How to Organize and Store Your Board Game Collection
By Asmodee – Asmodee USA | Published: 2026-09-08
Category: How-to Guides
Learn practical steps to organize and store your board games, from sorting and culling to shelving and accessories. Keep your collection tidy and accessible.
Quick Answer
Start by sorting your games into categories you use often, then cull the ones you don't play. Store them vertically on sturdy shelves, keep components organized with baggies and boxes, and use accessories like card stands and deck boxes to protect and display your games. This approach balances accessibility with space efficiency.
Board game collections grow quickly, and without a system, they can become a chaotic pile of boxes. Whether you have a dedicated game room or a closet shelf, organizing your games saves time and protects your investment.
In this guide, we'll walk through a step-by-step process to sort, cull, shelve, and store your board games. You'll also learn about accessories that keep components tidy and ready for your next game night.
Sort and Cull
Begin by pulling everything out and sorting games into broad categories: party games, strategy games, cooperative games, and two-player games. This helps you see what you own and how often you reach for each title. As you sort, ask yourself: Have I played this in the last year? If not, consider giving it away or selling it.
Culling is tough but essential. A curated collection is easier to store and more enjoyable to browse. You don't need to get rid of everything—just the games that no longer fit your group's tastes. Keep the ones with sentimental value, but be honest about the rest.
- Checkpoint: If you have more than 50 games, aim to reduce by at least 10%.
Choose the Right Shelving
Once you know what you're keeping, measure your space and choose shelves that can handle the weight of board games. Standard bookcases work, but look for sturdy options with adjustable shelves to fit different box sizes. Store games vertically, like books, to prevent components from shifting and to make titles easy to read.
If you have limited floor space, consider wall-mounted shelves or over-door organizers. Ensure shelves are deep enough to fully support the boxes—games that overhang can sag and damage corners. Use shelf dividers to keep games upright if you have gaps.
- Common mistake: Overloading shelves with heavy games can cause bowing. Distribute weight evenly.
Protect and Organize Components
Inside each box, keep components separated with resealable bags or small containers. This prevents pieces from mixing and speeds up setup. For games with many small tokens, consider using a tackle box or craft organizer for easy access during play.
For card-heavy games, card sleeves protect cards from wear and make shuffling easier. Use deck boxes to store multiple decks or to keep a Commander deck ready to grab. A premium deck box can hold a full deck and display your commander, making it both protective and practical.
- Tip: Label bags with the component name or use a label maker for quick identification.
Use Accessories to Enhance Play and Storage
Accessories can make your games easier to play and store. Card stands keep cards visible and off the table, reducing clutter and accidental reveals. Playmats provide a clean, cushioned surface that protects cards from scratches and dirt, and they roll up for compact storage.
When choosing accessories, consider your most-played games. If you frequently play Magic: The Gathering, invest in a playmat and deck boxes. If you run a game night with hidden information, card stands are a simple addition that improves the experience.
- Checkpoint: Prioritize accessories that you'll use regularly, not just ones that look nice.
Step-by-Step Organization Process
- Step 1: Gather and Sort: Collect all games from every room. Sort them into categories you use: party, strategy, cooperative, two-player, and 'maybe keep.' This gives you a clear picture of your collection. Checkpoint: Be ruthless. If you haven't played a game in two years and it doesn't hold sentimental value, put it in the donate pile.
- Step 2: Measure and Plan Shelving: Measure your available space and the dimensions of your largest games. Choose shelves with adjustable heights and sturdy construction. Plan to store games vertically to save space and protect components. Checkpoint: Ensure shelves are deep enough (at least 12 inches) to fully support game boxes without overhang.
- Step 3: Organize Inside the Boxes: Open each game and assess the internal storage. Use resealable bags or small containers to separate components. Remove excess air to keep boxes flat. Consider replacing flimsy inserts with custom organizers if needed. Checkpoint: If setup takes longer than 10 minutes due to component chaos, it's time to reorganize.
- Step 4: Arrange on Shelves: Place games on shelves, grouping by category or frequency of play. Put frequently played games at eye level for easy access. Leave a little space between games to avoid crushing boxes. Checkpoint: Leave 1-2 inches of breathing room on each shelf to prevent boxes from rubbing and damaging corners.
- Step 5: Add Protective Accessories: For card-heavy games, use card sleeves and deck boxes. Use a playmat to protect cards during play. Card stands keep hands and table clear. Choose accessories that fit your most-played games. Checkpoint: Invest in quality accessories for games you play weekly; skip them for games that hit the table rarely.
- Step 6: Maintain and Reassess: Set a reminder every few months to reassess your collection. As you acquire new games, cull ones you no longer play. Keep your storage system flexible so it can adapt. Checkpoint: A well-maintained collection is easier to enjoy and keeps your space tidy.
Recommended Storage Accessories
- Premium Card Stands Set 4x Acrylic: These minimalistic, flat, elegant Premium Card Stands can hold almost any gaming card (up to Standard Size, sleeved and unsleeved). Use them during gameplay to hide a card’s information from others or to increase a card’s visibility to other players. The ingenious, alignable design allows the Card Stands to be positioned next to each other in a line or (half-) circle. Card stands keep cards upright and visible, reducing table clutter and preventing accidental peeks. They're perfect for games with hidden hands or public info, and they store flat when not in use.
- Magic: The Gathering | The Hobbit Prime Playmat - Radagast of Rhosgobel: These premium-quality, full-color printed and officially licensed Prime Playmats are an essential accessory for every dedicated gamer. Each playmat captures the game’s immersive atmosphere and brings it straight to your tabletop. With 2mm soft cushioning, it protects your cards from rough or dirty surfaces while offering a smooth and comfortable play experience. The ultrafine fabric surface ensures seamless card movement. A playmat protects your cards from table damage and provides a clean, consistent play surface. It also adds a personal touch to your gaming setup and rolls up for easy storage.
- Squire Plus 100+ XL Convertible Blue: The Squire PLUS 100+ XL is a premium deck box, specifically designed for the widely popular Magic: The GatheringTM format “COMMANDER”. It includes a Slide Card Case for displaying the Commander or top card with additional UV protection. Due to the innovative placement, the stored deck can be easily identified. A sturdy deck box keeps your cards organized and protected, and the slide card case lets you identify the deck at a glance—perfect for multiple Commander decks or as a home for your favorite deck.
Organizing your board game collection doesn't have to be overwhelming. By sorting, culling, and using smart storage solutions, you can create a system that keeps your games safe and easy to reach. Start with these steps, and you'll have a collection that's ready for any game night.
