If you love board games, you know how exciting it is to add new titles to your collection. But managing and tracking your ever-growing game library can quickly become overwhelming if left unchecked.
Luckily, with a few simple daily habits, you can keep your board game collection organized, know what you own at a glance, and enjoy your games more without stress.
In this article, you’ll learn practical, easy-to-follow habits that will help you track game collections effectively and make the most of the games you already have.
Your 3 Daily Habits To Track Game Collections
Habit 1 — Log New Games Immediately
Why: Keeping an up-to-date record ensures you know exactly what games you own, preventing duplicates and forgotten games.
How: When you acquire a new game, enter it into your chosen tracking system that day. Whether it is a dedicated app like BoardGameGeek or BGStats, or even a spreadsheet, logging right away solidifies the habit.
Cue: Right after unboxing or placing the new game on your shelf, open your tracking tool to log it.
Habit 2 — Update Play Logs Regularly
Why: Tracking when and how often you play games gives you insight into what games you truly enjoy and which might be gathering dust.
How: After each play session, take a minute to log the game played and any notes about the experience. Apps like BGStats sync with BoardGameGeek for seamless tracking.
Cue: When you finish playing, keep your phone or device handy to record the play before moving on.
Habit 3 — Weekly Collection Review
Why: Regularly reviewing your collection helps identify unplayed games, maintain balance, and decide what to keep or sell.
How: Dedicate 10-15 minutes once a week to scan your collection. Use your logs to identify overlooked games or those rarely played and consider if they should stay.
Cue: Pick a consistent day and time, such as Sunday evening, to make this review part of your routine.
Week 1 Schedule
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Monday | Log any new games acquired over the weekend. |
| Wednesday | Log plays you have completed so far in the week. |
| Friday | After game night, log plays immediately. |
| Sunday | Weekly review of your collection and play logs to plan which games to play next week. |
Troubleshooting
Barrier: Forgetting to log new games or plays.
Fix: Keep your game tracking app easily accessible on your phone and set reminders after game sessions or shopping trips to log immediately.
Barrier: Finding tracking too time-consuming.
Fix: Simplify your logs to essential information at first. Automate syncing across apps like BGStats and BoardGameGeek to save time.
Barrier: Feeling overwhelmed by a large collection during weekly reviews.
Fix: Break down reviews into manageable sections or focus on identifying only the most unplayed games to consider culling.
FAQs
Q: What is the best app for tracking game collections?
A: Many board game fans use BoardGameGeek for its extensive database and BGStats as a mobile-friendly play tracker. Choose what suits your lifestyle.
Q: How do I decide which games to sell or trade?
A: Use your play logs to identify games played rarely or not at all recently. Consider your preferences, playgroup needs, and space before deciding.
Q: How often should I update my tracking logs?
A: Ideally, log new games and play sessions the same day. Weekly reviews help keep your collection current and manageable.
Tracking & Motivation Tips
Make tracking game collections enjoyable by setting small goals, such as completing the log within a minute or aiming to play all games in your collection yearly. Celebrate culls and sales to free up space for new favorites. Share your collection stats with friends or online communities for extra motivation. The more you track game collections, the more connected and engaged you become with your hobby.
Key Takeaways About Tracking Game Collections
Tracking game collections with simple daily habits can make a big difference. Logging new acquisitions promptly keeps you aware of ownership. Regular play logs inform you about what games bring the most joy. And weekly reviews help maintain a streamlined, playable collection that fits your preferences and lifestyle. These manageable habits prevent overwhelm and maximize the fun from your board games.
