Properly store games by keeping them in their original cases, in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity.
We all love our games, right? But keeping them safe and sound can be a real challenge. Whether it’s board games or video games, finding the best way to store them becomes important. This is a common problem for gamers everywhere.
So many people wonder about how to store games effectively. Luckily, there are easy ways to protect your collection. Knowing how makes a big difference in keeping everything in great condition. Let’s explore some tips.
How to Store Games: A Comprehensive Guide
Storing games might seem easy, but doing it right can keep your favorites safe and ready to play for years to come. Whether you have board games, video games, or even trading cards, proper storage is key. Let’s dive into all the best ways to organize and protect your game collection.
Storing Board Games
Board games often come in big boxes, and those boxes can take up a lot of space. But they’re also delicate. Here’s how to keep your board games in tip-top shape:
Keep Them Flat
The biggest mistake people make is stacking board games on their sides like books. This can cause the inside components to shift and potentially damage the box or even the game pieces. Always store your board games flat, one on top of the other. Imagine making a nice, steady tower of games—that’s what you want!
Consider the Environment
Where you store your board games matters a lot. Avoid areas that are too hot or too cold, like attics or basements, if these areas experience extreme temperatures or humidity. These conditions can warp the cardboard and damage the game components. A cool, dry place is best, like a closet, a shelf, or a spare room.
Using Storage Solutions
Sometimes, game boxes get worn out, or the inside is a mess. If this happens, you might want to use other storage solutions. Here are a few ideas:
- Plastic Bins: These are great for keeping games together and away from dust. Make sure they are big enough for the game boxes, and avoid packing them so tight they bend or get squished.
- Shelves: Shelves are perfect for displaying and storing board games. It makes them easy to access, and they’re less likely to get damaged if they’re not piled too high. You can even organize games by type or color!
- Inserts: Some people use special inserts inside the game boxes to keep all the pieces organized. These can help prevent pieces from getting lost or broken, and make it much easier to set up and put away the game quickly.
Protecting Delicate Pieces
Many board games have small pieces that can easily get lost. Here are a few ways to keep them safe:
- Small Bags: Use small plastic zip-top bags or small cloth bags to keep pieces from rolling around inside the box. You can even label the bags, so you know which ones go to each game.
- Plastic Organizers: Craft stores sell little plastic boxes that are great for holding game tokens, dice, and cards.
- Rubber Bands: Don’t rely on rubber bands for long-term storage because they can degrade and stick to game components.
Storing Video Games
Video games come in many formats, and each one needs a different storage plan. From cartridges to discs to digital downloads, let’s explore how to keep them in order.
Physical Game Discs
Game discs are quite sensitive. Here are some things to keep in mind when storing them:
- Keep Them in Their Cases: Always, always store your game discs in their cases when you are not using them. This protects the delicate surface from scratches and dust.
- Store Vertically: Just like books, store your game cases vertically on a shelf. Don’t lay them flat on top of each other; it’s easy for them to fall and get damaged.
- Handle With Care: Try not to touch the shiny part of the disc. Hold it by the edges, as fingerprints can damage it.
- Avoid Sunlight: Direct sunlight can fade the colors on your game cases, and heat can warp the discs. Keep them away from windows.
Game Cartridges
Game cartridges are more durable, but still need care. Here’s how to keep them safe:
- Use Cases or Protective Sleeves: Game cartridges can get dusty or dirty, so it’s a great idea to keep them in their original cases, if you still have them. If not, you can get protective sleeves online.
- Store Them Vertically: Storing cartridges upright on a shelf or in a cartridge organizer keeps them from getting bent or damaged.
- Keep Away From Magnets: Cartridges store their data using magnets, so keep them away from strong magnets, which can erase the information.
Digital Games
You might think that digital games are easy to store, since they don’t take up physical space. Still, there are important things to remember:
- Keep Your Console Organized: Make sure you have enough space on your gaming console or computer to store your digital games. You can delete games that you aren’t playing anymore to make room for new ones, and you can often re-download them later.
- Back Up Your Saves: If you only store games digitally, back up your game save data to a cloud service, so your progress will be safe even if your console or computer has problems.
- Use External Hard Drives: If you run out of space on your console or computer, you can store your games on an external hard drive.
