If your family loves board games as much as we do, you know the struggle—stacks of mismatched boxes, missing pieces, and spending way too much time sorting tiles instead of actually playing.
After years of collecting (and wrangling) tabletop board games like Ora et Labora and Le Havre, I’ve learned that board game organization isn’t just about getting everything to fit neatly on your shelves—it also makes set-up and clean-up so much easier! The less time spent digging for that one missing token, the more time spent actually enjoying the game.
In this post, I’ll share my favorite board game storage solutions, including how to organize both your overall game collection and the individual pieces inside each box.
Whether your favorite board games are complex games in large boxes, smaller games with small game pieces, or simple card games, you’re bound to find some storage ideas for your collection in this post.
The Best Board Game Storage Containers
Let’s dive in and get those games organized!
1. Storage Bags
One of the easiest ways to organize board games is with storage bags of some kind. Clear plastic zipper bags are great because you can see what’s inside. Drawstring bags, like the kind used for Scrabble tiles, are perfect for dice or meeples.
Just toss the pieces in, seal it up, and you can relax, knowing you’re not going to lose any little pieces!
Here are a couple options:
2. Clear Containers with Dividers
For games with lots of different types of pieces—like starting tiles, resource tiles, and other components—clear plastic containers with built-in dividers are a must.
These containers keep everything neatly separated, making it easy to grab exactly what you need without digging through a jumble of pieces.
When selecting a container, look for one with sections that roughly match the size of your game pieces so they fit snugly. Also try to match the number of sections in the container to the number of types of components you want to store in it.
You can even set up different countainers to organize your games by categories such as favorite games, number of players, or how long the game takes to play.
PRO TIP: Organizing individual games by the number of players can help speed up setup time, letting you dive into the fun much faster!
Check out these containers:
- 2-Pack Token 10-Cell Box for Board Game Pieces
- 3 Pack 36 Grids Clear Plastic Bead Organizer Box
- 4 Pack 5 Grid Clear Plastic Tackle Storage Box
3. Counter Trays
Counter trays, like the ones in this set from Flying Buffalo, are a great way to keep board game tokens, dice, and small pieces neatly sorted
With multiple compartments and a secure lid, they prevent pieces from shifting around inside the box. They’re especially useful for war games and strategy games with lots of different tokens, making setup and cleanup much faster.
4. Stackable Bead Containers
Stackable bead containers are another great way to store board game components like meeples, coins, and tokens.
These clear plastic tubs come in different sizes and lid styles, such as snap-on or hanging, so you should be able to find ones that suit your game(s) perfectly.
The best part? They don’t just save space—they also speed up setup. Instead of laying out individual pieces on the board, you can set down the containers instead. No more struggling to find and pick up all those tiny pieces!
Here’s a small selection of the options available:
- 2 Sets 5 Layer Cylinder Stackable Bead Containers
- 12 Box Pack of Spectrum Bit Boxes
- 4 Set Stackable Cosmetic Containers with Screw Lids
- 30 Round Clear Plastic Bead Storage Containers
- 12 Clear Plastic Bead Storage Containers Boxes with Hinged Lids
5. Game Storage Kits
Did you know there are purpose-made game storage kits designed specifically for organizing board game components? These kits typically come with multiple storage options inside one main container, so you can house all the pieces for one game together, or even multiple games in one container.
Many of these kits include removable dividers, so you can customize the space to fit your various pieces. They often come with mesh zipper pouches, labels, and other smaller containers.
Some even have color-coded bags, which is perfect for sorting pieces by game mode—like setting up separate bags for 1- or 2-player scenarios to make setup even faster.
Of course, these kits come in different sizes. For example, Lukeline has a bigger kit with 16 mesh bags, and this smaller, simpler kit with just 10.
6. Board Game Travel Bags
If you attend game nights or travel a lot, a dedicated board game travel bag like this one from May the game is a must-have. These bags make it easy to pack up your favorite games while keeping them protected during transport. No more worrying about crushed boxes or rain damage.
When choosing a travel bag, consider which games you’ll be carrying most often. Look for one with enough capacity and the right pocket configurations to keep everything organized and secure.
