Game storage

[DicedT]

I'm getting magazine games now, plus I've got older games in manila envelopes. Thinking of storing them in plastic zip-locs. Just have to figure out the best size. I'm thinking that either 9 x 12 (http://www.amazon.com/Mil-Clear-Lock-Bags-Pack/dp/B003ZZUJT4) or 10 x 13 should be big enough to store most games.

Michael

[GJK]

I used plastic bags for all of my counters back in the 80's with all of my old AH games.  Ziplock bags worked ok but you either had several bags or one or two bags all mixed with lots of counters.  You'd pour them out in to the game box lid and start sorting.  Ugh, that was the old days.

Now a days, I store all of the counters for my favorite games in Plano 3601's (thin latched) storage units.  I like the thin units (3600 series) because it's easier to dig counters out of the bins.  The con's: it probably won't fit in the box that the game came in...if that matters to you.  Otherwise, the pro's outweigh that con: durable storage that is environment safe (water, humidity, etc) and it allows you to sort counters for easy retrieval for game play. 

You have to detach the dividers and insert them in to the holders.  That gives you flexibility on how large or small each storage container is.  I use a dab of super glue to secure the divider in place.  That prevents "counter crawl" from one area to the next. 

[GJK]

As posted in the "What's on your gaming table now?", in case you missed it:

[bayonetbrant]

I'm a big fan of the little bead bags that are about 2"x3".  You can get a pack 100 for about $2.50 at your local craft store (Michael's / AC Moore / etc)

[Staggerwing]

Gary, where do you get the rubber matting you put in the top of the lids? Also, do you have a good online source for the trays (read- cheap) that you can recommend?

[GJK]

I get the Plano's at my local Academy sporting goods store.  $7 ea I think.  One large one will hold all the pieces for most games.  Nope, $6 ea:

http://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/plano-174-prolatch-8482-stowaway-3620-tackle-box/pid-12167?N=272574547&Ntt=plano&Ntk=All

The lids secure strongly with the latch so you don't have to worry about that accident waiting to happen....

The black mat is a simple drawer or shelf liner that I pick up at a grocery store.  It's soft rubber.  Cut to size and stuck on with a little bit of spray adhesive.  That prevents counter crawl over the tops of the dividers. 



So literally, I have no worries about the thing falling off the table or taking a tumble (which has happened). 

[LongBlade]

The black mat is a simple drawer or shelf liner that I pick up at a grocery store.  It's soft rubber.  Cut to size and stuck on with a little bit of spray adhesive.  That prevents counter crawl over the tops of the dividers. 

Ooooh.

That could work for some Star Trek minis that don't have an expensive tote right now. Thanks!

[DicedT]

I like counter trays, except for the fact that they take up more space. That's why I'm thinking of ziplocs.

Michael

[Bison]

The GMT trays work really well.  Of course the downside is they do take up box space so if you have a counter heavy game with a smaller box (I'm looking at you ASL!), they might require being stored outside of the box.

[bob48]

I use the GMT's trays if I can get them - and a reallly could do with a few. There is only one retailer that I know of in the UK, and he charges as much for 4 as GMT do for 10.

Looks like I will have to think about buying direct from them.

[Bison]

I need to buy some more myself.  I ordered 10 from NWS a few months back and I'm down to 3 and I want to further sort ASLSK and I still have Combat Commander to sort.  /sigh/  This is a never ending process.  I don't even want to get into the difficulty of sorting Panzer using trays.

[bayonetbrant]

Looks like I will have to think about buying direct from them.

or you could come to Origins next year and just take 40 of them home with you :)

[bob48]

I wish!

Would need a Lotto win first though :P

[GJK]

Uh oh - the baggie got a hole in it!  :)

[bayonetbrant]

I hope that was a prank

I'd hate to be f'er that had to sort that stuff out!