Discover the Best Board Games for Every Player
How to Organize Board Games for Faster Setup
Setting up board games can be frustrating if pieces are scattered, cards are mixed, or instructions are missing. Here’s how to fix that and make game nights smoother:
- Sort Components: Use clear containers, resealable bags, or custom inserts to organize cards, tokens, dice, and miniatures.
- Label Everything: Clearly label storage for quick access during setup.
- Player Kits: Prepare individual kits with starting resources and tokens for each player.
- Organize by Game Phase: Separate items by when they’re used (setup, in-game, or scoring).
- Write Setup Notes: Create simple instructions with diagrams for easy reference.
HOW TO ORGANIZE YOUR GAMES | Game Storage ...
Review Your Games
Start by taking a good look at your board game collection.
List All Games
Organize your games by sorting them into categories:
Play Frequency
- Games you play weekly that should be easy to grab.
- Games you rotate through monthly.
- Special occasion games you only play a few times a year.
Setup Complexity
- Quick setup games (1-2 minutes).
- Games with moderate setup time (3-5 minutes).
- Games that take 6 minutes or more to set up.
Component Types
- Games heavy on cards.
- Games with lots of small tokens.
- Miniature-based games.
- Tile-laying games.
This list will help you identify what slows you down during setup.
Find Problem Areas
Now, check each game for setup issues.
Component Storage
- Are components mixed or loose?
- Are cards bent or damaged?
- Are original inserts or dividers missing?
Setup Bottlenecks
- Does the game require a lot of sorting before you can start?
- Are components tangled or hard to separate?
- Are pieces missing?
- Is the rulebook difficult to navigate?
Make notes on specific problems for each game. For example, deck-building games might have scattered cards, or worker placement games could have tangled tokens. Focus on fixing issues with games that cause frequent setup headaches.
This review will help you streamline your setup process in the next steps.
Pick Storage Tools
Once you've pinpointed the problem areas, choose storage tools that address those specific challenges.
Sort Small Parts
Organize similar items - like cards, tokens, dice, and miniatures - into clear containers or resealable bags for easy access. Compartmentalized containers can help keep these groups separate and easy to identify. For even better organization, try using custom game inserts.
Add Game Inserts
Custom inserts can streamline setup by keeping components neatly arranged inside the box. When picking an insert:
- Match it to your components: Games with lots of cards might need dividers, while those with plenty of tokens can benefit from dedicated trays. For miniature-heavy games, foam cutouts shaped to fit the pieces work best.
- Check box dimensions: Measure the inside of the box to ensure the insert fits snugly while still leaving space for rulebooks and any extra accessories.
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Set Up Games Faster
With your storage sorted, let’s focus on speeding up the game setup itself. Organizing game components thoughtfully can save time and get you playing sooner.
Sort and Label Components
Use clear, labeled containers to keep parts organized. For example, store similar items together and label them, such as "Wood Resources – 30 pieces." For games with multiple decks, use dividers marked with deck names and card counts. Group cards by type and note the quantity on each container. These labels make setup tasks much easier.
Create Player Kits
Prepare kits for each player that include everything they need to start the game. Each kit can have:
- Starting resources
- Player tokens
- Reference cards
- Initial cards or tiles
- Any other player-specific pieces
This way, players can grab their kit and dive right in, cutting down on setup time for everyone.
Organize by Game Phase
Sort components based on when they’re used in the game:
- Setup items: Starting pieces, board elements
- In-game resources: Tokens, cards used during play
- Special items: Bonus cards, end-game scoring components
Label containers by phase so you can quickly grab what you need. For games with multiple rounds or phases, consider making separate packages for each stage to keep things running smoothly.
Build Setup Steps
Once your components are sorted and storage tools are ready, it's time to create a quick and repeatable setup process. Use your labeled components to streamline the steps.
Write Setup Notes
Create simple, step-by-step instructions that outline the number of components and their exact placement. Add diagrams or photos to make the process clearer, and store these notes inside the game box for easy access.
Split Setup Tasks
Divide the setup among players to make it faster. For example, one person can set up the board, another can organize tokens, someone else can shuffle and deal cards, and another can arrange player-specific pieces.
Time Your Setup
Use a timer to track how long the entire setup takes and the time spent on each task. Review these times to spot bottlenecks and make improvements. Keep a record of setup times to monitor progress and refine the process.
Conclusion
Streamline your board game nights by organizing your collection to reduce setup time and improve the overall experience. With proper storage, clear labels, and ready-to-go player kits, you can make every gaming session run more smoothly.
Keep your collection organized by sorting components and updating setup notes after each play. These habits work well for both your current favorites and any new games you add.
Brain Games offers board games that are thoughtfully designed with organization in mind. Titles like Flow and Splendor include features that make sorting and setup easier. Explore their exclusive publications at Brain-Games.com or check out their full catalog at Brain-Games.lv/en/ to find games that fit your style.
An organized game collection isn’t just about neat storage - it’s about making gameplay more accessible and enjoyable. When everything’s in its place, you can focus on what really matters: spending quality time with loved ones around the table.
