Decluttering and Organizing ONE SHELF AT A TIME (board games)

Join me as I declutter and organize one shelf at a time! I work through getting stuck organizing board games in our house and talk through it. Small decluttering projects will the long game!
Dining Room Decluttering and Organizing RESET video:
• DECLUTTERING AND ORGAN...
#decluttering #declutter #intentionalliving
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// SHOWN IN THIS VIDEO
wooden card game holders:
amzn.to/3MzCkkd
rainbow game storage:
amzn.to/3srkKbf
game: Trekking
amzn.to/40v4hiM
game: Museum Suspects
amzn.to/3FSh6tX
game: Mille Bornes
amzn.to/46bgaeW
game: Dos
amzn.to/3MCc7Bk
game: HedBanz
amzn.to/3SyJAkf
game: Connect 4
amzn.to/3u0pG7i
game: Pizza Party
amzn.to/49rMm0A
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// MORE VIDEOS
★ Decluttering One Space at a Time: Dining Room ★
• Decluttering and Organ...
★ Decluttering our Bedroom Together! ★
• Decluttering Our Bedro...
★ Declutter My Closet with Me ★
• Emotional CLEANING OUT...
★ VIDEO: 5 Ways I Slow Down My Week ★
• 5 Ways I Slow Down Eve...
★ VIDEO: 15 Ways Simple Living Change My Life ★
• 15 Ways Simple Living ...
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Simple Living
Decluttering is part of simple living for me. Living with less stuff makes life simpler in our house. However, simple living does not mean easy living. Simple living is about uncomplicating parts of your life. By decluttering, choosing your enough, and focusing intentionally on what matters most to you, a life of slow and simple living is possible.
Slow Living
A slow living lifestyle is sometimes perceived as an antidote to the effects of that fast paced life. Slow living is about balancing the things you want to do WITH the speed of life. Slowing down and embracing slow living is not about getting the same amount of things done at a slower pace. Rather, slow and simple living is about finding balance and living better in our fast paced world.
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The Benefits of Simple Living BLOGS:
www.ericalucas.com/blog
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Article: I Said Yes to Clutter!
Read and Follow Me on Medium:
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Hello! I'm Erica Lucas. On this channel, I share videos about making life simple one day at a time. Obstructive, massive, problem-level clutter overwhelmed me... until I decluttered thousands of items, created open space in our home, and found free time as a minimalist! In my fourth year of minimalism, I am now bridging into simple living, slow living, and sharing a few easy tips to get started! 2023 is about finding joy in simple living for our family of five.
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[@heatherwieler726]

It seems to make sense to keep your games in the same room - but a larger storage solution with doors - would definitely help your room stay and look tidy. 💜

[@lfuentes4098]

Exactly what I was thinking. A bigger cabinet with doors would be a good idea to contain all the games. It would look nicer in the newly refreshed dining room.

[@gelukkig1357]

I agree a 100 percent

[@christined2495]

I also agree, a cabinet with doors would keep it contained

[@herzzr2362]

We have ours in a pie safe, similar to a hutch, which has glass doors on the top and wooden doors on the bottom. All the games have to fit in there. It's our boundary. I used to have close to 300 board games. It was overwhelming. The older classic games I split between several elder homes. They loved them!! I still get a chance to play during their game nights when I take my family for visits. ❤

[@shannonfitzpatrick-wood6245]

Yes! I’d watch fb marketplace!

[@mrsbunch3501]

I agree with other comments... You and your family absolutely love to play games! I think you deserve a larger set of shelves to accommodate what you love 😊.

[@lynnwales2937]

I love using the original game box for the same reasons. Also, my brain wouldn’t “see” a game that’s not in its distinctive box.

[@danielleshanti]

I've been hoping you'd change those small black open shelves to larger closed storage forever! So much calmer and cleaner for a dining room. The cabinets wouldn't have to be huge! Just more functional.

