Board games are more than just a source of entertainment; they often hold sentimental value and represent a significant investment of time and money. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a seasoned collector, finding smart ways to store and care for your collection is essential to ensure its longevity.
One useful tip is to scan the game instructions using a scanning app for Android, just in case the original gets lost or damaged. This ensures you always have a digital backup available. This guide is designed to provide tips and insights on organizing, protecting, and preserving your board games, keeping them in top condition for countless game nights to come.
Tips for storing your board games
- Keep your games away from sunlight, heat, and moisture. Sunlight can fade the colors on boxes and game components, while heat can warp cardboard, and moisture can cause mold and mildew. Ideally, store your games in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a cupboard or a shelf out of direct sunlight.
- Store square boxes vertically. Storing square boxes vertically rather than stacking them horizontally helps prevent damage from excessive weight. This minimizes the risk of squashing or crushing the boxes.
- Use plastic bags or containers for game pieces. To keep game pieces organized and safe, store them in plastic bags, small containers, or even pill organizers. This prevents them from getting lost or mixed up with pieces from other games. Label each bag or container with the game name and the number of pieces inside. Most game boxes are spacious enough to store these within them.
- Create digital copies of instructions and forms. Many board games come with instructions or forms that can get lost or damaged over time. To prevent this, use a document scanner for Android to create digital copies. Save them in cloud storage or on your device. If they get lost, you can always print copies and continue enjoying your game.
- Protect cards with sleeves. Cards are often the most vulnerable part of a board game and can easily become bent, torn, or stained. Using card sleeves can help protect them from wear and tear. Card sleeves come in various sizes and colors, so you can find ones that fit your cards and match your game’s design.
Neatly folded board games - Store decks in playing card deck boxes. Durable card deck boxes help protect cards from damage caused by dust, dirt, or moisture. They also help to keep cards together and reduce the risk of losing any.
- Organize with foam inserts or custom organizers. Many games come with foam inserts or organizers to arrange components neatly within the box. These not only keep your game tidy but also protect the parts during transport. If your game didn’t come with an organizer, you can purchase one online or create one using materials like foam core or cardboard.
- Secure loose lids with rubber or elastic bands. If a game box lid is loose or flimsy, secure it with rubber bands or elastic bands to prevent components from spilling out. Avoid wrapping them too tightly or leaving them on for extended periods, as this could damage the box over time.
- Use plastic wrap or shrink wrap for long-term storage. For unused or rarely played games, especially if storing them for a long time, sealing the box with plastic wrap or shrink wrap adds an extra layer of protection. This method keeps dust, dirt, moisture, and insects at bay. You can use a hair dryer or heat gun to shrink the wrap snugly around the box.
- Store multiple games together in plastic bins. If you have a large collection, consider placing multiple games in sturdy, stackable plastic bins. Transparent bins make it easy to see what’s inside, and labeling the bins with game names or categories helps with organization.
- Reorganize and dust your games occasionally. Move the boxes around periodically to check for moisture or dust buildup. While doing so, wipe or dust the boxes and shelves. This practice helps prevent sun or moisture damage and avoids boxes sticking together over time.
Conclusion
Properly caring for and storing your board games ensures they remain in excellent condition for years to come. By following these tips, you can protect your games from damage, keep your collection organized, and ensure they’re ready for the next game night. Whether you’re a casual player, an avid collector, or somewhere in between, maintaining your board games is a small effort that ensures they bring joy and entertainment time and time again.
