Board games are fantastic. But storing them? That’s a different story.
If you’re tired of stacked boxes falling over or games with missing pieces, you’re in the right place. Your collection deserves better than a messy pile in the closet.
I’ve spent years testing storage methods that work. No fancy gadgets or expensive solutions are required. These are just practical ideas that real people use in real homes.
In this guide, you’ll find proven storage hacks for every space and budget. We’ll cover vertical storage systems, drawer organizers, and space-saving tricks that keep your games accessible and protected.
Whether you own five games or fifty, these methods will transform your collection from chaos to organized bliss. I’ve tested each technique myself, and thousands of board game enthusiasts swear by these approaches.
Your gaming nights deserve a smooth setup and easy cleanup. Let’s make that happen.
Ready to reclaim your space? Here’s precisely how to do it.
Why Traditional Board Game Storage Methods Fail?
Most people store board games the same way. Stack them up and hope for the best.
This approach creates more problems than it solves.
Problems with Stacking Boxes
I’ve watched countless game nights start with a 10-minute dig through wobbly towers.
The bottom game is always the one you want. You pull it out, and three boxes crash to the floor. Pieces scatter everywhere.
Constant restacking wears out box corners. The cardboard gets soft and torn. Your favourite games start looking beaten up after just a few months.
Worse yet? Many people stop playing certain games because accessing them feels like a chore.
Space Limitations in Most Homes
Most homes don’t have dedicated game rooms. You’re working with limited closet space or trying to keep games visible in living areas.
Visual clutter becomes overwhelming fast.
The Vertical Storage Method (Keep Original Boxes)
Let me share the method that changed everything for my collection.
The vertical storage approach.
Think about how you store books. You don’t stack them horizontally.
Games work the same way. When you store boxes upright, you can grab any game without moving others.
No more avalanches. No more digging. Each game gets its own space.
The weight pressure disappears, too. Your boxes stay in better shape longer.
Alternative Storage Solutions (Ditch the Boxes)
Sometimes, the original boxes need to go. Here’s what works when you’re ready to make the switch.
Mesh Pouch Storage Method
I love this approach for beaten-up games.
You’ll need mesh pouches about 16.9 x 12 inches, storage baskets, scissors, and clear tape.
Here’s the process: Pull everything out of the damaged box. Cut out the game’s label and artwork from the original packaging.
Secure all pieces in bags inside the mesh pouch. Tape the original artwork to the outside for easy identification.
Store these pouches upright in baskets.
The benefits? Waterproof protection, serious space savings, and perfect for taking games on trips.
This method works best for games with destroyed boxes or ones you play constantly.
Uniform Plastic Case System
Transform a messy games cabinet into a streamlined masterpiece by taking board games out of their boxes and placing them in 8×11″ plastic cases.
This method creates a neat, uniform appearance that looks incredibly organized. Use a label maker to create professional-looking labels for each case.
The flat, clear portfolio boxes uniformly store games and look neat and streamlined. This approach works perfectly for families who prefer matching containers and want everything to look cohesive on shelves.
The cases protect contents better than worn cardboard boxes.
Rolling Cart Solution
Use a rolling cart to organize board games, playing cards, and puzzles. If games are readily available, family members are much more likely to use them.
Rolling carts provide incredible convenience – you can move games wherever you want to play.
This wheeled solution gives you both storage and a portable playing surface. The cart helps curb complaints of boredom by making entertainment easily accessible.
After game night, roll the cart back to its designated corner. This mobile storage solution works perfectly for families who play games in different rooms or want flexible storage options.
Repurposed Armoire Storage
Repurpose an armoire to store board games, providing a chic and convenient organizing solution.
This approach offers massive storage capacity while keeping games completely hidden from view.
Maximize space using a combination of vertical and stacked storage to really make the most of your storage unit.
Armoires work beautifully in living rooms, family rooms, or playrooms without looking like toy storage.
Built-in cabinetry discreetly houses board games without sacrificing style. The enclosed storage protects games from dust and damage while maintaining an elegant appearance that blends seamlessly with your home’s decor.
Creative Storage Solutions for Every Space
Your home has hidden storage potential. Let me show you where to find it.