[@mosha3007]

A taller shelf would corral everything in one place and save you a lot of time rearranging things. 👍

[@lindawoodard6481]

Agreed a TALLER Shelving unit on both sides of the doorway

[@danabrown2391]

As the adult you have the right to set boundaries! As Dana K White says, let the container be the "bad guy". Tell the kids they can only can keep what fits in the shelves. Then they have to work among themselves to figure out which games need to go! Don't buy any more for Christmas until v they are willing to give away older, less used ones. Just as we have to clear out overstuffed clothes closets, even though we may LOVE each piece of clothing, we can't keep it all and this is a lesson kids have to learn as well!

[@peggyterry57]

Have you tried putting the games on their side. Not only might you be able to keep the current games on this shelf / container, when a box is on its side , it doesn't have to be pulled out from the bottom. It stands on its own.

[@marylynsheldon8389]

Your so crazy passionate with your games, family & organisation…. go Erica…. You are an amazing human being and a super-mum your children have the most amazing role models /for their parents your family are truly blessed xx 😘

[@mickalaloeffelbein4935]

After listening to your process it seems that keeping them together and getting a bigger shelf would be the best solution. As a family that loves playing games you need to let the boundary accommodate your possessions. And I only say that (because it seems opposite) because you’ve done the work of simplifying and are consciously aware of what is and isn’t being used! You audit on a regular basis and you’re not drowning in stuff.... so make it easier on yourself and allow all items to live together comfortably... with a large shelf ❤❤ you could sell the current game shelf to put towards the funding of the bigger one and keep it in the same spot instead of shuffling the smaller one around.

[@bethstratton3391]

Erica, this was a great video highlighting the problems of how to organise a multifunctional room, used by adults and children alike. My suggestion is, if board games are one of the main things you do as a family, then I would honour that enjoyment by giving that activity the space and the value that it deserves. So perhaps prioritise obtaining a much larger cabinet, which would shelve all the games comfortably together without being either on the floor or on the top of the unit itself. Personally, if it was in my home, I would buy a longer unit that had doors, as this would: 1. Keep you from having to constantly dust the shelves, yet would still enable your children to both reach all of the games and be able to put them away easily by themselves after playing them. 2. keep the aesthetic of the dining space visually calmer (especially for when adult guests visit) and prevent the room looking too much like a child’s playroom, rather than a communal space for comfortably conversing and eating.

[@christineshultz7615]

With Christmas coming i would love to see you review all your educational games. Explain what each one is about and what skill it strengthens. I absolutely want to make a list of games that would benefit my young nieces.

[@shadegarden7375]

I agree that a bigger cabinet is in order!! Keep the wonderful games😃

[@extrememinimalism]

i would consider removing stuff from the top of the units. it would make everything look so much better, like you did with the other unit in the room.

[@kc3503]

I'm happy to see Mille Bornes is still around for the next generation. My sister has the French version of cards that used to sit on top of our grandmother's fridge that we played with our grandmom as little kids. As kids, we thought the cards were fancy 'cause they were in French. Good memories! 💕

[@faiths8385]

It is great to do one project at a time . Since you ❤ games maybe a bigger shelf 😉. Games are a great thing to keep. I've decluttered them over the years then my family will miss one. It's hard.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

I’m thinking this tooooooo

[@kristinakalas8100]

You have found systems that work for you-like cases for cards, clear bins for toys, clear bins for art supplies, not jamming games into the bookcase, etc. Stay the course. Reclaim the second black bookcase for games. Move art supplies to a couple of the shelves in the school room. Lean into what your family enjoys, which is games-but I also suggest limiting your game inventory for a few months. You’ve done great with your goal of clearing the dining room, Erica!

[@WildKraftyAotearoa]

I love your games set up Erica. I always have. I think it is so awesome how into board games your family is. Great video.

[@lindamusser7370]

This was very timely. I'm getting ready to "test- drive" and declutter games with the grandkids today.

[@katehamb439]

If games are important to your family get a bigger shelf, dont forget you used to have two shelves. A bigger shelf means you still have a limit and you have the habit of going through them regularly, they’re not going to overtake the house again.

[@RitaVernoy]

If games are a large part of your family life, if at all possible, I would invest in a larger cabinet. Family fun together is priceless.😊 One day they’ll be gone from home and your house will remain tidy and minimal. you will miss these days, make them magical!😊

[@Sara.Aspenvik]

"Generational shock trauma" is so true for operation 😅 the anount of anxiety i had whilst playing that as a kid was probably a clue to my eventual anxiety diagnosis tbh!

