Portable Storage for Board Games: Clear Options
- by Piece Keepers
- 17 min reading time
Board game enthusiasts often face a common challenge: organizing and transporting small game pieces like tokens, meeples, and cards. Traditional storage solutions, such as plastic bags or cardboard inserts, often fall short in keeping components secure and accessible. This has sparked interest in portable, transparent storage options that simplify setup, protect pieces, and cater to growing collections.
Here are four popular storage solutions:
- Piece Keepers™: Durable, magnetic organizers with a clear design, stackable options, and tiered pricing for different collection sizes.
- Clear Containers with Adjustable Dividers: Flexible plastic containers with customizable compartments. Affordable but may shift during transport.
- Stackable Clear Bins: Secure, space-saving bins designed for vertical storage. Great for organizing large collections but less portable.
- Clear Storage Bags: Lightweight, flexible bags ideal for travel. Budget-friendly but offer less protection than rigid options.
Quick Comparison:
| Storage Option | Material | Key Feature | Best Use Case | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Piece Keepers™ | Durable plastic with magnets | Stackable and secure | Organized portability | $49.97 - $176.97 |
| Adjustable Divider Containers | Polypropylene or polystyrene | Customizable compartments | Budget-friendly storage | $3 - $25 per unit |
| Stackable Clear Bins | Polypropylene/acrylic | Vertical organization | Large collections | $8 - $25 per bin |
| Clear Storage Bags | Vinyl, polyethylene, or EVA | Lightweight and flexible | Travel-friendly | $1 - $8 per bag |
Each option caters to different needs. For frequent travelers, clear bags or divider containers work well. Dedicated gaming spaces benefit from stackable bins or Piece Keepers™ for secure, modular storage. Choose based on your collection size, portability requirements, and budget.
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1. Piece Keepers
Piece Keepers™ is a clever storage solution for board game enthusiasts, designed with magnets to keep game components secure and portable. Created by Jason Hartley, a gamer and the mind behind the YouTube channel Board Game Tutorials, these organizers tackle the common headache of loose game pieces.
Material
Built to last, Piece Keepers™ are made with durability in mind. The magnetic lids ensure that components stay in place during transport and storage, eliminating the need for flimsy fasteners that can easily break.
These organizers are tough enough to handle the wear and tear of frequent game nights. Whether they’re tossed into a bag, stacked in a closet, or shuffled around a crowded table, they hold up without losing their shape or functionality. Plus, their construction allows for easy handling while keeping everything neatly in place.
Transparency
One standout feature of Piece Keepers™ is their clear design, which makes it easy to see what’s inside. This transparency speeds up game setup since players can quickly identify the pieces they need. During gameplay, it’s equally handy - no need to rummage around or disrupt the flow of the game to find tokens, meeples, or cards.
Unlike some storage options that become scratched or cloudy over time, the clear material used in Piece Keepers™ maintains its visibility. This ensures that they remain a reliable and useful part of your gaming setup, even as your collection grows.
Size and Modularity
Piece Keepers™ come in three options: Single, Double, and Unity Vault. This variety allows them to work for everything from compact games to large collections.
The stackable and modular design is a major plus. You can customize and expand your storage system as your collection grows, creating a solution that evolves with your needs. Whether you’re organizing a few games or an entire library, these modular units make it easy to keep everything tidy.
Portability
The magnetic closure system makes Piece Keepers™ a great choice for gamers on the go. Unlike containers that rely on clasps or friction fits, the magnets keep everything securely closed - even if the container gets jostled during transport. This means you can take your games to friends' houses, game stores, or conventions without worrying about spills.
Their stackable design also helps maximize space, making it easier to pack multiple organizers together efficiently. Whether you’re storing them at home or taking them on the road, these compact units are designed to make life easier for gamers.
Price
Piece Keepers™ also offer a tiered pricing system that rewards larger orders with better value.
- The Squire's Satchel is priced at $49.97 and includes enough organizers for 3-4 games: 8 Single units, 4 Double units, and 2 Unity Vault Lids.
- For mid-sized collections, the Ranger's Repository costs $94.97, doubling the components to cover 6-8 games.
- Serious collectors can opt for the Knight's Cache at $176.97, which provides storage for 14-16 games with 32 Single units, 16 Double units, and 8 Unity Vault Lids.
This practical pricing structure ensures there’s an option for everyone, from casual gamers to avid collectors.
2. Clear Containers with Adjustable Dividers
Clear plastic containers with adjustable dividers offer a practical and versatile way to store game components. These containers come with removable panels that can be repositioned to create custom compartments, making them adaptable to games with varying piece sizes and quantities. Unlike specialized organizers, these focus on flexibility and affordability, making them an attractive option for gamers on a budget.
