Board Game Storage Solutions: Shelves, Boxes, and Organizers

Quick Answer

For most collections, a combination of sturdy shelving and clear storage boxes works best. Prioritize shelves that can handle heavy games and use organizers to keep components sorted. Start with a modular shelving unit and add boxes for small parts.

If your board game collection has outgrown its current spot, you're not alone. Many gamers struggle with finding efficient, attractive storage that keeps games accessible and in good condition. Whether you have a few dozen games or a towering collection, the right storage solutions can transform your gaming area.

This guide covers the essentials: shelves, boxes, and organizers. We'll help you evaluate your needs, understand material options, and make smart choices that protect your investment and improve your gaming experience.

Assessing Your Collection and Space

Before buying anything, take stock of your collection. Count your games and note their sizes—standard square boxes, oversized deluxe editions, and small card games all have different storage requirements. Also measure your available space: floor space for shelves, closet depth, or wall area for hanging solutions.

Consider how often you play each game. Frequently played games should be easy to grab, while rarely played ones can be stored higher or in less accessible spots. Also think about future growth—leave room for new acquisitions to avoid outgrowing your system quickly.

• Create an inventory list with game dimensions.
• Measure shelf depth to ensure boxes fit without overhang.
• Plan for at least 20% extra space for future purchases.

Choosing the Right Shelving

Shelving is the backbone of most storage setups. Look for shelves that are deep enough (at least 12 inches) to accommodate standard board game boxes. Adjustable shelves are a plus, as they let you customize spacing for different game heights. Material matters: solid wood or metal shelves handle weight better than particleboard.

Consider the weight capacity. A single board game can weigh several pounds, and a full shelf can easily exceed 50 pounds. Check the manufacturer's weight rating and distribute games evenly. For heavy collections, opt for reinforced shelves with center supports.

• Measure the depth of your largest game box before choosing shelves.
• Opt for adjustable shelves to accommodate varying box sizes.
• Reinforce or avoid shelves with a low weight capacity.

Boxes and Organizers for Components

While shelves store the boxes, organizers keep the contents tidy. Many games come with plastic inserts that don't fit after sleeving cards or adding expansions. Consider using small parts organizers, such as bead boxes or tackle boxes, for tokens, dice, and miniatures. These are inexpensive and can be labeled for quick setup.

For games with many components, consider aftermarket organizers designed specifically for popular titles. These often improve setup and tear-down times. However, they may not fit all expansions or alternate components, so check compatibility before purchasing.

• Use clear, labeled containers for components to speed up setup.
• For games with expansions, consider a storage solution that consolidates everything into one box.
• Test organizers with sleeved cards to ensure a proper fit.

Storing Cards and Small Parts

Cards are often the most vulnerable part of a game. To keep them safe, use card sleeves and store them in deck boxes or card organizers. For games with many unique cards, like Wingspan, a card organizer with dividers can keep them sorted by type or expansion.

Small parts like tokens and dice can be stored in compartmentalized containers. These come in various sizes and can be stacked to save space. Label each compartment to make identification easy during gameplay.

• Invest in card sleeves to protect cards from wear and tear.
• Use compartmentalized containers for tokens and dice.
• Label containers to avoid confusion during setup.

Protecting Your Games and Enhancing Play

Beyond storage, consider accessories that protect your games during play. Playmats can reduce wear on cards and components. For example, the Red Rising Natural Rubber Playmat is an exact copy of the original board, making it easier to pick up cards. Similarly, vision-friendly cards, like the Wingspan Vision-Friendly Cards: Core Game, can improve readability and reduce eye strain.

These accessories not only protect your games but also enhance your playing experience. When choosing storage, think about how you'll use these items during play and ensure they have a dedicated spot in your organization system.

• Use playmats to protect cards and provide a clean playing surface.
• Consider vision-friendly cards for games with dense text or icons.
• Store accessories alongside the games they belong to.

Decision Rules for Choosing Storage

• Collection size: If you have fewer than 20 games, a simple bookshelf or cube organizer may suffice. For larger collections, invest in heavy-duty shelving with adjustable shelves. Match your storage capacity to your current and projected collection size.
• Available space: Measure your space carefully. For small rooms, consider wall-mounted shelves or storage under furniture. For larger areas, freestanding units offer more flexibility. Maximize vertical space and use corner units to fit more games.
• Component organization: If you frequently play games with many tokens or cards, invest in compartmentalized containers and card organizers. This reduces setup time and keeps components from getting lost. Good organization enhances the gaming experience and prolongs the life of your games.
• Protection and accessibility: Consider accessories like playmats and vision-friendly cards to protect and improve gameplay. Store these with the games they belong to for easy access. Protective accessories are worth the extra investment for games you play often.

Product Facts

• Red Rising Natural Rubber Playmat: This natural rubber playmat for Red Rising has double-stitched edges for durability and is an exact copy of the original board; it measures 410x284mm. It is single-sided (the bottom side has a grip surface). It ships in a sturdy cardboard tube. A playmat protects your game board and cards from wear, and the grip surface keeps the mat in place during intense sessions. It's a simple upgrade that enhances gameplay.
• Wingspan Vision-Friendly Cards: Core Game: This pack of 180 bird cards from the core game of Wingspan are graphically designed to be more visually accessible by removing any visual clutter that isn’t absolutely necessary for comprehending a card, making icons darker (and sometimes bigger, if necessary), and reformatting the power area (larger text, different font, higher contrast, and black text on a white background overlaid on the power’s color swatch in... If you or your group struggle with reading small text or distinguishing icons, these cards make the game more accessible. They're a great addition to your storage setup as a replacement for standard cards.

Fit Guidance

Best for

• Gamers with growing collections who need flexible, adjustable shelving.
• Players who want to keep components organized and reduce setup time.

Not for

• Those with extremely limited space who need ultra-compact solutions.
• Collectors who prefer to display games as art and don't want to alter original packaging.

Finding the right board game storage solutions is a balance of space, budget, and personal preference. Start by assessing your collection and space, then choose shelves and organizers that fit your needs. Don't forget to consider protective accessories like the Red Rising Natural Rubber Playmat or Wingspan Vision-Friendly Cards to enhance your gaming experience. With a well-organized storage system, you'll spend less time searching for components and more time playing.