Picture this: it’s a rainy Saturday afternoon, and you’re itching to dive into a board game marathon or fire up a classic video game from your collection. You head to your shelf, only to be met with a chaotic jumble of boxes, discs, and cartridges. Where’s that one game you’ve been craving? Is it buried under a pile of manuals or lost in a drawer somewhere? If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. As a lifelong gamer with a sprawling collection of board games, video games, and tabletop RPGs, I’ve faced this struggle too. After years of trial and error (and a few misplaced dice), I’ve cracked the code on organizing and tracking a games collection—and I’m here to share everything I’ve learned.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to transform your games collection from a chaotic mess into a well-organized, easily accessible treasure trove. Whether you’re a casual player with a handful of titles or a dedicated collector with hundreds of games, this post will walk you through every step of the process. From physical storage solutions to digital tracking tools, we’ll cover practical tips, expert insights, and creative ideas to keep your collection in top shape. Let’s roll the dice and get started!

Why Organizing Your Games Collection Matters

A disorganized games collection isn’t just an eyesore—it can sap the joy out of gaming. Imagine spending 20 minutes searching for a game only to realize you lent it out months ago. Or worse, discovering a beloved title damaged because it wasn’t stored properly. Organizing your collection saves time, protects your investment, and makes it easier to enjoy your games whenever the mood strikes. According to a 2022 survey by BoardGameGeek, 68% of tabletop gamers reported that an organized collection improved their gaming experience, and the same principle applies to video games.

Beyond practicality, organizing your collection is a way to celebrate your passion. Each game in your library tells a story—maybe it’s the RPG you played with friends until 3 a.m. or the retro cartridge you snagged at a flea market. By giving your collection the care it deserves, you’re honoring those memories and making new ones easier to create. In this guide, we’ll tackle both the physical and digital sides of organization, offering solutions for every type of gamer.

Step 1: Take Stock of Your Collection

Before you can organize your games, you need to know what you’re working with. This means taking a full inventory of your collection, whether it’s board games, video games, or a mix of both. Set aside a few hours (or a weekend for larger collections) and approach this like a treasure hunt. Here’s how to do it:

• Gather Everything in One Place: Pull all your games from shelves, closets, and storage bins. Lay them out on a table or floor so you can see the full scope of your collection. This is also a great time to rediscover forgotten gems.
• Categorize by Type: Group your games by category—board games, card games, video games, tabletop RPGs, etc. Within each category, you can further sort by platform (e.g., PlayStation, Nintendo Switch) or genre (e.g., strategy, cooperative).
• Check Condition: Inspect each game for damage. Are the boxes intact? Are discs scratched? Are any pieces missing? Make a note of anything that needs repair or replacement.
• Document Your Inventory: Create a simple spreadsheet using Google Sheets or a notebook to list each game’s title, platform, condition, and location (e.g., “living room shelf”). For board games, note the number of players and playtime to make choosing games easier later.

When I first inventoried my collection, I was shocked to find I owned 73 board games—far more than I’d realized. The process took a full day, but it gave me a clear picture of what I had and sparked ideas for how to organize it. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, break the task into smaller chunks, tackling one category or shelf at a time.

Step 2: Choose the Right Storage Solutions

Once you know what’s in your collection, it’s time to find a home for everything. The right storage solution depends on your space, budget, and the type of games you own. Below, we’ll explore options for both physical and digital games, with tips to maximize space and protect your collection.

Board Games: Shelves, Bins, and More

Board games come in all shapes and sizes, from compact card games to sprawling boxes filled with miniatures. Here are some storage ideas to keep them organized and accessible:

• Bookshelves with Adjustable Shelves: A sturdy bookshelf, like the IKEA Kallax, is a popular choice among board gamers. Its cubby-style design accommodates boxes of various sizes, and you can add baskets for smaller games or accessories.
• Clear Plastic Bins: For games you don’t play often, stackable plastic bins with lids are a dust-free, budget-friendly option. Label each bin by genre or frequency of play to make retrieval easy.
• Component Organizers: For games with lots of pieces (looking at you, Gloomhaven), invest in component organizers like those from The Broken Token. These keep cards, tokens, and dice neatly sorted insideth, reducing setup and cleanup time.
• Wall-Mounted Racks: If floor space is tight, consider wall-mounted racks or floating shelves for smaller games or display pieces, like special-edition boxes.