Material
Most of these containers are crafted from polypropylene or polystyrene plastic, which is lightweight yet durable enough for regular use. The dividers, made from the same material, fit into grooved tracks inside the container. However, frequent adjustments can sometimes loosen these tracks over time.
Higher-quality options may feature reinforced corners or thicker walls for added durability, whereas budget models might show signs of wear, like stress marks or cracking, after extended use.
Transparency
The clear plastic design makes it easy to see what’s inside without opening the container. This feature simplifies game setup and cleanup, as you can quickly locate specific pieces. It’s especially helpful when managing multiple games or checking for missing components.
While most brands offer good visibility, some cheaper models might have a slight tint or become cloudy over time, which could reduce their effectiveness.
Size and Modularity
These containers typically come in standard rectangular sizes, ranging from 6×4 inches to 12×8 inches. The dividers can be adjusted in 1-inch increments, allowing for tailored compartments to suit different needs.
Rather than stacking multiple units like some dedicated gaming organizers, the modularity here lies in the ability to reconfigure the dividers. Many users find it more practical to use several containers of the same size rather than mixing dimensions, as this ensures a more uniform storage system.
Portability
Most containers feature snap-on lids with multiple closure points to keep everything secure. However, dividers can occasionally shift during transport, especially if they’re not firmly seated in their tracks. This shifting might cause game pieces to mix or move around.
To address this, some users add foam inserts or tape to hold the dividers in place during travel, which can help minimize movement.
Price
These containers are a budget-friendly solution, with small models priced between $3–$5 and larger, reinforced versions costing $8–$15. They’re widely available at craft and hardware stores, making them accessible for most gamers.
The affordable price point allows you to buy multiple containers for different games or experiment with different configurations. However, higher-quality options can cost significantly more, sometimes three to four times the price of basic models, so it’s worth considering your needs before investing.
3. Stackable Clear Bins
Stackable clear bins provide a smart and space-saving way to organize expanding board game collections. These bins are designed to stack securely on top of each other, creating vertical storage towers that make the most of your available space. Unlike containers with adjustable dividers, these bins are perfect for storing individual games in separate compartments.
Material
These bins are all about durability and modularity. Most are made from polypropylene or acrylic plastic, with wall thicknesses ranging from 2mm to 4mm depending on the quality. The stacking mechanism relies on interlocking ridges or grooves molded into the top and bottom edges, ensuring stability when stacked.
Cheaper options often use thinner plastic that can bend under heavy loads, while higher-end models feature reinforced corners and thicker walls for added strength. Some even include rubber feet or grip strips to prevent slipping, which is especially handy when accessing lower bins in a stack.
Transparency
One of the standout features of these bins is their transparency, which makes it easy to see what's inside without opening them. This is a big help when you have multiple bins stacked and need to find specific game components quickly.
Higher-quality bins maintain their clarity over time, resisting yellowing and scratches. Plus, the clear design lets you keep an eye on how full each bin is, so you can redistribute or reorganize as needed.
Size and Modularity
Stackable bins usually come in standardized sizes to ensure they nest perfectly together. Common dimensions include 8×6×3 inches for smaller games, 12×8×4 inches for medium-sized games, and 16×12×5 inches for larger collections. The modular design allows you to mix and match different sizes while keeping the same footprint.
This flexibility means you can start with just a few bins and easily expand your storage system as your collection grows, all without having to overhaul your setup.
Portability
Many of these bins feature molded side handles, making them easy to carry when separated from the stack. While the stacking design is great for saving space, it does mean you'll need to unstack them to access individual bins.
Some users solve this by dedicating one bin per game, making it simple to grab what they need. Others use the bins for home storage and transfer components to smaller containers for travel. The good news is that the secure stacking mechanism keeps the bins firmly in place during normal handling but allows for easy separation when needed.
Price
The cost of individual bins ranges from $8 to $25, depending on their size and quality. If you're looking for a better deal, sets of multiple bins are often more economical, with starter sets of four bins typically priced between $25 and $60.
While they are pricier than basic storage boxes, the stackable design offers better organization and efficient use of space. For many board game enthusiasts, the ability to quickly locate and access their games makes the investment worth it.
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4. Clear Storage Bags
After exploring rigid and modular containers, let’s look at clear storage bags - a more flexible option for storing game components. These bags are perfect for gamers who need something portable and adaptable to fit into tight or oddly shaped spaces.
Material
Most clear storage bags are made from plastics like vinyl, polyethylene, or EVA. Thicker materials provide better durability and resistance to punctures, while thinner ones are great for squeezing into compact spaces. They usually come with zipper closures, ranging from basic plastic zippers to sturdier metal ones for a more secure seal. Many manufacturers strengthen the seams with double stitching or heat-welded edges, and some even use food-grade materials for added clarity and resistance to temperature changes.
