How to Cut Game Setup Time in Half with Smart Storage
- by Piece Keepers
- 22 min reading time
Tired of spending ages setting up board games? The solution is smart storage. By organizing components properly, you can reduce setup time by 50% or more, making game nights smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s how:
- Use clear containers or trays to keep pieces visible and accessible.
- Modular, stackable organizers like Piece Keepers™ protect components and make setup faster.
- Group items by function (e.g., tokens, cards) and label everything for easy identification.
- Color-coded containers can help you quickly match pieces to the game.
For example, switching from a standard insert to plastic bags cut setup time for one game from 13 minutes to just 5. Upgrading to advanced storage like Piece Keepers™ can make it even faster while keeping your collection safe and organized. Start with your most-played games and build a system that works for your needs.
Want to spend less time setting up and more time playing? Organize your games today.
How to Better Store and Organize Your Games! (so you can buy more...)
Why Setup Time Matters in Board Gaming
A game that takes forever to set up can easily go from being a favorite to collecting dust on a shelf. By identifying what causes those setup delays and addressing them with smart storage solutions, you can breathe new life into your gaming experience. Cutting down on setup time means more time spent actually playing - and enjoying - the games you love.
What Causes Setup Delays
The reasons behind long setup times are often pretty straightforward. Missing pieces are a common issue, sending players on a scavenger hunt through multiple boxes before the game can even start. Then there’s the hassle of unsorted components - nothing slows things down like having to sift through a jumble of tokens, cards, and meeples. This problem is even worse when games are stored in messy, vertical stacks, especially in households where kids might not always put things back properly.
Another big factor? Unclear storage systems. Without proper labeling or an organized setup, even the game owner can get lost trying to figure out where everything goes. This often leads to mid-setup pauses as people dig through instructions or attempt to reorganize the chaos.
How Fast Setup Improves Gaming
When setup is quick and easy, it changes everything. First off, you’ll play more often. Games that once felt like too much of a hassle for a casual evening suddenly become go-to choices. Instead of sitting untouched, your favorite titles get the attention they deserve.
Another perk? More focus on gameplay. When you’re not bogged down by a tedious setup, you can jump straight into the fun with fresh energy and enthusiasm. That excitement carries through the entire session, making the experience more enjoyable for everyone.
Frustration also takes a backseat. Smooth, quick setups keep the group’s energy high and prevent the mood from souring before the first turn. Plus, fast setups make it easier to suggest a game night on the fly. When you know a game can be ready to go in minutes, you’re more likely to break it out when friends drop by or when you find yourself with a free moment. This flexibility not only encourages more play but also gives you the confidence to try new games without dreading a long setup process.
Basic Rules of Smart Storage
Getting your board game storage sorted boils down to a few simple principles. Following these will make setting up and packing away your games faster and smoother. The idea is straightforward: make every piece easy to find, grab, and return to its designated spot.
Making Components Easy to See and Reach
To keep things visible and accessible, use clear, shallow trays. These let you spot the pieces you need without opening multiple containers. For items you use most often - like dice, player tokens, and common markers - store them at eye level or within arm's reach. Less frequently used components, such as reference cards or scenario-specific items, can go into secondary storage areas.
Clear containers are a game-changer here. They allow you to identify contents instantly, so you’re not wasting time rummaging through opaque boxes.
Using Modular Storage for Protection
After visibility and access, the next priority is protecting your components. Modular, stackable storage systems are a smart choice because they grow with your collection. Unlike fixed storage solutions, modular systems let you rearrange and customize as needed. Plus, they work across multiple games, so you’re not locked into a single setup.
Loose pieces are prone to getting damaged or mixed up. A modular system with secure lids and stackable designs keeps everything safe - whether you're moving games around your house or taking them to a game night. Some systems even include magnetic or interlocking features for added security, while still being easy to open when needed.
How to Group Game Components
Once you’ve nailed visibility and protection, organizing components by function can make a big difference during gameplay. Group items based on their role in the game. For example, keep starting pieces together and separate the ones used later in the game.
Color-coded containers can also speed things up. Match container colors or labels to the game’s theme or box art. This visual shortcut helps you connect the pieces to the game instantly.
