How to Store Board Game Pieces Without the Plastic Baggie Mess
- by Piece Keepers
- 17 min reading time
If you're tired of dealing with torn plastic baggies and scattered game pieces, it's time to upgrade your board game storage. Plastic baggies often create more problems than they solve - tearing, popping open, and making setup a hassle. Instead, consider these smarter solutions:
- Modular Magnetic Containers: Products like Piece Keepers™ offer secure closures, stackable designs, and magnetic lids to keep components organized and protected.
- Compartmentalized Trays: Clear plastic containers with dividers or counter trays make finding and sorting pieces simple.
- Custom Inserts: Tailored to specific games, these snugly hold all components, reducing setup time and preventing damage.
- DIY Options: Everyday items like foam boards, silicone cups, or Tupperware can help you create budget-friendly storage.
For larger collections, shelving systems and bulk storage options can keep everything neat and accessible. Whether you choose modular systems, inserts, or DIY hacks, organizing your games saves time and makes game nights more enjoyable.
Eco-Friendly IN THE BOX Storage Ideas for Board Games| One Pip Wonder
Problems with Plastic Baggies
At first glance, plastic baggies might seem like a quick and easy solution for storing board game pieces. But in reality, they often create more headaches than they solve. From cluttered tables to inadequate protection, these little bags can cause big frustrations.
Clutter and Access Problems
Plastic baggies can quickly turn your game night into a chaotic mess. When you're setting up, bags tend to spill open, scattering pieces everywhere. Instead of diving into the game, you're stuck hunting for missing components. This constant searching not only slows down setup but also drags out cleanup, making the whole experience feel less enjoyable.
Durability and Protection Issues
If you're counting on plastic baggies to protect your game pieces, you might be in for a disappointment. Most standard sandwich bags are only 0.5 to 1 mil thick, which offers very little defense against wear and tear. Sharp-edged pieces can easily puncture these thin bags, leading to spills or, worse, mixing pieces from different games. While slightly thicker options, like 2 mil bags, provide a bit more durability, they’re often too flimsy to safeguard delicate components. On the other hand, gamers often recommend 4 mil reclosable bags for better sturdiness, but anything thicker, like 6 mil bags, tends to be too rigid for practical use.
Visual and Practical Drawbacks
Beyond the functional issues, plastic baggies don’t do any favors for the look and feel of your gaming setup. A pile of mismatched bags scattered across the table can ruin the visual appeal, making your game night feel more like sorting through a junk drawer. Plus, plastic baggies aren't great for organization. They don’t stack neatly and often fail to keep components clearly separated, leaving you to untangle a mess every time you play.
Interestingly, many companies are now moving toward more sustainable packaging options. These eco-friendly alternatives not only help the environment but can also enhance a brand's image and build stronger connections with customers. It’s a step in the right direction for a cleaner, more organized gaming experience.
Modular and Magnetic Storage Solutions
Say goodbye to the hassle of flimsy plastic baggies with modular magnetic storage - a game-changer for organizing board game components. If you're tired of dealing with torn bags or accidental spills, this innovative storage option makes storing, transporting, and accessing game pieces a breeze.
What Makes Piece Keepers™ Stand Out?
Piece Keepers™ redefine convenience with magnetic lids, secure closures, and a modular, stackable design that fits seamlessly into your collection. Forget the frustration of zip-lock bags that burst open or require a wrestling match to seal. These containers stay firmly closed during transport and open effortlessly during gameplay. Plus, their stackable design ensures your game pieces are organized and easy to locate, whether they're on your shelf or game table. It’s organization that looks as good as it functions.
Piece Keepers™ Features and Advantages
Available in three sizes, Piece Keepers™ cater to a variety of board game needs:
- Single Piece Keepers™: Perfect for small items like meeples, coins, tokens, or dice. Each unit includes a divider for added flexibility.
- Double Piece Keepers™: Designed for larger components, such as small card decks (up to 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches when sleeved) or grouped tokens.
- Unity Vault Lids: These allow you to combine multiple Single and Double Piece Keepers™ into a single portable unit - ideal for game nights away from home.
The popularity of this system speaks for itself. During its initial launch, Piece Keepers™ raised over $30,000 through Kickstarter and pre-orders, proving its appeal among board game enthusiasts.
Bundle Options to Match Your Collection
Piece Keepers™ come in bundles tailored to different collection sizes and gaming needs:
- Squire's Satchel ($49.97): Includes 8 Single Piece Keepers™, 4 Double Piece Keepers™, and 2 Unity Vault Lids - perfect for organizing 3–4 games.
