Quick Answer
To prevent warping and damage, store your board games vertically on shelves, keep them in a cool, dry place with stable humidity, and avoid overstuffing boxes. Use these steps to protect your games and keep them playable for years.
Board games are an investment in fun, but improper storage can lead to warped boards, bent cards, and faded boxes. Whether you have a small shelf or a dedicated game room, learning how to store board games properly is key to preserving their condition.
This guide walks you through the best practices for board game storage, from choosing the right location to handling humidity and stacking. Follow these steps to prevent warping and keep your collection looking and playing like new.
Why Board Games Warp and How to Prevent It
Warping happens when cardboard absorbs moisture unevenly, causing it to expand and bend. High humidity, temperature changes, and improper stacking can all contribute. To avoid warping game boards, store games in a room with stable temperature and humidity—ideally between 60-75°F and 40-50% relative humidity.
Avoid attics, basements, and garages where moisture and heat fluctuate. Instead, choose an interior closet or shelf. If you live in a humid climate, consider using silica gel packets inside game boxes (but not loose with cards) or a dehumidifier in the room.
- Keep games away from radiators, vents, and windows.
Stacking vs. Standing: The Right Way to Store Game Boxes
The biggest mistake is stacking heavy boxes on top of lighter ones, which can crush components and warp boards. Instead, store board games vertically, like books on a shelf. This distributes weight evenly and prevents pressure on the bottom game.
If you must stack, place heavier games at the bottom and avoid stacking more than three or four high. Use the original insert to keep components in place, and fill empty spaces with foam or cloth to prevent shifting.
- Store vertically whenever possible to avoid warping game boards.
Protecting Cards and Components
Cards can bend or get marked if stored improperly. Use deck boxes or plastic card sleeves for frequently played games. For games with many small pieces, like party games, resealable bags keep everything organized and prevent loss.
When storing expansion packs, like the Mi Scusi! Fashion Expansion Pack, keep them with the base game or in a labeled bag. This prevents mix-ups and ensures you have all components when you play.
Mi Scusi!
- Place a desiccant packet in the box to absorb moisture, but keep it away from cards.
Long-Term Storage and Preservation
If you plan to store games for months or years, take extra care. Wrap game boxes in plastic or use a sealable container to block dust and pests. Clean games before storage to remove food residue that attracts insects.
For valuable or limited editions, consider storing the game board separately in a flat portfolio box to prevent warping. Avoid using rubber bands on cards or boxes, as they can leave marks or damage edges.
- Label your storage containers clearly to find games easily without digging.
Step-by-Step Storage Routine
- Choose the right location: Pick a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Avoid basements and attics. Checkpoint: Use a hygrometer to ensure humidity stays under 50%.
- Sort and bag components: Open each game, sort pieces into labeled resealable bags, and remove any loose paper or debris. Checkpoint: Ensure cards are not bent or forced into bags.
- Store vertically: Place game boxes upright on a shelf, like books. Avoid over-tight packing to prevent box warping. Checkpoint: Heavier games on the bottom if you must stack.
- Monitor and maintain: Periodically check games for signs of moisture or pests. Refresh desiccants every few months. Checkpoint: Rotate games occasionally to prevent pressure marks.
Games to Care For
- Mi Scusi! Familia Bundle: Mi Scusi! is the original Italian party game. Written by Italian comedians for people from Italian families. 2x Mi Scusi! Base set + 2x All 9 Expansions. With multiple boxes and expansions, proper storage is essential to keep all cards and boards organized and unwarped.
- TQA - TV & Movies Expansion Pack: The Queer Agenda is an official partner of Progress Pride. Expansion packs contain many cards; storing them in labeled bags or boxes preserves their condition and keeps them ready for play.
By following these simple steps, you can prevent warping and damage, ensuring your board games—from party staples to expansion packs—stay in top condition for every game night. Store smart, play more, and enjoy your collection for years to come.