7. Elastic Box Bands
If you prefer keeping your board games in their original cardboard boxes, elastic box bands like these ones from GEEKON are a game changer!
These rubber bands keep lids snug, preventing pieces from spilling out and making it easier to store games neatly on a shelf—no more wrestling with warped lids or loose components.
PRO TIP: Avoid stacking too many games, or storing cardboard game boxes on their side, as this can warp them over time.
8. Clear Card Cases
If you want to keep your decks of cards in good shape, clear card cases are a great alternative to the original packaging. Boxes for standard decks of cards and card games like Uno tend to wear out over time, which can result in your cards getting damaged. Many (if not most?) card games rely on players not knowing which cards the other players have, so the last thing you want is a bent card.
A sturdy plastic case like this one from IOKUKI keeps everything neat, tidy, and easy to store. Since they’re clear, you can quickly see which deck is inside, so you can quickly grab the deck you were looking for.
9. Card Deck Boxes
For a more robust and classy storage solution for your decks of cards, card deck boxes are a great option.
Unlike simple acrylic holders, these boxes come in various colors and finishes, adding a stylish touch to your game collection. Check out these multi-colored leather deck boxes to see an example.
If you want your storage to look as good as your games, card deck boxes offer both function and aesthetic appeal, keeping your cards protected while adding a bit of flair to your setup.
10. Board Game Storage Unit or Game Closet
If you’ve got a large collection of board games, a dedicated storage unit or game closet can is probably going to be a great solution for you.
I personally organize my cabinets by types of games, number of players, or difficulty. For example, one cabinet is for our favorite games, another for entry-level games, and the rest by complexity. You could also sort by genre or even alphabetically if that works better for you.
In another cabinet, I store video games, kids’ games, and puzzles. I use decorative baskets and storage bins to keep everything neat and tidy.
Depending on the games you play, the size of the boxes can make storage a real challenge. That’s why I decided to build a custom board game storage system. You can base your design on your specific game collection and adjust it as it grows.
And it doesn’t have to be anything particularly fancy. My first attempt at building a unit to store board games was essentially a simple rectangle with a divider down the middle and pullout shelves! I later added an old bookcase to the top.
11. Cabinets with Pullout Drawers
If you do store your board games on shelves or in a cabinet, adding pullout drawers can completely transform your setup. No more shifting piles around—just slide out a shelf and grab the game you want!
Like I said, I built my own board game storage from scratch, customizing the depth, width, and height to fit my collection perfectly. But if DIY isn’t your thing, you can easily upgrade an existing cabinet by attaching full-extension drawer slides to a simple frame made from 1″x2″ boards and 1/2″ plywood.
It’s a small change that makes a big difference in keeping your games organized and accessible.
12. Foam Inserts
Finally, whichever game storage solutions you choose, I’d recommend getting some foam inserts, like these pre-scored inserts from Cawla.
Foam inserts are perfect for keeping game components stable and protected inside their box or container. They prevent pieces from rattling around, reducing the risk of damage. Whether you’re storing miniatures, tokens, or delicate game boards, foam provides a cushioned layer to keep everything in place.
Plus, they make your games look super neat and professional!
And That’s How to Store Board Games!
Finding the best way to store your board game collection is not just a matter of space and keeping things tidy; it’s the best way I know to reduce set-up and pack-up time and maximize game play. When you find the right board game organizers, game nights run smoother and your collection stays in great shape for years to come.
If you’re in search of even more board game organization ideas, you might enjoy seeing how I built my own board game coffee table with pullouts. And if you’re looking to create the perfect gaming space, check out my guide to setting up a tabletop gaming room (even if that just means making the most of your living room).
Plus shop board game storage & organizing ideas here.
Finally, for even more great ideas, check out all my gaming organization posts here! Happy organizing, and enjoy your next family game night!
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Related Posts: How to set up your gaming room | How to build your own board game storage | How to make custom built-in cabinets | Clear plastic organizers | How to build a gaming coffee table | Toy storage solutions | Intentional home ideas |
What great game board storage ideas! Thanks for sharing all these helpful acessories.