When organizing my board games, I opted for a Kallax shelf and sorted games by frequency of play—favorites like Catan and Ticket to Ride on the top row for easy access, and heavier titles like Twilight Imperium lower down. I also used ziplock bags to organize components within each box, which has been a game-changer for setup.

Video Games: Discs, Cartridges, and Consoles

Video games present their own storage challenges, especially if you collect physical media across multiple platforms. Here’s how to keep them in order:

• Media Storage Towers: For discs and cartridges, a media tower or binder with sleeves (like those from Atlantic) keeps everything compact and protected. Look for UV-resistant sleeves to prevent fading.
• Console-Specific Cases: For retro cartridges, consider platform-specific storage cases, such as SNES or N64 cartridge holders, available on sites like Etsy.
• Cable Management: If you store consoles with your games, use cable organizers to prevent a tangle of cords. Velcro straps or clip-on cable holders work wonders.
• Climate Control: Store physical media in a cool, dry place to prevent disc rot or cartridge corrosion. A dehumidifier can help in humid climates.

For my video game collection, I use a combination of binders for discs and custom cases for my Game Boy cartridges. I also keep a small toolbox for console accessories like controllers and cables, which keeps everything tidy.

Digital Games: Cloud and Local Storage

Digital games don’t take up physical space, but they can still clutter your library. Here’s how to manage them:

• Organize by Platform: Most platforms, like Steam or the Nintendo eShop, let you sort games by genre, playtime, or last played. Create custom categories (e.g., “Favorites,” “To Play”) for quick access.
• External Hard Drives: For large digital libraries, an external hard drive or SSD can store games you’re not currently playing, freeing up space on your console or PC.
• Cloud Saves: Enable cloud saves on platforms that support them to protect your progress. Services like PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass often include this feature.

Step 3: Track Your Collection Digitally

Keeping a digital record of your games is essential for large or growing collections. It helps you avoid duplicates, track play history, and even share your library with friends. Here are some tools and strategies to consider:

• Spreadsheets: A Google Sheets or Excel spreadsheet is a simple, customizable option. Include columns for title, platform, genre, condition, purchase date, and notes. You can even add a column for estimated value if you’re a collector.
• Dedicated Apps: Apps like BoardGameGeek for board games or CLZ Games for video games let you scan barcodes, log play sessions, and sync across devices. CLZ Games also integrates with price guides for collectors.
• Community Platforms: Sites like Backloggery or HowLongToBeat are great for tracking video game progress and setting goals, like finishing your backlog.
• Lending Tracker: If you lend games to friends, include a “Loaned To” column in your spreadsheet or use an app like Libib to track who has what.

I use a combination of BoardGameGeek for my board games and CLZ Games for my video games. The barcode scanner in CLZ Games saved me hours when logging my collection, and I love how BoardGameGeek lets me log plays and see community ratings. Pro tip: set a recurring calendar reminder to update your tracker every few months to keep it current.

Step 4: Maintain and Protect Your Collection

A well-organized collection needs regular upkeep to stay in top shape. Here are some maintenance tips to protect your investment and keep things tidy:

• Dust Regularly: Dust can damage game components, especially retro electronics. Use a microfiber cloth for shelves and a can of compressed air for consoles or cartridges.
• Check for Damage: Periodically inspect games for wear, especially if you live in a humid or sunny climate. Replace damaged boxes or sleeves as needed.
• Backup Digital Purchases: For digital games, keep a record of purchase receipts or account details in case you need to recover your library after a device failure.
• Insure Valuable Collections: If your collection includes rare or high-value items, consider adding it to your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. Sites like PriceCharting can help you estimate its value.

When I moved to a new apartment, I realized some of my older game discs had started to show signs of disc rot because I’d stored them in a damp basement. Now, I check my collection twice a year and use silica gel packets in my storage bins to absorb moisture.

