How to Organize Your Board Game Collection: Tips and Tricks

Quick Answer

Start by sorting your games by play frequency, then group them by size or type. Choose sturdy shelving that fits your space, and use vertical storage to protect boxes. Finally, keep small components organized with bags or boxes, and label everything so you can find any game in seconds.

A growing board game collection is a joy, but it can quickly become a jumble of boxes stacked on tables and in closets. When you can't find the game you want or a box is damaged from improper storage, it takes the fun out of the hobby. The good news: organizing your collection doesn't require a custom game room. With a few practical steps, you can create a system that keeps your games safe and easy to access.

Whether you have a dozen games or a hundred, the same principles apply. You'll sort, choose the right storage, and maintain the system. Along the way, you'll make smarter decisions about what to keep and how to protect your investment. Let's walk through the process step by step.

Step 1: Declutter and Categorize

Before you think about shelves, take everything out and see what you actually own. This is your chance to decide which games you play regularly, which you might trade or sell, and which are just taking up space. Be honest: if a game hasn't hit the table in two years, it might be time to let it go. You can donate it to a local library or sell it to fund new purchases.

Once you've trimmed the collection, group the remaining games by category. You might sort by player count, complexity, or genre—whatever makes sense for how you choose games. A common method is to separate party games, strategy games, and two-player games. This makes it easier to find the right game for the occasion.

• Use sticky notes or a list app to track which games you play most often.

Step 2: Choose the Right Shelving

Not all shelves are equal when it comes to board games. Standard bookshelves often have shelves that are too shallow or too tall, wasting space or leaving games overhanging. Look for shelves that are at least 12 inches deep to accommodate most board game boxes. Adjustable shelves are a plus because games vary in height—from small card games to big-box titles.

When you arrange games on the shelf, store them vertically like books. This prevents the components from shifting and damaging the box. Avoid stacking games horizontally on top of each other, as the weight can crush the boxes underneath. If you have a game with a loose fit, like Terra Mystica: Big Box, make sure it has enough room so you're not forcing it onto the shelf.

• Measure your tallest game before buying shelves to ensure they fit.

Step 3: Protect the Boxes and Components

Board game boxes are part of the experience, and keeping them in good condition helps maintain their value. Use plastic inserts or baggies to keep components organized inside the box. This prevents small pieces from rattling around and getting lost. If a game has many tokens, consider using a bead organizer or a craft box with compartments.

For games that see heavy play, you might invest in playmats. A playmat not only enhances your gaming experience but also protects cards and tokens from spills and wear. For example, the Pagan: Fate of Roanoke: Playmat provides a dedicated space for all your tokens and cards, reducing the clutter on your table and keeping components organized during play.

• Use silica gel packets in your game boxes if you live in a humid climate to prevent warping.

Step 4: Label and Maintain Your System

Once everything is on the shelf, it's time to make sure you can find what you need quickly. Labels are your friend. You can use a label maker to create tags for each shelf or category, or simply use sticky notes. If you have a large collection, consider using a spreadsheet or an app like BoardGameGeek to catalog your games and note their location.

The final step is maintenance. After each game night, take a few minutes to put games back in their proper place. This prevents small messes from becoming big ones. Also, periodically review your collection to see if your organization system still works as your collection grows. Adjust as needed.

• Make it a habit to return games to the same spot every time.

Step-by-Step Organization Checklist

1. Empty and sort: Take all games off the shelf and sort them into keep, sell/donate, and maybe piles. This gives you a clear picture of what you own and what you actually play. Checkpoint: If you haven't played a game in two years, consider letting it go.
2. Measure and shelve: Measure your games' heights and depths, then choose shelving that fits. Store games vertically, like books, to prevent box crushing. Checkpoint: Your shelves should be at least 12 inches deep.
3. Organize inside the box: Use baggies, inserts, or craft organizers to keep components separated. For games with many tokens, consider a compartment box. Checkpoint: When you shake the box, you shouldn't hear a chaotic rattle.
4. Label and maintain: Label shelves or categories to make finding games easy. After each game night, put games back in their designated spots. Checkpoint: Your collection stays organized with minimal effort if you maintain the system.

Products That Help You Organize

• Pagan: Fate of Roanoke: Playmat: The official playmat for Pagan: Fate of Roanoke! The playmat provides room for a complete play experience for both the Witch and the Witch Hunter. Helpful player aids for various actions are found next to the corresponding locations on the playmat. A playmat like this keeps cards and tokens from sliding around, which means less time resetting the game and fewer lost pieces. It also protects your table and the game components from wear.
• Terra Mystica: Big Box: Only few other games have received as many awards in recent years as Terra Mystica! In this peaceful strategy game, you’ll decide the destiny of your faction. Choose between witches, darklings, dragon masters, and 17 other factions. Terraform the world to your ideas and construct a large number of buildings. Big box editions often include many components and expansions. Storing them properly on a sturdy shelf prevents box damage and makes it easier to bring out the whole game.

Organizing your board game collection is a practical project that pays off every time you reach for a game. By sorting, choosing the right shelves, protecting components, and maintaining the system, you'll keep your games in great shape and make game nights smoother. Start with these steps, and you'll wonder why you didn't do it sooner.