[@chanceonearth]

So glad to watch you again today! (I just finished last week’s video yesterday.) I think you have room for a bigger shelf in the same spot. I know it requires a purchase, but you have many videos where you talk about games and your family’s love of them. You have quite a few games that will grow with your family, too. Eventually toys will start to go away, but games are long-lasting. Long live games! Lol I had a couple of recommendations for you, then saw you had a couple of them. Not sure if you want to buy new ones if you’re trying to downsize. 😅 But if you ever want a list for Christmas or bdays, we’re here! 💕

[@emilietaylor4316]

Mille Bornes! I used to play this in French, in France as a child. Had completely forgotten about it and didn’t know it even still existed. Thank you for this video- it brought back lots of lovely childhood memories

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Did I pronounce it correctly? We love that game.

[@karineb5980]

1000 bornes c'est 1000 kms en language courant français et mes petits fils aiment toujours après tant d'années ❤

[@annapower9799]

“I shouldn’t ask questions I don’t want the answer to” lol perfect sentiment. I agree with the other comments: invest in a larger cabinet with doors. I prefer less furniture that can hold more stuff - especially furniture with doors that hide the contents. Great job organizing with what you have!

[@barbkandel777]

How about using Dana K White's Container Concept - The bookshelf is the container and the space that you have is the space that you have. Each child picks their two favorite board games and two favorite card games. You and your husband also pick yours. That is more than enough games to keep a family with lots of choices for games, each evening. It is also a lot easier to manage. Win -win! (As new games come in - they have to use the One in - One out rule, in order to maintain that space)

[@jennyfrigren5305]

I keep the game boxes standing next to each other like books standing next to each other. I can that way fit many more games in to the storage unit. It looks good and it is easier to pick a game out of the space and back again.

[@madzabinga8382]

I think you might have success with one more large piece of furniture. Like a thrifted hutch, or a larger and taller book shelf. I like that you have a physical "boundary" established, but you seem to have to do a lot of shuffling and organizing to make room for everything you do want to keep and use. It could go against that blank wall, and if was closed storage on the bottom, or had drawers, even better! It could also be used for placemats, tablecloths, candles, etc. I suppose with extra space, you could rethink all the shelves.

[@ashleydonohoe7941]

You are amazing! I love watching your channel. Great job with all the progress of decluttering.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Thank you!

[@Anne-Marieke]

Putting the larger games up like books made them much more accessable in our game closet. Not only when we take one out, but also when we put them back.

[@sarahjohn1484]

As your kids get older Catan will become a favorite.

[@loradennison6674]

You're looking very energetic today, Erica! Love your smile! Awesome job on the game organization!! I personally would need to get a different cabinet. Probably with doors because I just wouldn't want to see it all, lol😅 Great seeing today! Later from Ky

[@jadadallas5891]

They made an actual game for Floor is Lava? As a kid, we used just our imagination and probably annoyed our parents hopping from furniture to furniture. Though, being a kid in Louisiana, the floor had alligators, not lava.😂

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Alligator Floor? 😂

[@jadadallas5891]

​@@EricaLucasLoves alligator infested swamp floor. 😂

[@Vanessa-pm6qw]

🐊 floor 🤣 that's cute @jadadallas

[@jadadallas5891]

​@@Vanessa-pm6qw lol. Thanks. We were children of our location for sure.

[@Vanessa-pm6qw]

@@jadadallas5891 Your welcome. I'm sure we all had an amazing imagination.

[@katrina3560]

I recently purged our games, but only so I can make room for some better ones🫣 I use some of the clear, shoe box size bins to store games like Jenga after the box died. I'd like to snag those colorful small storage containers for our card games soon. Thanks for sharing your sorting process🙂 Edited to add: if you can repurpose a bigger shelf you already have or purchase one that will better fit your chosen place for the games, it could be helpful. I.E. floor to ceiling shelves or a large cube shelf from Ikea.

