Puzzle and Board Game Organization Made Easy
Nothing’s worse than working on a puzzle only to find it’s missing a piece. it’s just as bad to pull out a game only to find your favourite game piece is missing – essentially stopping the game before it’s even started! Sadly, this happens all the time. As fun as a puzzle or playing a game can be, we tend to quickly throw the pieces back into the box when we’re done, slapping on the lid and shoving it to the back of the closet until next time. Here are 3 easy steps to keep your puzzles and board games intact for many years of fun and enjoyment.
Keep an Inventory
Itemizing all the intricate pieces (cards, dice and little playing pieces sometimes called meepes) that need to go back into a game after you’re finished is the first step to making sure nothing gets lost. Keep a little index card listing every integral piece and slip it (and all the small pieces) into a small container or resealable bag. Think of it as a mini checklist for quick and efficient cleanup.
Lockdown Small Pieces
Old school rubber bands are great at wrangling both game cards and some playing pieces and meepes, as well as securing the box closed during storage. But keep an eye on older games for damage. If the original box becomes too damaged you may want to find a new one. A plastic container with a lid that locks is ideal, keeping game pieces secure. Stackable options are even better.
Think Outside the Box
One of the most frustrating puzzles to store is the big chunky wooden puzzles for toddlers and very young children. These puzzles often come without a box at all, so that you have to store them flat and hope the pieces stay put. Glad Press’n Seal is the solution. Simply wrap the board puzzle with the film wrap and it secure the pieces perfectly with no damage. Better yet, it’s reusable and the kids can take it off and on themselves! It’s also food safe and BPA free.
Donate unwanted puzzles and games to your local elementary school. Many classrooms struggle to receive the funding they need to provide the basics, like tissues and soap. Or you can drop them off at a thrift shop. Many thrift shops, like Value Village, sell donated items and use the profits earned to support a good cause.
