When in Doubt…Put it in a Pouch

The other weekend it was raining, and I found myself with some extra time on my hands, so I got a little crazy with bored games…oh wait, I mean BOARD games!

I am still unpacking from our move, and I very much want more organization systems for this house. One of the things that I really wanted to do was get all the games and activities in one zone, but those dang game boxes are so bulky. I remember one time seeing someone use Ziplock bags for games, but I had a pack of mesh zipper pouches staring me down and this seemed like the perfect opportunity to get organized.

My goal was to get rid of as many boxes as possible from a tall stack in a coat closet, to now fit in a smaller bin that would almost be like a filing box of fun. So, if you’re tired of taking one game down from the shelf and having six other fall and hit you in the face, give this a go.

First, you’re going to want to take a count of what shape games and pieces you have in your stockpile. This will help you figure out if you are going to need bigger zipper pouches or smaller ones. I like this variety pack but sometimes I have to get really big ones like these.

Then, a label maker is super helpful if you’re a nutcase like me and want it all to be uniform. You will be surprised at what joy $28 could bring to your life. If you don’t have one or are not a nutcase like me, you could also use a Sharpie marker and some blue painter’s tape to make some handwritten labels that can also be removed later without leaving paper-sticky stuff behind, should you need to switch up your pouches.

Now you’re ready to get your game on. 

I like to take all the pieces of each game and the directions, put them in a pouch, and label them. Sometimes I have several decks of card games in their original packaging and I’ll put them all in one pouch labeled, ‘Card Games.’ If I run into a situation where the board is too big for a pouch, I still put all the smaller pieces and instructions in a pouch and then clip or band together with the pouch to the board for storage. 

Unboxing the puzzles still is a little daunting to me because I like to see the picture on the front of the box, but a friend of mine said she has cut out the front picture to make it fit in the pouch, so I might give that a try soon! We’ve acquired many a puzzle since March…

Now we have organized games that are clearly labeled and easy for small people to put away without tearing the box tops.

The world needs more pouches!