"My thoughts... don't organize your table with anything that doesn't make the game easier to set up and put away also." - Nick Elkins, BoardGameGeek User
Think about how often components are used when deciding where to store them. Items like resource tokens or action cards that see a lot of play should be in prime, easy-to-reach spots. Rarely used pieces can go in less accessible areas.
Organize your storage to reflect the game flow. Tokens frequently used together should share a container. Different card decks? Keep them in separate compartments. And for those stray components that always seem to go missing, designate a specific container for "orphan pieces" so you always know where to find them.
Best Storage Solutions to Cut Setup Time
Let’s explore some practical storage solutions that can save you time during board game setup, so you can jump straight into the fun.
Using Labeled Containers and Trays
Labeled containers and trays can make a huge difference in speeding up your game setup. Options like compartmentalized plastic boxes, tackle boxes, or custom trays with clear lids allow you to quickly locate and access pieces, sparing you the hassle of digging through mixed bags or piles of components.
The trick is to assign each type of component its own dedicated, clearly labeled spot. For example, tokens can go in one tray, cards in another, and dice in their own container. This way, when you open the game box, everything is already sorted and ready to distribute to the table or players.
Clear containers are especially helpful because they let you instantly recognize what’s inside. For games with lots of small pieces, tackle boxes with adjustable dividers are a great option. You can customize the compartments to fit your game’s specific needs.
Want to take it a step further? Use color-coded containers. This simple visual cue can help you quickly associate pieces with their purpose, making setup even smoother. While labeled containers are a fantastic starting point, advanced storage solutions can take your organization to the next level.
Magnetic, Stackable Organizers
If you’re ready to upgrade, magnetic and stackable organizers like Piece Keepers™ offer even more convenience. Their modular design and magnetic lids address common setup challenges.
The magnetic lids are a standout feature. They keep components securely in place during transport or storage, unlike snap-on lids that can accidentally pop open. You can trust that your tokens and pieces will stay put until you’re ready to use them.
Another big advantage is their stackability. You can create vertical towers of components that fit neatly into your game box. When it’s time to set up, just unstack the containers you need while the rest stay organized. This modular approach means you can adapt the system to suit different games without being locked into a single configuration.
Piece Keepers™ also grow with your collection. Unlike custom inserts designed for one specific game, these organizers can be reconfigured for various titles. Use Single Piece Keepers™ for smaller items like tokens and Double Piece Keepers™ for larger components like cards or tiles. This versatility makes them ideal for expanding collections.
Storage Options Compared
To see how these solutions stack up, let’s compare them to traditional options like plastic bags and custom inserts. Here’s a breakdown of their performance:
| Storage Option | Speed of Setup | Protection | Portability | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Piece Keepers™ | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | High |
| Plastic Bags | Good | Fair | Excellent | High |
| Custom Inserts | Fair | Good | Poor | Low-Medium |
Plastic bags are affordable and widely used, but they come with drawbacks. Components can mix together, and setup often involves dumping everything out and sorting, which can be time-consuming. While they’re portable, they offer limited protection and can tear or spill.
Custom inserts look neat and provide good protection, but they can slow down setup since you have to place each component back in its specific spot. Interestingly, switching from a custom insert to plastic bags reduced cleanup time for Vinhos Deluxe from 13 minutes to 5 minutes.
Piece Keepers™ strike the best balance between speed, protection, and flexibility. Their magnetic lids make access quick and easy, while their stackable design keeps everything organized without disrupting other components. Plus, they combine the protective qualities of custom inserts with the accessibility of plastic bags, making them perfect for frequent gamers.
For those who travel with games, portability is key. Piece Keepers™ excel here, thanks to their secure magnetic closures and compact stacking. By contrast, custom inserts can fall apart during transport, and plastic bags are prone to spills. When it comes to cutting setup time and keeping your collection safe, Piece Keepers™ truly stand out.
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How to Switch to Smart Storage
Switching your game collection to smart storage with Piece Keepers™ is easier than you might think. By following a simple process, you can transform the way you organize and store your games. Start by assessing your current inventory.
Count and Sort Your Components
Begin by laying out all the components from each game. Take stock of everything - tokens, dice, cards, meeples, and any other pieces. This step helps you understand exactly what you’re working with and what kind of storage you’ll need.
As you count, group similar items together. For example, keep wooden tokens in one pile, dice in another, and cards in their own stack. Smaller items like coins or markers will need different organizers compared to larger pieces like player boards.
