Collecting video games is a hobby that can quickly turn into a passion. With each new addition, your collection grows and so does the need to keep it organised and protected. A well-maintained collection not only looks impressive but also ensures that your games remain in good condition for years to come. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, having an efficient system for managing your games is crucial.
Finding the right way to organise your collection can transform a cluttered mess into a sleek display. Selecting the appropriate storage units, deciding on an organising method, and ensuring your games are accessible are all important steps. Once you’ve sorted out the storage, protecting your games from damage becomes the next priority. Using protective cases and proper handling techniques can prevent scratches and wear.
In the digital era, keeping a catalogue of your collection is easier than ever. Digital tools and apps help track what you own and what you still need, making managing a large collection manageable. Finally, regular cleaning and maintenance keep your games and consoles in top shape, preserving their value and longevity. Let’s explore how to achieve a well-organised and protected video game collection.
Setting Up Your Storage System
Choosing appropriate shelving and storage units is the first step in creating an organised video game collection. Start by assessing the size of your collection and the space available. Using adjustable shelving units allows you to customise the height and spacing between shelves to accommodate different game cases and console sizes. Additionally, consider sturdy, well-built shelves that can support the weight of numerous games and consoles without sagging.
Once you've chosen your shelving, it's time to decide how to organise your collection. There are several methods to consider:
- By Console: Placing all games for the same console together makes it easy to find the title you want to play. This method also allows you to keep accessories and controllers for each console nearby.
- By Genre: If you have a diverse collection spanning multiple genres, organising by genre can help you quickly locate a game that fits your current mood or interest.
- Alphabetically: For a more traditional approach, organising games alphabetically ensures you can find any title in a matter of seconds. This method works best for larger collections where specific games might otherwise get lost.
Protecting Your Games from Damage
Protecting your games from damage is crucial to preserving their longevity and value. One of the most effective ways to protect your games is by using protective cases and sleeves. These can help prevent scratches, dust buildup, and exposure to potentially harmful elements. For disc-based games, consider using individual sleeves or cases that have soft interiors to avoid surface damage.
Proper storage techniques are also essential in preventing damage. Here are some tips to keep your games in top condition:
- Store Games Vertically: Similar to storing books, keeping game cases upright prevents them from getting squished and helps maintain their shape.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to sunlight can fade game covers and even warp the discs inside. Keep your collection in a cool, shaded area to avoid these issues.
- Regular Dusting: Dust can accumulate quickly on shelves and game cases. Regularly dusting your gaming area helps keep both the storage units and the games clean.
- Handle with Care: Always handle game discs by the edges to avoid fingerprints and smudges on the readable surfaces. For cartridge-based games, gentle handling and secure placements reduce the risk of damaging the connectors.
By incorporating these protective measures and organising methods, you can maintain a neat and well-preserved video game collection that you'll enjoy for years to come.
Cataloguing Your Collection Digitally
Using digital tools and apps to keep track of your game collection can make managing your inventory much simpler. Digital cataloguing allows you to maintain an up-to-date list of your games, making it easy to see what you own and what you might still want to acquire. There are numerous apps and software options available that cater specifically to game collections, such as CLZ Games and GameTrack. These tools often come with features like barcode scanning, which makes it quick to input your games into the digital system.
Maintaining a digital inventory offers several benefits:
- Easy Access and Organisation: A digital catalogue gives you instant access to an organised list of your games, which can be sorted by various criteria such as title, genre, release date, and platform.
- Reduces Duplicates: By keeping a detailed inventory, you reduce the risk of accidentally buying duplicate titles.
- Insurance and Asset Management: In the unfortunate event of damage or loss, having a digital record of your collection can be invaluable for insurance claims.
- Wishlist and Notes: Many digital cataloguing tools allow you to create wishlists and add notes about each game, helping you remember which games you plan to buy or which ones need particular care.
Maintaining and Cleaning Your Collection
Regular cleaning routines for your games and consoles are essential for keeping them in good working order. Dust and grime can accumulate over time, potentially affecting performance. To keep your collection looking and functioning its best, establish a regular cleaning schedule. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe down game cases and shelves, ensuring that no dust settles on your games.
Best practices for handling and maintaining your games include:
- Proper Handling: Always handle discs by the edges to avoid fingerprints and smudges. For cartridges, hold them by the sides and never touch the metal connectors.
- Console Maintenance: Keep your consoles clean and dust-free by using a can of compressed air to blow out any dust from vents and ports. Regularly check for updates and perform necessary software maintenance to keep the system running smoothly.
- Storage Conditions: Store your games in a cool, dry place to prevent damage from humidity and temperature fluctuations. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause fading and heat damage.
- Repairs and Longevity: If a game or console starts malfunctioning, address the issue promptly. Simple repairs like replacing a faulty cable or cleaning a disc can prevent further damage and extend the lifespan of your collection.
Conclusion
Keeping your video game collection organised and protected requires a bit of effort, but the rewards are well worth it. By setting up a proper storage system, protecting your games from damage, cataloguing them digitally, and maintaining a regular cleaning routine, you ensure that your collection remains in excellent condition for years to come. These steps not only make your collection more enjoyable but also preserve its value and longevity.
At GameRaid, we understand the passion behind collecting games and the importance of preserving your collection. Explore our extensive selection of back catalogue and hard-to-find games to enhance your collection. Visit GameRaid today and find everything you need to keep your video game library organised and protected.