You’ve been there, right? It’s 9 p.m., you’re ready for a cozy game night, and suddenly CLANG—the entire shelf of board games avalanches onto the floor. Catan tiles mingle with Uno cards, Monopoly money floats like confetti, and your cat saunters off with a Scrabble piece. Sigh.
Staying in a small place provides the purpose of your allowances, easy cleaning, which is the entire “less” vibe – but to store things like board game?
This is another story. Especially if you have got a little passion with children, sports nights, or simply collecting strategy games as I do.
But don’t worry, I have scored 14 genius (and completely notable) DIY board game storage ideas, which will wow your small space – and perhaps every time you arrive for candy land, every time you arrive for a candy land.
14 DIY Board Game Storage Ideas
If you’re drowning in cardboard chaos but lack the square footage of a mansion, fear not! As a reformed board game hoarder (guilty as charged), I’ve hacked my way through clutter and discovered 14 genius storage fixes that’ll make even the tiniest apartment feel like a game café. Let’s dive in!
1. Go Vertical: Wall Shelves to the Rescue
Small spaces demand one thing: *think up, not out*. Floating shelves aren’t just for plants and photos—they’re game-changers (pun intended).
Mount them high near the ceiling to stash rarely played titles, or line a hallway with narrow ledges for easy access. My personal win? Using industrial pipe brackets to hold up chunky shelves in my studio.
Bonus: They double as quirky decor. Just avoid stacking 10-pound classics like *Gloomhaven* unless you’ve mastered drywall repair.
2. Pegboard Perfection: Customizable & Cheap
Picture this: A pegboard wall with hooks, baskets, and shelves holding everything from *Codenames* to *Ticket to Ride*.
It’s like a Swiss Army knife for storage! I snagged a pegboard for $20, painted it mint green, and now it’s both functional and Instagram-worthy. Use small bins for dice, clips for rulebooks, and dowels to hang game boards vertically.
Pro tip: Label sections so your partner stops asking, “Where’s *Azul*?” for the 100th time.
3. Under-Bed Bins: Secret Lairs for Games
Embrace the void under your bed—it’s prime real estate! Slim rolling bins fit bulky boxes (*Looking at you, Betrayal at House on the Hill*), and vacuum-sealed bags compress puzzles into pancake-thinness.
I even store seasonal games here (Halloween-themed *Mysterium*, I see you). Just warn roommates about the “monster under the bed” before they spot the *Arkham Horror* box.
4. Hanging Closet Organizers: Behind Closed Doors
Closet doors are wasted space. Hang a fabric organizer with clear pockets (the kind meant for shoes) and fill each slot with card games, dice sets, or mini expansions.
My *Exploding Kittens* collection lives here, and it’s a lifesaver when friends drop by. Plus, you’ll finally use that “organize your life” Pinterest board.
5. Repurposed Bookshelves: Narrow & Mighty
No room for a bulky bookcase? Try a skinny ladder shelf or a spice rack-turned-game holder. I squeezed a 6-inch-wide shelf between my fridge and wall—perfect for vertical game stacking.
Style it with bookends or plants to distract from the *Risk* box’s battle-worn corners.
6. Rolling Carts: Moveable Game Stations
IKEA’s RÅSKOG cart isn’t just for crafts! Park one by the table, load it with favorites (*Carcassonne*, *Pandemic*), and wheel it away post-game.
My cart’s top tier holds snacks—because nothing says “strategy night” like Cheetos and camaraderie.
7. Magnetic Spice Racks: For Card Decks
Tired of losing *Uno* cards? Stick magnetic spice racks (yes, really!) on the fridge or a metal sheet. Each rack holds 2–3 decks, and it’s oddly satisfying to slide them out like a chef grabbing paprika.
Added perk: Guests will think you’re a storage wizard.
8. Over-the-Door Shoe Organizers: Clear & Handy
Clear pockets = instant visibility. Hang one on a closet door and fill it with small games (*Love Letter*, *Sushi Go!*). My niece calls it the “game vending machine” and loves picking slots like she’s at an arcade.
Just avoid overstuffing—unless you enjoy *Catan* pieces raining down mid-pull.
9. DIY Crate Stack: Rustic & Modular
Hit up a craft store for wooden crates, stain or paint them, and stack ’em Tetris-style. I lined mine with scrapbook paper for flair and use the smaller crates for tokens.
They’re sturdy enough to double as a side table—just add a coaster for your wine (priorities).
10. Coffee Table Storage: Hide & Chic
Ottomans and coffee tables with lift-up lids are stealthy game stashers. My thrifted trunk-style table fits 10+ games and hides clutter when my in-laws visit.
Added drama: Flipping the lid feels like unveiling a treasure chest. “Behold! *7 Wonders Duel*!”
11. Vintage Suitcases: Storage with Soul
Hit thrift stores for retro suitcases—they’re cheap, charming, and stackable. My floral 70s case holds all my “quick play” games, and guests adore the nostalgia vibe.
Plus, it’s a conversation starter: “Nice suitcase!” “Thanks, it’s full of *Codenames*.”
12. Tension Rod Dividers: Cabinet Magic
Crammed cabinets? Slide in tension rods vertically to create sections. I corralled my *Pandemic* expansions this way, and now nothing topples when I grab *Terraforming Mars*.
It’s like giving your games their own tiny apartments.
13. Hanging Fabric Pockets: Soft & Sweet
Sew or buy fabric pockets (curtains work too!) to hang on walls. I store card games in mine and added embroidery labels for a homespun touch.
It’s cozy, budget-friendly, and hides the fact that I own six copies of *Monopoly Deal*.
14. Wine Rack Turned Game Holder: Cheers!
Hexagonal wine racks aren’t just for Merlot—they snugly hold standard game boxes. My $15 rack displays favorites like decor, and swapping “Cabernet” for *Catan* feels delightfully rebellious.
Wrapping It Up
Storing board games in small spaces isn’t about perfection—it’s about creativity (and accepting that you’ll *still* lose a meeples somewhere).
Whether you’re hanging, stacking, or repurposing, the goal is to make your space work for *you*. So next time you’re mid-Jenga tower collapse, laugh, pour another coffee, and remember: Every tiny home deserves big fun.
Now, go forth and organize! And if you invent a hack for keeping dice off the floor? DM me. We’re all in this together.