Document each game’s components and the space they require. This inventory will serve as your guide when choosing organizers. For instance, a game like Dune Imperium might need 5 Single Piece Keepers™ and 3 Double Piece Keepers™, while a more complex game like Architects of the West Kingdom could require 11 Single and 1 Double Piece Keeper™.
Taking the time to create a detailed inventory ensures you’ll pick the right storage and avoid running out of space later on.
Pick the Right Organizers
Once you’ve completed your inventory, it’s time to select the appropriate organizers. Piece Keepers™ come in three main types, each tailored for specific needs:
- Single Piece Keepers™: Perfect for small items like meeples, coins, tokens, or dice.
- Double Piece Keepers™: Designed for larger components, grouped tokens, or small card decks (up to 2.5 in. x 3.5 in. when sleeved).
- Unity Vault Lids: These allow you to combine Single and Double Piece Keepers™ into a single, portable unit, keeping all components for a game neatly organized and easy to transport.
The modular, magnetic design of these organizers makes setup and storage seamless. To simplify the process, consider bundles tailored to your collection size. For example, the Squire's Satchel ($49.97) includes 8 Single, 4 Double, and 2 Unity Vault Lids - ideal for organizing 3–4 games. If you have a larger collection, the Ranger's Repository ($94.97) offers double the quantities, perfect for 6–8 games.
In July 2025, Mark S., a verified customer, shared his initial skepticism about Piece Keepers™, thinking they might be a gimmick. However, after using them regularly, he praised their strong magnets and admitted that while they’re pricey, he now understands their value (Source: Piece Keepers® website, 2025).
Organize, Label, and Test Your Setup
Now comes the fun part - organizing your games. Focus on one game at a time. Place each group of similar components into the appropriate Piece Keeper™, being careful not to overfill them. Overstuffing can make it harder to close the organizer properly.
To make things even more user-friendly, label each Piece Keeper™. Instead of vague labels like "tokens", go for specific ones like "gold coins" or "victory point markers." This makes it easier for you and other players to find what you need quickly.
Once your system is in place, test it out by setting up the game entirely. You can even time yourself to see how much faster the process becomes. If you notice any issues - like needing a different configuration of Single and Double Piece Keepers™ - adjust accordingly.
In July 2025, Heather D., another verified customer, mentioned that her husband kept borrowing her Double Piece Keepers™ for his games, prompting her to order more. She also noted that while the organizers are a bit tricky to open one-handed, they’re still worth it (Source: Piece Keepers® website, 2025).
Finally, stack your organized Piece Keepers™ using Unity Vault Lids to create game-specific sets. This method keeps all components for a game together, making it easy to grab what you need for game night. The magnetic design ensures everything stays secure during transport but separates easily when needed.
Repeat this process for each game in your collection. With everything organized, you’ll find that setting up for future game nights becomes a breeze. Continue refining your system as you go to make it even more efficient.
Keeping Your Storage System Working
Even if you have a well-thought-out storage system, keeping it running smoothly requires regular maintenance. Over time, your gaming habits will shift, and your collection will grow. By staying on top of upkeep, you can ensure that every game night runs like clockwork.
Regular Checks and Updates
Make it a habit to review your storage system once a month. These routine check-ins can help you spot small issues before they turn into big headaches. Look out for things like faded labels, Piece Keepers™ with weakened magnets, or missing components that might have wandered into the wrong organizer.
Pay attention to how you're using your storage, too. If setting up games is taking longer than usual, it may be time to reorganize. For example, you might be overloading a Single Piece Keeper™ with too many tokens, or perhaps splitting a large group of components into multiple organizers would speed things up.
Expanding Your Storage as Your Collection Grows
As your collection grows, your storage system should grow with it. A modular setup makes this process much easier. For instance, if you started with the Squire's Satchel ($49.97) for a small collection of 3–4 games, you can seamlessly add individual Piece Keepers™ or upgrade to the Ranger's Repository ($94.97) when your collection expands to 6–8 games. Thanks to the magnetic, stackable design, new organizers will integrate effortlessly with what you already have.
Before adding more storage, measure your shelf space. While the stackable design of Piece Keepers™ helps make the most of vertical space, you’ll still need to account for the total footprint of your organized games.
