Purge Your Board Game Collection: A Step-by-Step Guide
It's easy for me to accumulate a collection of board games that starts to overflow shelves and spill into every available corner. But as with any hobby, there comes a time when you realize that not every game is a gem, and it might be time to declutter your collection.
Purging unwanted board games can be a liberating experience, freeing up space for new favorites and ensuring each game on your shelf gets the attention it deserves. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you streamline your board game collection.
Step 1: Assess Your Collection
Begin by taking stock of your entire board game collection. Pull out every game you own and lay them out where you can see them all at once. This will give you a clear picture of just how many games you have and which ones you might be ready to part with.
BoardGameGeek.com is a valuable tool for this. Signing up is free, and you can enter your board game collection, rank it, and even review each game. I wrote a how-to article about it. Read It Here
Step 2: Evaluate Each Game
Next, go through each game individually and assess its value to you. Consider factors such as:
Playability: Have you played this game recently? Does it still bring you enjoyment, or has it lost its appeal over time? Ask your friends and family if they will play this game with you. Send them a pick to jog their memory of the game.
Condition: Is the game still in good condition? Are pieces missing or showing signs of wear and tear? If it is a game that you enjoy, can it be fixed, or can parts be replaced?
Frequency of Play: How often do you actually play this game? If it's been gathering dust on the shelf for months (or even years), let it go.
Sentimental Value: Are you holding onto this game for sentimental reasons, or do you genuinely enjoy playing it? If your answer is sentimental but you never play it, consider playing the game one last time and take pictures to remember it. Then you could let it go
Step 3: Set Clear Criteria
Establish specific criteria for what constitutes a game worth keeping. This might include:
Frequency of play: Only keep games you play regularly or are likely to play soon.
Quality: Keep games that are well-designed, well-made, and provide a satisfying gameplay experience.
Variety: Aim for a diverse collection that offers a range of gameplay experiences, including different genres, player counts, and complexity levels.
Step 4: Make Tough Decisions
Be ruthless in your decision-making process. If a game doesn't meet your criteria or hasn't seen the tabletop in years, it's time to say goodbye. Consider donating unwanted games to the library or a local gaming group, or trade them on BoardGameGeek.com. Remember that the game might not suit your taste, but it could become a favorite for someone else.
Step 5: Organize and Store
Once you've pared down your collection to only the games you truly love and enjoy, take some time to organize them in a way that makes sense to you. This might mean sorting them by genre, player count, or complexity level, or simply arranging them in a way that is pleasing to the eye. Invest in quality storage solutions, such as shelves, boxes, or inserts, to keep your collection neat and tidy. Check out JasperShelves.com for some unique modular shelving.
Step 6: Revisit Regularly
Board game preferences can change over time, so make it a habit to revisit your collection regularly. Set aside time every few years to reevaluate your games and determine whether others have outstayed their welcome.
Purging your board game collection of unwanted games can be a cathartic experience, allowing you to make room for new favorites and rediscover old ones. By following these steps and being honest about which games truly bring you joy, you can create a collection that reflects your tastes and gaming preferences.
Tell me about your purge of the board game shelves in the comments below.
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