- Ranger's Repository ($94.97): Doubles the components with 16 Single Piece Keepers™, 8 Double Piece Keepers™, and 4 Unity Vault Lids, making it suitable for 6–8 games.
- Knight's Cache ($176.97): Designed for serious collectors, this bundle features 32 Single Piece Keepers™, 16 Double Piece Keepers™, and 8 Unity Vault Lids, capable of handling 14–16 games.
These bundles grow with your collection, delivering a reliable and durable solution for all your board game storage needs.
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Other Storage Options for Board Games
If magnetic modular systems aren't your thing, don't worry - there are plenty of other ways to keep your board games organized without resorting to plastic baggies. These methods are practical, budget-friendly, and can make a big difference in how you store and play your favorite games.
Compartmentalized Containers and Trays
Clear plastic containers with adjustable dividers or specialized counter trays are a lifesaver for organizing game components. Transparent options like stackable bead containers let you see exactly what's inside each compartment, which makes setup faster and less of a hassle.
For strategy and war games with tons of unique pieces, counter trays are particularly useful. They keep everything visible and accessible, which is crucial when you're dealing with multiple components that need to be quickly grabbed during gameplay.
If you're looking to save a few bucks, off-brand bead and jewelry organizers are a great alternative to pricier gaming-specific storage. According to some users, these organizers are "thinner and lighter than Plano boxes" and come in a wider variety of sizes.
Custom Inserts for Specific Games
Custom inserts are a game-changer for those titles you play again and again. Made from materials like rigid cardboard, ABS, or PETG plastic, these inserts are designed to fit every piece of your game snugly, keeping them safe during transport and ensuring nothing gets jumbled.
When choosing custom inserts, focus on durability and fit. The compartments should hold everything securely to prevent rattling, but still allow easy access during play. If you use card sleeves, make sure the insert design accounts for the extra space they take up.
Jerry Amelia explains, "Custom Board Game Boxes are not one-size-fits-all. Instead, they are designed to accommodate your games' specific dimensions and contents. This customization ensures a perfect fit, preventing any movement of game components during transport, which could cause damage."
The Tabletop Family noted in Fall 2024 that high-quality inserts can make all the difference: "They can be the difference between getting a game to the table often and having it gather dust on the shelf because of setup time". Their testing highlighted organization, durability, ease of assembly, and usefulness during gameplay as the key factors to consider.
If you're on a tighter budget, DIY solutions can offer similar benefits without the high price tag.
DIY Organization Methods
For a personal touch, you can use everyday materials like foam core board, silicone muffin cups, or Tupperware to create custom storage solutions. Foam core board is easy to cut and sturdy enough to divide components without adding much weight to your game box.
Silicone muffin cups and small condiment cups are great for holding pieces during gameplay. These flexible containers keep things from sliding around the table and make cleanup a breeze. You can also use single-section Tupperware-style boxes to store all the pieces for individual players, making the start of each game smoother.
Some players have gotten creative with products like BitsBins. In July 2025, a BitsBins customer shared that their tile containers "perfectly fit Splendor tiles, with two tile bins accommodating all noble, city, and trading post tiles". Another customer, John Anderson, mentioned that BitsBins helped him "fill gaps in organization for board games", noting that some games only need a few containers to stay organized.
For games with mixed resources, household items like lazy susans, makeup caddies, or card stands can work wonders. These affordable alternatives often provide better accessibility during gameplay than some purpose-built storage solutions - and they won’t break the bank.
Best Practices for Game Collection Storage
Once you've figured out how to store individual game pieces, the next step is organizing and safeguarding your entire collection. A well-arranged collection not only saves space but also protects your games and makes finding them a breeze. Here are some practical and space-efficient ways to store and display your games.
Using Photo and Scrapbook Boxes
Photo and scrapbook boxes are excellent for organizing card games, dice games, or even disassembled game components. Measuring roughly 12 inches by 12 inches, these boxes are perfect for larger games with lots of small parts. Opt for clear, compartmentalized containers to make it easier to see and organize your pieces. Plus, their stackable design lets you create vertical storage towers, saving valuable floor space. You can find budget-friendly sets of scrapbook boxes for about $20. To take it a step further, use plastic zipper folders inside the boxes to sort and separate different types of components.
Maximizing Storage Space with Shelving
Shelving systems are a game-changer for storing collections of all sizes. Adjustable shelves are especially handy because they can accommodate games of various dimensions and allow room for your collection to grow. Modular and wall-mounted shelving systems are great options for keeping things organized. To make retrieval easier, consider categorizing your games by type or how often you play them. Storing games vertically, like books, prevents components from spilling and reduces the risk of sagging shelves. For heavier collections, always anchor shelving to the wall for added safety.