Transparency
The see-through design makes it easy to identify what’s inside without opening the bag. However, the level of clarity can vary. Some bags stay crystal clear over time, while others might develop a slight haze after extended use or exposure to changes in temperature.
Size and Modularity
Clear storage bags come in a range of sizes, making it easy to find one that fits your needs. They can adapt to available space and stack neatly, offering a modular way to organize everything from small tokens to larger groups of components.
Portability
One of the biggest perks of clear storage bags is how portable they are. They’re lightweight, foldable, and easy to compress, which makes them ideal for travel. Whether you’re packing them into a backpack, suitcase, or even a large pocket, they’re a convenient way to transport game pieces. Many gamers rely on them as a secondary storage option for taking components to game nights or a friend’s house.
Price
Clear storage bags are a cost-effective choice. They’re affordable, making them an excellent option for gamers just starting to organize their collections or those looking for a temporary solution without spending too much. This makes them a practical and wallet-friendly way to keep board game components in order.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Let’s break down the pros and cons of the storage solutions mentioned earlier. Each option has its strengths and weaknesses, so your choice will depend on your specific needs.
Piece Keepers are a premium option with magnetic lids and a modular design. They’re perfect for keeping things organized, thanks to their stackable design and durable build. While the upfront cost is higher, their longevity makes them a solid investment over time.
Clear containers with adjustable dividers shine when it comes to customization. They’re great for games with components of varying sizes, offering flexible compartments at an affordable price. However, the dividers can shift during transport, which might be a minor inconvenience.
Stackable clear bins are all about providing lots of storage space at a budget-friendly price. They’re ideal for bulk storage but aren’t the best for portability due to their larger, uniform design.
Clear storage bags are lightweight and easy to carry, making them a go-to for travel. The downside? They don’t offer the same level of protection as rigid storage options.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Storage Option | Material | Transparency | Size Options | Portability | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Piece Keepers | Durable plastic with magnetic lids | Crystal clear | Single, Double, Unity Vault | Highly portable and secure | $49.97 - $176.97 |
| Adjustable Divider Containers | Polypropylene or polystyrene | Good to excellent | Multiple sizes available | Good – may feel bulky | $5 - $25 per container |
| Stackable Clear Bins | Various plastics | Good | Large capacity focus | Fair – less portable for travel | $3 - $15 per bin |
| Clear Storage Bags | Vinyl, polyethylene, EVA | Good to excellent | Wide range | Excellent – lightweight & flexible | $1 - $8 per bag |
Choosing the right storage depends on your gaming habits. If you’re always on the move, lightweight options like clear storage bags or adjustable divider containers are practical. For those with a dedicated gaming space, Piece Keepers offer durability and organization. And if you’re looking to store a large collection on a budget, stackable clear bins are a great choice.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to portable storage for board games, the right choice depends on your gaming style and priorities. The key considerations? Durability to safeguard your game pieces, modularity to accommodate your growing collection, and visibility for easy access during gameplay.
For avid board gamers who play frequently and want a top-tier option, Piece Keepers is a standout choice. Designed by Jason Hartley from Board Game Tutorials, this modular system combines magnetic security with practical features that tackle the real-life challenges of game nights.
Ultimately, the best storage solution is one that suits your gaming needs today while saving you time and effort in the long run.
FAQs
Why are Piece Keepers™ a great solution for organizing board games?
Piece Keepers™ offer a smart solution for organizing board games by combining magnetic, stackable, and modular features. This design makes it simple to store and secure all your game components. Plus, their customizable setup means they can accommodate a wide range of games, helping to cut down on clutter and speed up game preparation.
Unlike bulky or inconvenient storage options, Piece Keepers™ are lightweight, easy to carry, and stylish enough to complement your gaming table. Whether you're a casual player or a devoted enthusiast, they provide an efficient and attractive way to keep your collection in order.
How do Piece Keepers™ magnetic lids make traveling with board games easier and more secure?
The magnetic lids on Piece Keepers™ lock tightly, ensuring your game components stay put during travel. No more worrying about spills or pieces getting mixed up - everything stays neatly in place. Plus, their stackable and modular design makes it easier to pack and transport your games. You’ll save space and keep everything organized, so your games are always ready to play.
Can I expand or customize Piece Keepers™ as my board game collection grows?
Piece Keepers™ are built to grow with your collection. Thanks to their modular, magnetic, and stackable design, expanding your storage is a breeze. Plus, their customizable features let you tailor them to accommodate different games and components, ensuring your setup stays tidy and efficient.
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- How to Pack Your Board Games for Travel Without Damaging the Pieces
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