If you collect board games and card games, or even if you just want your games to last as long as possible, handling them in such a way that you minimize any potential damage to the game itself is important. These tips should help.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: n/a
Here's How:
- Bear in mind that some of these suggestions may be impractical if you intend to actually play the games.
- Lift games with two hands; this will prevent excess pressure on the box top or bottom. Lifting a heavy game with one hand is inviting disaster in the form of a beat-up box.
- Open game boxes from both sides at once, so that you're not putting unnecessary stress on the corners of the box top.
- Rubber bands shouldn't be used to hold a box closed. If you have to remove a rubber band from a game box, stretch it away from the box and then remove it without rubbing against the cover.
- Store all of the components inside the box in sealed zipper-style baggies. Do not hold cards together with a rubber band, because (1) they can bend the edges of the cards and (2) they tend to disintegrate over time and leave residue behind.
- Store games vertically, not horizontally. This prevents the games from crushing each other. If this is not possible, store the heaviest games on the bottom.
- Although this is counter-intuitive, it's true. If you must store games horizontally, it's usually best to have a smaller game below a larger game. That way, the smaller game is not pushing down in the middle of the box top of the larger game.
- Don't leave games open and unattended, especially with pets or small children in the area.
- When handling especially valuable games, wear gloves to avoid leaving your body's oil on the box, board, cards or other components.
Tips:
- Treat important games like a newborn baby -- you don't want to risk dropping one and damaging the box.
