How to Store Your Game Collection in Small Spaces

Quick Answer

To store games in small spaces, first declutter and group by size, then use vertical storage like shelves or over-door organizers, and finally store boxes flat to prevent damage. Consider multi-purpose furniture and labeled bins to keep everything accessible without taking over your living area.

Living in a cozy apartment or a compact home doesn't mean you have to give up your love for board games. With a little creativity and smart organization, you can keep a thriving game collection without sacrificing precious square footage. The key is to think vertically, declutter regularly, and use storage solutions that double as decor.

In this guide, we'll walk you through a step-by-step process to store your games efficiently in small spaces, ensuring they stay in great condition and are easy to grab for game night.

Assess Your Collection

Before you start reorganizing, take stock of what you own. Pull out every game and sort them into categories: keep, donate, and sell. Be honest about which games you actually play. If a game hasn't hit the table in over a year, it might be time to let it go. This decluttering step instantly frees up space and makes your collection more manageable.

Once you've narrowed down your keepers, group them by size and type. For example, separate card games from large board games and jigsaw puzzles. This will help you plan storage solutions that fit each category's dimensions and weight.

Choose the Right Storage Spots

Look around your home for underutilized areas. The space under your bed, the top of a closet, or the side of a bookshelf can become prime real estate for game storage. Vertical space is your best friend—install floating shelves or use a tall, narrow bookcase to store games in stacks.

Consider furniture that serves double duty, like an ottoman with hidden storage or a coffee table with shelves. These pieces let you keep games close at hand without adding visual clutter. For smaller games like card decks or trivia sets, a decorative basket or a drawer organizer can keep them tidy and easy to browse.

Implement Smart Storage Solutions

When storing board games, always keep them flat to prevent warping and to keep pieces from shifting. Avoid stacking too many heavy boxes on top of each other, as this can crush the corners and damage the contents. If you must stack, place the heaviest games at the bottom.

For games with small components, consider using resealable plastic bags to keep pieces organized inside the box. This not only preserves the game but also speeds up setup time. For card games like Whisky Lover's Playing Cards, which come in a sturdy tin, you can store them on a shelf or in a drawer without worrying about damage.

Step-by-Step Storage Guide

1. Declutter and Categorize: Go through your games and remove any you no longer play. Sort the rest by size and type to understand what you're working with. Checkpoint: You should have a clear pile of keepers that you actually enjoy.
2. Measure Your Available Spaces: Use a tape measure to find the dimensions of potential storage areas: shelves, closets, under-bed bins, and wall space. This prevents buying storage that doesn't fit. Checkpoint: Note the height, width, and depth of each spot.
3. Invest in Vertical Storage: Install shelves or use a tall bookcase to take advantage of vertical space. Place heavier games on lower shelves and lighter ones on top. Checkpoint: Ensure shelves are securely anchored to the wall.
4. Use Multi-Purpose Furniture: Opt for ottomans, benches, or coffee tables with hidden storage. These provide a place to sit or rest drinks while hiding games inside. Checkpoint: Keep frequently played games in easily accessible spots.
5. Store Games Flat and Labeled: Always lay game boxes flat to avoid warping. Use clear bins or labels to identify contents without opening every box. Checkpoint: Label bins with categories like 'Card Games' or 'Family Favorites' for quick retrieval.

Compact Game Ideas for Small Spaces

• House of Novelties Checkers: The counters, dice, and instructions pack neatly inside the folding wooden board, ideally sized to tuck under your arm for a game at the park, cafe, or by the fireside. This all-in-one design means you don't need extra storage for separate pieces, making it a great choice for tiny apartments or travel.
• 1970s Music Trivia Game: Looking for a bit of '70s nostalgia? Relive the decade that brought us bell bottoms, lava lamps, and mirror balls. All you need to bring is your dorky music facts about the Decade of Disco. Trivia games are typically compact and come in small boxes, making them easy to stack or tuck into a shelf nook without taking up much room.
• Whisky Lover's Playing Cards: This 54-card deck comes packaged in a handy storage tin for play at home or on-the-go. The tin protects the cards and takes up minimal space, perfect for slotting into a drawer or a small organizer.

Storing your game collection in a small space is all about being intentional with your choices. By decluttering, thinking vertically, and using compact storage solutions, you can keep your favorite games organized and ready for play without overwhelming your home. Start small, and you'll find that even the coziest space can accommodate a fun and functional game library.