Protecting Components in Bulk Storage
If you have games you don't play often or need seasonal storage, bulk storage solutions can help protect them from damage. Proper storage ensures that game boxes stay intact and components remain safe from wear and moisture. Large plastic totes with tight-fitting lids are ideal for this purpose. To prevent damage, place the boxes horizontally inside the tote to evenly distribute the weight and protect the corners and edges. Store your games in a cool, dry area to avoid moisture issues, and for added protection, use waterproof containers with silica gel packets to guard against humidity, dust, and pests.
In April 2025, Cubbyathome.com highlighted a popular trend of unboxing board games, suggesting the use of mesh bags and plastic storage boxes as space-saving alternatives. They also recommended repurposing the original game box for labeling, making it easier to identify your games.
"Finding the best way to store your board game collection is not just a matter of space and keeping things tidy; it's the best way I know to reduce set-up and pack-up time and maximize game play."
– Ursula Carmona
Conclusion: Improving Your Gaming Experience
Getting your board game pieces organized doesn't have to be complicated. The storage ideas we've covered offer straightforward ways to preserve your games while making game nights smoother and more fun.
Piece Keepers™ shine as a standout option with their magnetic, stackable design that adapts to multiple games. They come in bundles for both small and large collections, featuring modular organizers that cut down on setup time and keep everything secure. This clever mix of design and practicality adds a layer of convenience to every gaming session.
For those on a budget or with limited space, there are plenty of other effective storage approaches to consider.
The secret to success lies in tailoring your organization method to your collection and habits. If you have a smaller collection, portable solutions like travel cases or elastic box bands might be all you need. On the other hand, larger collections often call for dedicated storage units and a more systematic approach. Think about how often you play, how much space you have, and whether you prefer the charm of original boxes or the efficiency of uniform containers.
"After years of collecting (and wrangling) tabletop board games... I've learned that board game organization isn't just about getting everything to fit neatly on your shelves - it also makes set-up and clean-up so much easier! The less time spent digging for that one missing token, the more time spent actually enjoying the game." - Ursula Carmona, Creative Mind at Home Made by Carmona
A well-organized game collection saves time and takes the hassle out of setup and cleanup. With protected pieces and everything in its place, you can focus on what really matters - sharing laughs and making memories with friends and family. Choose a storage solution that matches your collection size, gaming habits, and budget, and you'll find that every game night feels a little more effortless and a lot more enjoyable.
FAQs
Why should I use Piece Keepers™ instead of plastic baggies to store my board game pieces?
Piece Keepers™ provide a smarter and more stylish solution for storing your board game components than the usual plastic baggies. With their magnetic, stackable, and modular design, they keep your game pieces secure, prevent spills, and make organizing effortless. They’re also designed to work seamlessly with most tabletop setups, making them perfect for use across a variety of games.
Say goodbye to flimsy baggies - Piece Keepers™ are built to last. They’re durable, reusable, and crafted with both functionality and style in mind. Not only do they speed up game setup and cleanup, but they also cut down on clutter and add a sleek touch to your gaming table. Plus, they’ll keep your game pieces safe and in great condition for years to come.
How can I choose the right size and bundle of Piece Keepers™ for my board games?
When choosing the right Piece Keepers™, consider the size and type of game components you need to organize. For smaller items like tokens, coins, or dice, the 50mm x 87mm x 28mm Single Piece Keepers work perfectly. If you're dealing with larger or more intricate collections, options like the 8 Single Piece Keepers or 4 Double Piece Keepers offer flexible storage solutions to keep your items tidy and easy to access.
Thanks to their modular and stackable design, Piece Keepers™ let you customize your storage setup to fit your collection. Take stock of the number and size of your components, and pick a combination that keeps everything organized and ready for your next game session!
Can Piece Keepers™ hold game pieces with unusual or irregular shapes?
Piece Keepers™ are built to be magnetic, stackable, and modular, making them a handy option for keeping most board game components - like tokens, cards, and standard-sized pieces - neatly organized. Their design fits seamlessly into many tabletop gaming setups, providing both functionality and convenience.
That said, if you're dealing with uniquely shaped or irregular pieces, their compatibility will depend on the size and shape of those items. In such cases, you might need to look into more tailored or adjustable storage solutions to ensure everything stays secure. Still, for the majority of game components, Piece Keepers™ deliver a sleek and practical way to keep your collection tidy and easy to access.
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