It’s the time of year to spring clean your games! No matter what type of games you play, there is some way that you can spring clean them. See below for ideas and let me know if you put any of it into practice.

3 Main Questions

While sorting your games, whether they are board games, video games or phone apps, keep these questions in mind:

1. Do I still play this game? Do I really need to keep it?

   If the answer is no, give away or sell the game if it’s a physical game or delete the app or downloadable program if not. Clean our your Facebook games too if you play them.

2. Is everything together?

   Does it have all the pieces? If it’s a video game, is the game in the case with the book? If not, find what’s missing and get it together. For computer games and apps this doesn’t really apply. If the game runs, everything is there.

3. Is it in a good location?

   Evaluate where you are keeping your games, does it work for you? Is there somewhere better you could store them? Ideally you want them where they will be used (board games near table you play at, video games near game system etc.) Are your computer games all in one game folder so they are easy to find? Are your game apps organized?

More Questions

What if I can’t decide if I want to keep it?

If you aren’t sure if you want to keep a game, put a sticky note on it with a date 6 months in the future. If that time comes and you still haven’t played the game, get rid of it.

I don’t want my game, what can I do with it?

If it was really expensive and/or in great condition, you may want to try selling it. Otherwise you can just give it away so it can be enjoyed by someone else. Donate it to a thrift store or charity that collects used goods. There are often local online forums or groups where you can offer up your used stuff for others to take (like Kijiji or a Facebook Group.) If you do try to sell it, keep the price low and make sure it works and has all the pieces and instructions first.

What do I do with an old game that is broken or missing pieces?

Video game disks can be used for arts and crafts. Handheld game system cartridges can just be tossed, along with the cases. Use the books from old games to make a game lovers collage. Cut out the images from the booklet and make a collage and either frame it or modge podge it onto a photo frame, cup or table.

For board games and such that are missing too many pieces to be usable or that have broken electronic parts, you can keep some of the leftover pieces if you think they could be usable if you lose a piece from another game in the future. Dice and game pieces can be used in other games. Play money can possibly used for other games if they are similar currencies, otherwise little kids can use them to play store.

I need ideas on how to store my games!

Keep in mind that you should try to keep things where they will be used if at all possible. Video games in a stand next to the system or board games near the table you play at makes much more sense than keeping them buried in a closet or on another floor from where they will be used. Sometimes that is not possible of course.

There are ideas on the Great Gaming Blog Pinterest Board! I’d show you how mine are organized but they are just stacked on a bookshelf, nothing interesting like these ideas!