Storing Trading Cards
Trading cards, like Pokémon cards, Magic: The Gathering cards, and sports cards, need careful storage to protect their value. Here’s how to keep them in the best shape:
Card Sleeves
Card sleeves are a must for keeping your cards safe. They protect from scratches and bending. You can buy them in different sizes, so make sure they fit the card snugly:
- Penny Sleeves: These are cheap, clear sleeves that are perfect for basic protection. Use them for all your cards, even the common ones.
- Toploaders: These are rigid plastic holders that give extra protection, especially for valuable cards. If you have rare or expensive cards, you need these.
Card Binders
After you’ve sleeved your cards, using a binder is a great way to keep them organized:
- Pocket Pages: Use pocket pages that fit inside a binder. The pockets should be the right size for your sleeved cards.
- Organize by Set: Organize your binder by sets or type, so it is easier to find specific cards.
Storage Boxes
If you have a large collection, using boxes can help keep your cards safe and organized. Choose a box that’s sturdy and will keep out moisture:
- Cardboard Boxes: Cardboard boxes are inexpensive and easy to use. Make sure they are the right size for the sleeved cards.
- Plastic Boxes: Plastic boxes are waterproof, which can be useful if you are storing them in a place that might get humid.
General Storage Tips
No matter how you are storing your trading cards, there are some things to keep in mind:
- Keep Away From Sunlight: Direct sunlight can fade the colors on your cards and make them lose value.
- Avoid Moisture: Moisture can ruin your cards. Keep them away from damp areas.
- Keep Away From Heat: Heat can warp and damage your cards. A cool, dry place is best.
Organizing Your Game Collection
Beyond just storing your games, organization makes it much easier to find the game you want, when you want it. Here are a few tricks to help you get organized:
Categorize Your Games
Think about how you might want to find a game. Do you want to look for a certain type? Here are some ways to categorize:
- By Type: Put all board games together, then video games, then card games. Then, you can sort each type into smaller groups.
- By Genre: For video games, sort by action, adventure, puzzle, sports, and so on. For board games, sort by strategy, family, or party games.
- By Size: Keep all big boxes together and all smaller boxes together, if you have them. This makes it easier to make the most of your storage space.
- By Age: Separate games for kids and games for adults.
Label Everything
Labeling your storage bins, shelves, and boxes can help everyone find the right game and put it back in the right spot. Here are some tips for labeling:
- Use Sticky Labels: Write clearly on sticky labels, or use a label maker if you have one.
- Use Different Colors: You can use different colored labels for different types or categories of games, which makes it even easier to know what’s inside.
- Keep it Clear and Simple: Don’t try to write too much on the labels. Keep them short and easy to understand.
Regularly Check Your Collection
It’s a great idea to go through your game collection regularly. This helps you keep things in order, find broken or missing pieces, and decide if you want to get rid of any games you no longer play:
- Replace Missing Pieces: If you find any missing or broken pieces, see if you can order replacements.
- Clean the Games: Wipe down your game boxes and pieces regularly to keep them free of dust.
- Donate Games: If you find games you no longer want, donate them to a school, library, or charity, so someone else can enjoy them.
Utilize Vertical Space
When you have a lot of games, using vertical space is a good idea. You can use these ideas to make your storage space more efficient:
- Taller Shelves: Taller shelves help you to stack more game boxes, so you can use the full space from the floor up to the ceiling.
- Stackable Bins: Use bins that stack on top of each other, to help take the most advantage of vertical space, and keep things organized.
The Importance of Good Storage
Using the right storage methods will keep your games in great shape, but also makes it easier to find what you want. Good storage keeps your games organized, which means more time for fun.
By taking the time to plan out the best ways to store your games, you can keep your collection safe and ready for playing for many years. Remember to keep your games organized, safe from the elements, and regularly checked.
How to Store Your Games Without an Insert
Final Thoughts
Therefore, consider these tips for game storage. Store game boxes in cool, dry areas to prevent damage from moisture and heat. Use protective cases for individual games. Organizing games alphabetically or by genre makes access easier.
Store discs upright in cases to prevent scratching. Keep all components together, such as instruction manuals or cards. Remember these simple steps for better game keeping. Knowing how to store games properly will extend their lifespan.