Comparison Table: Storage Solutions for Games Collections

Solution	Best For	Pros	Cons	Approx. Cost
Bookshelf (e.g., Kallax)	Board games, mixed collections	Adjustable, stylish, fits various box sizes	Takes up floor space, can be pricey	$50–$200
Plastic Bins	Infrequently played games	Affordable, stackable, dust-proof	Less accessible, not display-friendly	$10–$50
Media Tower/Binder	Video game discs, cartridges	Compact, protects media, easy to browse	Limited capacity, not ideal for boxes	$20–$100
Component Organizers	Board games with many pieces	Speeds up setup, keeps pieces secure	Expensive, requires assembly	$15–$100 per game
External Hard Drive	Digital game libraries	Frees up console/PC space, portable	Requires manual management, potential for drive failure	$50–$200

Why This Matters

Choosing the right storage solution can make or break your organization efforts. For example, a bookshelf is great for showcasing your board game collection but might not work in a small apartment. Meanwhile, plastic bins are budget-friendly but can make it harder to grab games for a spontaneous game night. Consider your space, budget, and how often you play when deciding.

Step 5: Make Your Collection Work for You

An organized collection isn’t just about neat shelves—it’s about enhancing your gaming experience. Here are some ways to get the most out of your setup:

• Curate Game Nights: Use your inventory to plan themed game nights. For example, pull out all cooperative board games or retro platformers for a nostalgic evening.
• Rotate Your Library: If you have a large collection, rotate which games are on your “active” shelf to keep things fresh. I swap out five board games every month to rediscover titles I haven’t played in a while.
• Track Play Stats: Apps like BoardGameGeek or HowLongToBeat let you log play sessions, which can help you identify favorites or games that aren’t worth keeping.
• Sell or Trade Unwanted Games: If you’re not playing certain titles, consider selling them on eBay or trading them via BoardGameGeek’s marketplace. Use the proceeds to fund new additions.

One of my favorite moments as a collector was hosting a “retro RPG night” using my organized collection. I pulled out Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy VI, and EarthBound, and my friends were blown away by how easy it was to find everything. A well-organized collection makes moments like these possible.

FAQ: Common Questions About Organizing Games Collections

Q: How do I decide which games to keep or sell?
A: Evaluate each game based on how often you play it, its sentimental value, and its condition. If you haven’t played a game in over a year and don’t love it, consider selling or trading it. Use sites like PriceCharting to check its market value to inform your decision.

Q: What’s the best way to store game manuals?
A: For board games, keep manuals inside the box in a ziplock bag to prevent wear. For video games, use protective sleeves or a dedicated binder for manuals. Store them in a cool, dry place to avoid yellowing.

Q: How can I organize a collection across multiple locations?
A: Use a cloud-based tracker like CLZ Games or Google Sheets to log games and note their location (e.g., “parents’ house,” “apartment”). Label physical storage clearly and consider consolidating your collection if possible.

Q: Are there apps for tracking both board and video games?
A: Yes! CLZ Games is great for both, with barcode scanning and cloud syncing. BoardGameGeek focuses on board games but has robust tracking features. For a free option, try a custom spreadsheet.

Q: How do I prevent damage to retro games?
A: Store cartridges and discs in protective cases, away from direct sunlight and humidity. Use a dehumidifier if needed, and clean contacts on retro cartridges with isopropyl alcohol and a cotton swab.

Q: Should I digitize my physical games?
A: Digitizing (e.g., ripping discs to a hard drive) can save space and protect physical media, but it’s legally gray for games you don’t own digitally. Stick to legal digital purchases or cloud services when possible.

Conclusion: Your Collection, Your Legacy

Organizing and tracking your games collection is more than a chore—it’s a labor of love. By taking the time to inventory, store, and track your games, you’re creating a system that saves time, protects your investment, and makes every gaming session a joy. Whether you’re stacking board games on a Kallax shelf, sorting retro cartridges in custom cases, or curating a digital library on Steam, the effort you put in now will pay off for years to come.

As I sit in my game room, surrounded by neatly organized shelves and a spreadsheet that tracks every title, I feel a sense of pride. My collection isn’t just a pile of boxes or files—it’s a reflection of countless hours spent with friends, family, and even solo adventures. And the best part? I can find any game in seconds, ready to make new memories.

Ready to take control of your collection? Start small: inventory one shelf, try a tracking app, or invest in a storage solution that fits your space. Share your progress with the gaming community on platforms like BoardGameGeek or Backloggery, and don’t be afraid to experiment until you find what works for you. Your games deserve it—and so do you.

What’s your biggest challenge when organizing your games collection? Drop a comment below, and let’s swap tips!