In the world of board games, building a collection can be an exciting journey filled with diverse game genres, unique themes, and countless hours of fun.

However, as your collection grows, you'll likely face the challenge of where and how to store your beloved board and card games. Whether you're a casual gamer or a dedicated collector, this guide will provide you with valuable insights and creative storage solutions to keep your board games safe, organised, and ready for play.

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The Importance of Proper Storage

Before delving into storage solutions, it's crucial to understand why proper storage matters. Board games, especially collectables or vintage editions, can be sensitive to their environment. Here are a few reasons why investing in suitable storage is essential:

1. Protecting Your Investment

Many board games, especially limited-edition or rare ones, are expensive by themselves, and can appreciate in value over time. So, proper storage helps preserve the condition of your games, ensuring they retain their worth if you ever decide to part with them.

2. Preventing Wear and Tear

Frequent handling, stacking, or exposure to environmental factors like humidity or sunlight can lead to wear and tear on game components, such as cards, boards, and pieces. Effective storage minimises these risks.

3. Easy Accessibility

A well-organised storage system makes finding and accessing the games you want to play easier. And if the "insides" are organised as well, then your next game can begin without extra hassle. 

No more hunting through stacks of games or dealing with crushed boxes.

4. Aesthetic Appeal

Let's face it: a neatly organised collection looks impressive and adds to the ambience of your gaming space. Plus, showcasing your favourite games to friends and fellow gamers is always a joy.

Creative Storage Solutions

Now that we've established the importance of proper storage, let's explore creative and practical solutions to store your board game collection.

Custom Shelving Units

Custom shelving units are a fantastic option for board game storage. When investing in custom shelving, keep the following considerations in mind:

• Adjustable Shelves: Opt for adjustable shelves to accommodate games of various sizes and shapes. This flexibility allows you to reconfigure the shelving as your collection grows or as you acquire games with unique dimensions.
• Depth: Ensure the shelving unit has an appropriate depth to fit your board games comfortably. Standard shelves typically have depths ranging from 12 to 24 inches, providing ample space for most game boxes.
• Height: Customize the height of your shelves to maximize vertical storage. Taller games can be accommodated on taller shelves, while smaller ones can fit on shorter ones.
• Material: Consider the material of the shelving unit. Sturdy materials like solid wood or high-quality laminate are ideal for supporting the weight of multiple games.

Floating Wall Shelves

Floating wall shelves save floor space and add a touch of elegance to your game room. Here's what to keep in mind:

• Weight Capacity: Ensure that the shelves can bear the weight of your games. Most floating shelves are designed to hold decorations, but heavier-duty options are available.
• Spacing: Plan the spacing between shelves to accommodate various game box heights. This allows you to display both standard and oversized games.
• Installation: Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully when installing floating shelves to ensure they are securely mounted to the wall.

Cabinets and Cupboards

Cabinets and cupboards offer a blend of aesthetics and protection for your board game collection:

• Glass Doors: Cabinets with glass doors allow you to showcase your games while keeping them dust-free. It adds a stylish touch to your game room and offers a glimpse of your collection.
• Adjustable Shelves: Look for units with adjustable shelves, as they provide flexibility to accommodate different game box sizes and configurations.
• Security: If you have rare or valuable games in your collection, consider cabinets with locks to prevent unauthorized access.

Drawer Units

Drawer units are excellent for keeping your board games flat and protected:

• Dividers: Consider adding dividers within the drawers to keep components organized and prevent game boxes from shifting during storage.
• Depth and Width: Ensure the drawers are deep and wide enough to hold multiple games comfortably without crowding or bending the boxes.
• Ease of Access: Choose drawer units with smooth glides to make retrieving and putting away games easy.

Board Game Bags & Backpacks

Board game bags are indispensable for gamers who attend events, game nights, or conventions:

• Padded Compartments: Ensure the bag has padded compartments to protect your games during transport.
• Size Options: Look for bags with various size options to accommodate different game box dimensions.
• Additional Pockets: Some bags come with additional pockets for storing rulebooks, accessories, or snacks.

Under-Bed Storage

Utilizing the space under your bed is a clever way to store games:

• Rolling Containers: Choose rolling storage containers that can easily slide in and out from under your bed.
• Protection: Consider using clear plastic bins or vacuum storage bags to protect games from dust and moisture.
• Accessibility: Under-bed storage provides a hidden yet easily accessible solution for games you may not play as frequently.

Modular Storage Systems

Modular storage systems designed specifically for board games offer adaptability and organization:

• Customization: These systems often allow you to customize the layout to suit your collection's needs.
• Expansion: As your collection grows, you can expand the system by adding more modules or components.
• Accessibility: Modular systems typically provide easy access to your games and components.

Hang Them on Pegs

Hanging games on pegs or hooks adds a unique touch to your game room:

• Sturdy Boxes: Ensure that the game boxes are sturdy enough to hang without damaging the components inside.
• Visibility: Hanging games on the wall saves space and makes your collection a decorative focal point.

Custom Game Room Furniture

Investing in custom game room furniture can enhance both storage and aesthetics:

• Built-In Shelves: Custom furniture often includes built-in shelves and drawers tailored to your board game collection's dimensions.
• Design Integration: These pieces can seamlessly integrate into your game room's design, creating a cohesive and visually appealing space.

Repurposed Furniture

Repurposing vintage or unique furniture pieces adds character to your game room:

• Creative Solutions: Look for old trunks, bookshelves, cabinets, or other furniture items that can be creatively adapted for game storage.
• Restoration: Consider refinishing or restoring repurposed furniture to suit your style and game room decor.

Conclusion

Storing your board game collection is not just about practicality; it's a way to protect your investment, showcase your passion, and ensure your games remain in excellent condition for years to come.

Whether you opt for custom shelving, innovative furniture, or repurposed pieces, the key is finding a storage solution that fits your space and style. With a well-organized collection, you'll be ready to dive into epic gaming adventures immediately while proudly displaying your cherished board games to friends and fellow enthusiasts.

So, explore these creative storage solutions, and let your board game collection shine!

In the meantime, feel free to explore what Joyful Games has to offer - from other board game tips to fun board and card games.