[@josephdaly2015]

Yer family love games so I think definitely get a bigger shelf because ye deserve it. You are great to spot a bargain and I’ve no doubt you will find what you need. Have a great week. Mary, Joes wife 🙇‍♀️👏💪👍🙏💐🐕‍🦺🦮

[@johnandkitty]

I agree with you about saving the game boxes. I like them! I feel the same way about our dvds.

[@MsLibrarianator]

We are a game playing family, and once we got all the kid games put with the family games and did a ruthless game declutter, we realized we needed a single tall cabinet with glass doors. We needed a tall cabinet to keep it contained (we had previously had games in 2 rooms based on kid games or adult) & we play a lot of games too. And the glass doors keep things contained and stopped it from feeling cluttery. And the glass doors meant we could see the games, so they aren’t “out of sight, out of mind.” increases…you’ll need

[@dianamarsden4985]

Good video! I love the way you talk through what to do and why. Now I understand the Decluttering process.

[@lauragreen4899]

Have you ever tried to place the boxes on end like books? I did that on closet shelf and it works well

[@valeriereneeharper]

I kept getting distracted by your hair today, it’s so gorgeous haha. Love following along with you on your reconfiguration videos….decluttering really is life long decision making because life is always changing. But also your hair is so pretty!

[@deborahderosa4987]

I lovvvvveeeeeee Dragonwood and Scramble States!

[@lindabeckman3053]

Hello Erica, so glad to hear that your family enjoys playing games together. I miss those days! We don’t play very often anymore, except when the grandchildren are visiting, Organizing our games is a one of those projects I’ve been meaning to tackle for a LONG TIME! I have decided to repurpose the game armoire in our bedroom for blanket and linen storage, and maybe even some presents from Grandma too! Our games will have to fit into a smaller armoire in the living room that used to be in our bedroom, and was designed for clothing. It has 2 small and one larger drawer, in addition to shelves, which will work well for card games. The larger drawer may be able to house some of my workout videos too! Any ideas for games that would work well to play with our far away grandkids while we are Face timing? They are 20, 12, 11, 10, 7, and 5 1/2. I would really love to have regular game times with them….

[@zabmcauley5647]

It's ok to add another shelf for games storage. It's clearly something your whole family loves. It would give all the games a home including the floor is lava and will be easier for everyone to manage

[@donnagrifford7142]

I agree with many ..... go ahead and purchase a bigger shelf! Kiddos Never stop growing! 😉

[@krisbausback5652]

Qwirkle is a great game for all ages!

[@melindastimpson9014]

I've always been a big game player, though my family isn't, so I really enjoyed this video. Re. the games your kids wanted to keep, Settlers of Catan and Ticket to Ride are often played by teens or even adults. Your kids will probably play them a lot more as they get a bit older, and you'll be glad they wanted to keep them. :) I missed exactly what you said about the cherries in Hi Ho Cheerio, but I wanted to let people know that if their kids are still of an age to love this game, you can order another set of cherries for not very much money from the company (or at least, you could a few years ago).

[@LynnsLaunderette]

Hi Erica. Hope you are well. I still have all of my sons Monopoly, checkers, deluxe Scrabble, sorry, UNO, Cooties, and battleship games. There are others as well. He’s grown and flown many many years ago(he is 32 ) and I just can’t donate them. I guess I am hoping for grandchildren. lol. Those card holders are AMAZING!

[@valkyriesardo278]

Agree that the initial sweep of a hoard is massive purge. Since that is emotionally draining and physically exhausting, I did nothing more with the keepers than pile them into tidy stacks. I took out only the obvious trash because I did not want to spend time and energy on dithering so "I don't know" got added to my stacks. I have only 2 suggestions for your game storage. Put a note inside the box to indicate the last date a game was played for any game you suspect has lost its charm. Over time, that note can help determine which game will not be missed. When you have settled on an arrangement, take photographs for future reference. That way you can avoid having to repeat or recall the thinking process and others can refer to the photo to maintain the arrangement. Referring to the photo can be something of a game in itself.

[@mindymudge7247]

Praying for youb and your family God is good all the time, he is holding you in his arms and will carrybyou thru each day😇

[@pamelawarner4174]

I never comment on videos, but I just wanted to say I saved this video so I can write down all the game advice. We have a three year old and I am so excited to start getting some games that we can play together! Thanks

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Nice!! I have some suggestions for that age too! Email me if you want.