Think about the types of games you’re adding to your collection, too. If you’re buying games with lots of small components, like tokens or dice, adding more Single Piece Keepers™ is a smart move. On the other hand, games with larger pieces or card decks might be better suited to Double Piece Keepers™. Unity Vault Lids are another great option for keeping everything from a single game together, no matter how many organizers it requires.
Understanding your collection’s needs can also guide you when choosing bundle sizes. Heavy strategy games with tons of components will likely need more organizers per game, while simpler, lighter games might only require one or two Piece Keepers™. This approach helps you make better decisions when expanding your storage system.
Another benefit of a modular system is its flexibility. If you decide to sell or trade a game, you can reuse the same organizers for new additions to your collection. This adaptability makes your storage solution a long-term investment that grows and evolves with your gaming hobby.
Conclusion: More Gaming, Less Setup
Smart storage isn’t just about keeping your games organized - it’s about transforming how you play. By cutting setup time in half, you’re not just saving a few minutes here and there; you’re creating more opportunities to dive into your favorite games, reducing the hassle that often leaves games untouched, and making every game night smoother and more enjoyable.
As we’ve seen, better storage can dramatically reduce setup times. Multiply that time saved across multiple games, and you’ll find yourself enjoying longer, more frequent gaming sessions.
The principles we covered - keeping components visible and accessible, using modular storage for protection, and grouping related pieces - create a system that adapts as your collection grows. These ideas work together to make your gaming experience more seamless and enjoyable.
Ready to put these ideas into practice? You don’t need to overhaul your entire collection overnight. Start small. Focus on your most-played games: sort and count the components, then find the right organizers to fit your needs. For example, you could start with the Squire’s Satchel ($49.97) for a smaller collection or go for the Ranger’s Repository ($94.97) if you need something more comprehensive. Both options feature modular designs, so they’ll grow with your collection over time.
The real reward comes when you find yourself playing more often because setup is no longer a chore. When a friend suggests a complex strategy game, you’ll feel confident saying yes, knowing everything is ready to go. And when the night’s winding down, streamlined cleanup means you can easily squeeze in one last game.
Take the first step today. Pick one game with lots of small components, sort them out, and try using basic containers or investing in a proper storage solution. You’ll notice the difference immediately. That first organized game will inspire you to optimize the rest of your collection. Every minute you spend improving your storage now will pay off in countless smoother, more enjoyable game nights. Make it happen - more gaming, less setup.
FAQs
What’s the best way to organize my board game collection for faster setup?
The key to organizing your board game collection is finding storage solutions that match the size and components of each game. For smaller items like tokens or dice, try using labeled containers or custom inserts to keep everything neatly sorted. For bigger or more intricate games, modular, stackable options like Piece Keepers™ can be a great choice. They’re compatible with most tabletop setups and make it easy to access your game pieces.
Storing your games vertically is another smart move - it not only saves space but also helps protect your game boxes from wear and tear. Clear containers with dividers can make finding specific items a breeze. By picking storage methods that fit your collection and available space, you’ll spend less time setting up and more time enjoying your games.
What makes modular and magnetic storage solutions like Piece Keepers™ better than traditional game storage options?
Modular and magnetic storage solutions, like Piece Keepers™, offer a practical and efficient way to keep your board games organized. With their stackable and customizable design, they fit seamlessly into most tabletop setups, eliminating the need for multiple storage boxes. This makes it simple to sort and store components for various games without any added stress.
The built-in magnetic feature ensures game pieces stay securely in place, minimizing the risk of spills or lost parts during setup or transport. This not only saves you time but also keeps your gaming area looking tidy and organized, enhancing the overall experience for everyone at the table.
What’s the best way to upgrade my board game storage for faster and easier setup?
To make your board game storage more efficient and reduce setup time, start by organizing and decluttering your game components. Group similar items together - like cards, tokens, and dice - so they’re easy to find when you need them. After that, pick storage options that suit your needs, such as labeled containers, custom inserts, or modular organizers. For added convenience, try magnetic, stackable, and modular solutions like Piece Keepers™. These are designed to work with most tabletop games and help save shelf space.
This kind of organization not only speeds up setup time but also keeps your gaming area tidy. Plus, a well-arranged system doesn’t just make cleanup easier - it also looks fantastic on display!
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