions

While vertical storage works well for many households, several other options can suit different spaces and preferences. Large zipper pouches offer a space-saving alternative to original game boxes, especially if you're willing to discard bulky packaging. You can store the pouches in bins and add easy-to-read labels for quick identification. Clear plastic portfolio boxes provide a uniform, streamlined appearance and work particularly well for games with consistent box sizes.

For those with extensive collections, clear plastic containers with built-in dividers are excellent for organizing games with numerous component types—such as tiles, tokens, coins, and meeples. Stackable bead containers serve the same purpose and come in various sizes with snap-on or hanging lids. Purpose-made game storage kits designed specifically for board games often include removable dividers, mesh zipper pouches, and labels, allowing you to customize storage for individual games or multiple games in one container.

If you're organizing games in your living room ultimate care guide approach, consider repurposing furniture like an armoire, ottoman storage bed, or toy chest to maximize your available space. A combination of vertical and stacked storage within these units can help you make the most of limited square footage. Plastic tote boxes, under-sofa storage, IKEA storage trolleys on wheels, and wardrobe hanging organizers are also practical solutions for various room configurations.

Protecting Your Investment

As you organize your collection, maintain the condition of your games by keeping them away from moisture and direct sunlight. When storing games near electronics—such as if you're keeping them in a media cabinet alongside a television—ensure proper ventilation. Just as you would clean tv screen safely to avoid damage, handle your games and their components with care during organization and retrieval. Store games in a stable environment away from extreme temperatures and humidity.

If your game collection is displayed in a living room or family room, position it away from active fireplaces. Should you have a fireplace in your game storage area, consult your living room ultimate care guide and keep games at a safe distance. Similarly, if you store games near a clean fireplace hearth, ensure adequate space between the storage unit and any heat sources to prevent warping or damage to cardboard boxes and plastic components.

Maintaining Your Organization System

Once you've implemented your organization system, maintain it by returning games to their designated spots immediately after play. This simple habit prevents the gradual deterioration of your organizational effort. Periodically review your collection to identify games you no longer play, and consider donating or selling them to make room for new additions.

More tips in the section Living Room Care & Decor