[@sevenschmidts]

Settlers of Catan is a Permanent Keeper! Our young adults play it with their Aunt/Uncle at every holiday!

[@stephanierobinson7525]

Glad you are back! I miss your videos when you are gone! Keeping you and your family in my prayers and thoughts.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Thanks!!

[@TS-sh8xo]

I’ve bought replacement door for our guess who when my kids were little

[@fbz2415]

Dear Erica, the boxes of the games look ¿sturdy? ¿strong? enough and close well, may be you can try to put them vertically, like books, I think you could gain more space😊

[@pnwflipper2089]

Erica, if you are looking to start another channel you could do board game reviews for homeschooling moms. I would love to know more about all of your favorite games, watch a round of play, hear the skills kids learn, etc.!

[@kreggie891]

Genius Games has lots of fun educational games for all age ranges. If you are looking for anything from small card games to full blown board games they have them. They are actually merged with another board game company, which the name is escaping me right now, but they do a lot of history type games with that company.

[@homeofsunshinegirl]

Set them upright like books. You will have more room and they are easier to access

[@connieverbeck1110]

👏👏👏👏👏👏 That was huge!! I have been facing my hugely cluttered dining room table. Ugh. Finally I have been attacking it one step at a time. About the only thing left is paper and relocate. I have decided I am keeping my sewing machine and new printer there. Hopeful once I declutter and organize my laundry/sewing room I will be able to relocate. But putting away isn’t an option. That would stop progress on projects and that is unacceptable!! Lol. I can live with that clutter because it has a purpose. But all the loose paper clutter has to be dealt with. It greatly helps that I have a friend stopping by Friday or Saturday!! Lol. Whatever it takes. So grateful you share your strategies. They have been most helpful through the years. And you have done such an about face! 👏👏👏👏👏👏💗

[@DipityS]

I go with different organisation - in that if you do want all the game together - then another larger piece of furniture to hold them. You've identified items that are used and appreciated and bring value to your whole family - and that was really impressed on me when you showed the family playing the games - and said that you play one game at least every day - so this tool that brings your family together for fun and play and laughter certainly deserves to be kept well. Myself, I'd be happy with the way it all looks right now - and all the games are in the same room - but if you were ever to wonder if you'd prefer a larger bookcase or cupboard to hold the games - I'd say you'd be fully justified (of course, you can buy what you like when you like and I'd be behind you all the way😊)

[@Intrepiddabbler]

Mille Bournes is a great game!

[@maxineoliver7404]

Maybe a tall(just a little bit bigger than the shelf, there) attractive metal shelf (a couple of lighter ones from Ikea), and a matching one on the other side, for symmetry, could be a problem solver- it's just a thought of mine. Thanks for sharing!🤗🧩

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Yes!

[@kayspence2788]

Thank you for explaining the games and age appropriateness. I ordered the Trekking games for my grandsons.

[@beachlover4413]

I love these videos. First because it helps me think things out when trying to declutter. I also made a list for Christmas of your favorite board games for my grandchildren because I am tired of the silly, fad toys. And you gave an age guide. Can you make a post on your website with the games your family loves and the ages? Because you have 2 matching cabinets (and they are pretty, why not use both for the games (since they will grow with holidays and birthdays. And relocate what is in the other bookcase to a different cabinet in that same room. Then all the games would be "together" and you won't need to replace a pretty piece of furniture. It is hard to see what is in the other cabinet and I can't remember from previous videos. Would it fit in the shelves with the plants? So love your channel, Erica!!

[@NaturesCadenceFarm]

You've given me some excellent Christmas gift ideas! 😂

[@ceciliefranciska899]

I vote for a bigger container. A new shelf or a cabinet. The amount of games you play are worth it

[@bethc7243]

I love your tablecloth!

[@doraadams1673]

Our Guess Who game broke the first day we played with it. I bought the card version this summer and we like it better. You have such a lovely game collection.

[@sallyeve4044]

I Love ❤️ that your family uses so many board games. A bit rare nowadays. I'd need doors on my storage unit but maybe that makes them less accessible.

