How to Store Your Button Shy Collection – Organizing Tips for Small Spaces

Quick Answer

To store your Button Shy collection efficiently, use a binder with card pages, a dedicated drawer or box, and label everything. Prioritize flat storage to prevent bending and keep games in their original wallets for protection.

Button Shy’s wallet games are designed to be portable, but if you own more than a handful, storing them neatly can become a puzzle. Their slim, uniform wallets make them perfect for compact storage, yet without a system, they can easily clutter a shelf or get lost in a drawer. This guide offers practical, space-saving organization tips tailored to small living spaces.

Whether you’re a new collector with three games or a veteran with dozens, these steps will help you create a storage solution that’s both accessible and protective. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right container to labeling and maintenance, ensuring your games stay in great condition for years to come.

Assess Your Collection and Space

Start by gathering all your Button Shy games. Count them and note the different sizes—most are standard wallet-sized, but expansions like the Combopolis Expansion Collection come in a vinyl wallet that might be slightly thicker. Understanding your inventory helps you choose a storage solution that fits both your collection and the available space.

Measure the area where you plan to store your games. Whether it’s a shelf, a drawer, or a box, knowing the dimensions will prevent buying a container that’s too small or too large. Also, consider how often you play: games you play frequently should be more accessible than those you rarely touch.

• Take inventory of all your wallet games, including expansions.
• Measure your storage space to ensure a good fit.
• Group games by frequency of play for better accessibility.

Choose a Storage Container

For a small collection (up to 10 games), a simple photo box or a decorative shoebox works well. These boxes keep games protected from dust and light while fitting neatly on a shelf. If you prefer a more visible display, a wire rack or a small shelf can showcase the colorful wallets, but ensure they are kept upright to avoid bending.

For larger collections, consider a binder with 9-pocket card pages. Each page can hold up to 18 games (two per pocket, back-to-back), making it incredibly space-efficient. Alternatively, a dedicated drawer with dividers can keep games organized and easy to browse. Whichever you choose, ensure the container is sturdy and won’t crush the games.

• Photo boxes are ideal for small collections and fit standard wallet games.
• Binder pages save space and allow quick browsing.
• Avoid stacking heavy items on top of your games to prevent warping.

Protect Your Games

Button Shy games are made of cardstock, so they can bend or get damaged if not handled carefully. Always store them in their original wallets, as these provide a protective layer. If you’ve lost a wallet, use a standard deck box or a resealable plastic bag as a substitute.

Consider using card sleeves for the individual cards, especially for games you play often. Sleeves add a layer of protection against wear and tear, and they also make shuffling easier. However, note that sleeved cards may not fit back into the original wallet, so plan accordingly—perhaps store sleeved games in a separate box.

• Keep games in their original wallets to prevent bending.
• Use card sleeves for frequently played games, but be aware they may not fit in the wallet.
• Store games flat, not on their edges, to avoid warping.

Label and Organize

Once your games are in a container, labeling is key. Use small adhesive labels or washi tape to mark the spine of each wallet or the divider in your drawer. Write the game name clearly. This makes it easy to find a specific game without pulling out everything.

Organize your games alphabetically or by game type (solo, two-player, etc.). For example, you might group all Simply Solo series games like A Nice Cuppa Expansion Collection together. This not only looks tidy but also helps you quickly grab a game that fits your mood or player count.

• Label each wallet or divider with the game name.
• Sort alphabetically or by series/player count for quick retrieval.
• Use color-coded labels for different types of games (solo, competitive, etc.).

Maintain and Rotate

Regularly check your storage area for any signs of damage, such as bent cards or moisture. Keep your games in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight, which can fade the artwork. Every few months, take out a few games you haven’t played in a while to ensure they’re still in good shape and to rediscover them.

If you find a game with a bent card, refer to our guide on repairing bent cards. For general upkeep, handle cards with clean hands and avoid eating or drinking near your storage area. By maintaining your collection, you’ll extend the life of your games and keep them ready for play.

• Inspect your collection periodically for damage.
• Keep storage in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
• Rotate games to ensure even wear and rediscover favorites.

Step-by-Step Storage Checklist

1. Inventory and Measure: Gather all your Button Shy games and count them. Measure your intended storage space (shelf, drawer, or box) to ensure a good fit. Checkpoint: You know exactly how many games you have and where they’ll live.
2. Select Your Container: Choose a photo box for small collections, a binder with card pages for larger ones, or a drawer with dividers for easy browsing. Ensure it’s sturdy and fits your space. Checkpoint: Your container protects games from dust and crushing.
3. Protect Each Game: Keep games in their original wallets. If you use sleeves, remember they may not fit back into the wallet—store sleeved games separately if needed. Checkpoint: Games are flat and safe from bending.
4. Label and Sort: Label each wallet or divider with the game name. Sort alphabetically or by type (solo, two-player, series) to find games quickly. Checkpoint: You can locate any game in under 30 seconds.
5. Maintain Regularly: Inspect your collection every few months for damage. Keep storage in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Rotate games to ensure even wear. Checkpoint: Your collection remains in great condition and ready to play.

Storage-Ready Button Shy Games

• SpaceShipped: A solo space trading game using only 18 cards packed neatly in a little wallet. Its compact size makes it easy to store in a small box or binder page, perfect for testing your storage system.
• Combopolis Expansion Collection: All three Combopolis expansions packed in a vinyl wallet, allowing you to combine other games in the Sprawlopolis line. The vinyl wallet adds durability and a slightly thicker profile, so ensure your storage container accommodates it without crushing.
• A Nice Cuppa Expansion Collection: Includes all 4 expansions for the seventh game in the Button Shy Simply Solo series, light on rules and big on replayability. This collection comes in a wallet that may be thicker; label it clearly to avoid confusion with the base game.

With these storage tips, your Button Shy collection will stay organized, protected, and easy to enjoy. Whether you have a few games or a full shelf, a little planning goes a long way. Now, go play a game!