Built-in and Furniture Solutions
IKEA KALLAX units work perfectly for games. Add doors to hide the collection when you want a cleaner look.
Coffee tables with storage underneath are game-changers. You get a playing surface and storage in one piece.
Don’t forget your existing closets. Zone them by game type – card games on one shelf, big box games on another.
Built-in cabinets make games disappear entirely into your home’s design.
Portable and Multi-Purpose Options
Rolling carts let you move games wherever you’re playing.
Wheeled coffee tables are brilliant. Storage underneath, gaming surface on top, and you can roll them around the room.
Hanging closet organizers use vertical space that you’re wasting. Perfect for smaller games.
Storage trunks with gaming themes look intentional and hide everything beautifully.
Small Space Hacks
That weird space under your stairs? Perfect for game storage.
Old armour makes excellent game libraries when you remove the hanging rod.
Wall-mounted displays show off your favourite games while keeping them accessible.
Modular units fit awkward corners that standard furniture can’t handle.
The key is thinking beyond traditional storage. Your games can live anywhere that makes sense for your space and lifestyle.
Choosing the Right Method for Your Situation
Not every game needs the same storage approach. Here’s how to decide what works best.
When to Keep Original Boxes
Some games belong in their original packaging.
Monopoly and Life have built-in organizers that work. Don’t mess with what’s already functional.
Beautiful box art matters, too. Part of choosing a game is seeing that fantastic cover artwork.
New games in perfect condition should stay in boxes until they show wear.
Weird-sized games often don’t fit standard containers anyway. Keep them as-is.
Organization Strategies and Maintenance
Getting games stored is just the start. How you organize them makes all the difference.
Sorting and Categorization Options
Big collections need alphabetical order. It’s the fastest way to find specific games.
Colour-coding looks fantastic and works great. Group similar box colours together for instant visual appeal.
Category sorting makes more sense for most families-strategy games together, party games together, family games together.
Age groupings help families with kids. Toddler games are on the bottom shelves, and teen games are up higher.
Family-Friendly Organization Tips
Put kids’ games where they can reach them safely.
Games with tiny pieces belong up high. Choking hazards: Stay away from little hands.
Teach children to put games back in the right spot. Make it part of cleanup time.
Use picture labels for kids who can’t read yet. Simple drawings work better than words.
Long-Term Maintenance
Check the box condition every few months. Replace worn rubber bands and torn bags.
Your collection will grow-plan for expansion from the start.
Storage materials wear out. Stock up on replacement supplies.
Reorganize seasonally. Holiday games move to the front in December. Summer travel games get priority in June.
The best system grows with your family and stays simple to maintain.
Conclusion
Now you know precisely how to store board games that work for real homes and real families.
Whether you choose vertical storage, mesh pouches, or plastic cases, you have proven methods that end the chaos: no more toppling stacks or missing pieces.
Your collection deserves better than a messy pile, and now it can have it.
Start with one method and stick to it. Pick the approach that fits your space and collection size best.
Your next game night will be so much smoother when everything has its place, and you can find what you want instantly.
Which storage hack are you trying first? Drop a comment and let me know how it works for your collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you store board games to save space?
Store games vertically like books instead of stacking them. Use mesh pouches or uniform plastic cases to replace bulky original boxes. This method can reduce storage space by up to 50% while making games easier to access.
What’s the best way to organize board game pieces?
Use resealable plastic bags in three sizes (small, medium, and large) to sort pieces by size. Secure everything with XL rubber bands around boxes or transfer to labelled mesh pouches for maximum organization and piece protection.
Should I keep the original board game boxes?
Keep boxes if they’re in good condition with helpful internal organizers. Switch to alternative storage for damaged boxes, frequently played games, or when space is limited. A hybrid approach works well for most collections.
How do you store board games in small spaces?
Use vertical storage, under-stair spaces, hanging closet organizers, or rolling carts. Wall-mounted displays and repurposed armoires maximize storage without taking up floor space. Focus on multi-functional furniture with built-in game storage.
What supplies do I need to organize board games?
Essential supplies include XL rubber bands, three sizes of plastic bags, clear packing tape, and labels. For alternative storage, add mesh pouches, plastic cases, or storage baskets, depending on your chosen method.