[@meghanbraithwaite9848]

I like board games in their game boxes too. I keep ours on their sides, standing like books on a shelf instead of flat like a stack of plates. It makes it easier to get them out.

[@cherylricard2755]

This is what we do at our house too

[@marlenetaylor3767]

We are a big game family and struggle with the same issue of having games in multiple places! I have to say Catan is one of our favorites but it’s even better with the Cities and Knights Expansion! We now find it boring without that expansion. We have a few other expansions but that is our favorite!

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Oooh I might check that out!

[@jennyjenkins877]

It's really lovely to watch your family spend time together playing games. I can see why you don't want to put a limit on the number or use the container concept to make it work in that one small shelving unit. As you discovered, it was 'out of sight, out of mind' with the games that ended up in the homeschool room though. Since you don't necessarily want to play Tetris on a regular basis to maintain that system (because you're probably the only one with the patience/ability to do so) and there are still some games in other places like the floor and plant stand, I can think of a few solutions: a bigger cabinet, a time will tell bin (and set a reminder to revisit it in however many months you think is needed) for the games that the family hardly ever chooses, or do a game rotation similar to how some people do a toy rotation.

[@Jazzatic2011]

You all play the games, most people dont have the habit of doing so as a group family and honestly from what Ive heard people who have that upbringing and less TV time reap soo manybenefits in their teen years. I would only consider the floor is lava to be in a large bagsince the pieces look foamy and could benefit being flat. Plus the kids could have fun painting flames on the bag. Keep the games, change the shelf!

[@catharinab8860]

This gives me inspiration to tackle our games as well. I do belive we want to keep all of them, but maybe the ones we play less could be moved. Games are overflowing in our house as well.

[@LynnS971]

Maybe pick just a few for this and do a game rotation every couple of weeks. Then you can see which ones are the perennial favorites.

[@entomember]

Don’t know if you have already tried this, but vertical storage might work better. Get some of the file dividers (so they don’t all fall over/open when you remove one) and slot them in like books on a shelf rather then stacked. That way you could have a full row on the top of top of the shelf unit as well. Also much easier to get one in and out rather than pulling apart the stacks.

[@jmknudsen5357]

I loved playing games as a kid. One current favorite is Flex and Uno. Your kids will love Settlers of Cataan when they are old enough.

[@kimberlymiller655]

Oooo Erica!! Thank you. So many ideas from this video. (Game recommendations). And I love that you ask them and they love all of those. ❤

[@amykotlarski9250]

Suggestion...find a Guess Who game at Goodwill or other thrift store and use for pieces needed...

[@christinaburnett7166]

You're reaction! My my my ... We have outgrown this shelf! You are hilarious Erica ❤

[@Spikeswift]

Bag up the games without the boxes might be a good solution for space saving. A printed sheet with each game and a picture next to it for the kids to pick off the sheet would mean they would see what they have at a glance just like if they were in the boxes

[@marykimble5214]

We are a huge game family. We have about 200 kids games. I love that you are not getting rid of boxes. We kept our boxes too. Any chance you could spring for a bigger shelf (or move one from a different place in the house)? I would never advocate to have more than one spot for games if you only play in that spot. Sidenote, I save socks that get a hole or the elastic stretch out and use them as cleaning socks (we hardly ever buy paper towels...better for the enviroment).

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Do you have them all in one spot too?

[@marykimble5214]

​@@EricaLucasLoves we have them in three different spots currently: games in dining room for games that we play in there, games in a closet-like shelving in our basement (that we made) with games we play down there, and games in our storage room for games that aren't at our kiddos level yet

[@happilyjoes6399]

I recommend you try the game “mantis”. The strategy is based on colors and counting, so no reading necessary. It is very fun for adults and kids. My 5 year old loves it.

[@tracytome4034]

Enjoy your videos. My kids are grown. One thought that may help: our minds can’t handle clutter, think of how overwhelming it is to go to grocery store and choosing one shampoo, for example, among the multitudes of brands, scents, prices….can be almost overwhelming. It is the same for our children. We kept toys, games, clothes to a certain amount that was more manageable. Put the others away. Rotate them out. Also kids would forget and when the game, toy… came back in rotation it was brand new to them. We could all feel better about the time managing the lesser amounts, but we still owned their “prized” possessions. We lived in a small home and became creative with storage!

[@rebeccam1027]

What about a full size cabinet with 3 or 4 shelves 😁

[@Caseyd1966]

We put all of our games in our big hall closet. That way they are out of the way BUT they are all together, so we know exactly where to go to pick one

[@tanyajohnston8262]

Could you put those you were thinking co ups go in a time will tell bin and if not requested for 6 months, then donate? Just a thought

[@johnandkitty]

Maybe you need to go back to using both bookshelves in the dining room like you used to have it. Part of organizing is recognizing your reality. For your family, you love and use games. So, games get prime real estate in your house, and that is fine.

[@PatriciaCarrier]

This is only a suggestion you need to give a limit on how many games you keep. There is not enough time in a day to play with all these games. There is too many choices, every one is confuse, if you only have lets say total 10 games your kids will learn and enjoy from it and then "LET IT GO." With all due respect you are playing the scarcity game. With love ❤ and gratitude

[@KristiBranstetter]

How about grouping the more educational games with homeschooling items?

[@CammyHell]

I guess if you use them ALL You may as well keep them. It can get out of hand tho. I like Dana K White’s philosophy of “the space you have is the space you have” for myself otherwise I’d be totally out of control haha

[@SauerPatchGardening]

I think taking the games out of the boxes will be a big pain. Plus you'd have to copy the rules and instructions to put in the bags, because no matter how often you play you still need the instructions, and kids like to make up their own rules! Lol Then you'd have to store the boxes elsewhere. The only time it would be an option is if the box gets destroyed some how. I'd do it just like you are.

[@lauragreen4899]

I agree with the idea of the container setting the limit on how many things you have. But in this case I think a larger container is a good idea. In other words a taller shelf. Maybe four or five shelves tall. Games are obviously a very important part of your life and it would be fine to make a little more space for them without taking up floor space. You can just go a bit taller. I love that your family loves to play games. It is a great way to spend time together and to learn a lot of life lessons. Great job decluttering but also focusing what your family loves to do.

[@sonyahubbard3226]

😊

[@denisebunker6674]

Scrabble States game do you have the book? It one of the children books I can't seem to declutter. Keep in mind my youngest grandkid is 15. Most of them are adults. But I love that book. I now need to find the game. For great grandkids. LOL If you want a fun thing do with Guess who game. Change to family pictures or bible characters. Super fun. Pretty easy;

[@leslienew8231]

Put the card games and other smaller boxes on the open shelves above

[@karenstairs8273]

Is there a way to get a taller bookcase and sell the shorter one to help pay for the new one?

[@aprillauman]

The only games I remove from boxes are small ones - specifically because my kids will rip the box getting them in and out of the package only a few times. We have a plastic photo organizer that holds small card and dice games in little plastic photo-sized containers, and that system works for us. The larger games we keep in original boxes. I always figure I can give away the plastic photo containers with the games when they go.

[@aprillauman]

Then I saw you do the same thing! LOL. Also, I feel your pain. As a homeschooler who embraces games for learning and relationship building, I have 2/3 of a closet devoted to board games.

[@mareebryant3909]

Oh! I LOVED the idea of Silly Street & I just went to buy for my son for Christmas… but is not being sold anymore 😢 Any similar games my 8year old may like?

[@lindalange7124]

sounds like you need a larger storage. I like the open shelf concept because it is easier for kids to access and put away and it looks fun and colorful!

[@barbarapinto2305]

Could you stack them like books help to just take out what you want to play easily?

[@kaseyjondahl7979]

that's what I was hoping she was going to try. I just really want to see how they fit at least lol that's how I organize our games and it looks so nice and keeps them from getting crushed.

[@ilanapeters4239]

Hi Erica, could you repurpose the shelves above the unit which currently are holding decorations for additional game storage? You didn't address what's on them so I don't know if they need to be there or can be moved elsewhere to make the games more enjoyable.

[@shelleys226]

Keep the red guess who. When you replace the game you’ll now have a 3 player game.

[@roxanaconception]

Ok, 😄 There’s ONE also, TWO Is there going to be a THREE..? (Uno, Dos Tres) 😊