DIY Board Game Inserts: How to Organize with Tray Variety Packs

Quick Answer

To make your own board game inserts, start with a Tray Variety Pack to get a mix of tray sizes, then plan your layout based on your game's components. Measure your box interior, arrange trays to fit, and secure them with adhesive or leave them removable for flexibility. This approach saves money and gives you a custom fit for games like scythe-678f4f42e6c4a0eb37d2f962-898330">My Little Scythe or Libertalia: Winds of Galecrest.

If you're tired of baggies and loose components, making your own board game inserts is a rewarding DIY project. Tray Variety Packs offer a cost-effective starting point, providing a range of tray sizes that can be adapted to fit many games. Whether you want to speed up setup or protect your components, custom inserts can transform your gaming experience.

In this guide, you'll learn how to create custom board game inserts using Tray Variety Packs. We'll cover planning, measuring, arranging, and securing trays, plus common pitfalls to avoid. By the end, you'll have a functional organizer that fits your game and your shelf.

Why Use Tray Variety Packs for DIY Inserts?

Tray Variety Packs are ideal for DIY inserts because they offer multiple tray sizes in one purchase, giving you flexibility to mix and match. Unlike custom foam inserts, these trays are lightweight, durable, and often have removable dividers, making them versatile for different games. They also come in neutral colors that blend with most game components.

Another advantage is cost. Buying a variety pack is usually cheaper than purchasing individual trays or a custom insert. Plus, you can reuse trays across multiple games, so one pack can serve several projects. However, not all games have standard box dimensions, so you may need to combine trays with other materials like foam core for a perfect fit.

• Measure your game box interior before buying trays to ensure they fit.
• Consider games with many small components, like tokens or cards, for the best use of trays.

Planning Your Insert Layout

Before you start, open your game and inventory all components. For example, My Little Scythe includes miniatures, cards, tokens, and a board. You'll need to allocate space for each type. Make a list of components and their quantities, then sketch a rough layout on paper. This helps you visualize how trays will fit and what size you need for each component.

Think about how you use the game. Do you want quick setup? Then group components by player or by action type. For a game like Libertalia: Winds of Galecrest, you might want separate trays for character cards, tokens, and coins. Also consider whether you want the insert to be removable or permanently fixed. Removable inserts offer flexibility if you plan to use the trays for other games later.

• Group components that are used together in the same tray.
• Leave some empty space for future expansions or promo content.

Measuring and Fitting Trays

Accurate measurement is crucial. Use a ruler to measure the interior of your game box: length, width, and depth. Then measure the trays you have from the variety pack. Remember to account for the height of the trays and the lid closing properly. If trays are too tall, components may get crushed or the box may not close.

When arranging trays, start with the largest components first, like boards or rulebooks, and then fill remaining space with smaller trays. For games with a board that folds, you may need to place trays on top of the board or create a layer system. If your trays are slightly too small, you can fill gaps with foam or cardboard to prevent shifting.

• Always test-fit trays with the box lid closed before finalizing.
• Use double-sided tape or Velcro to secure trays if they don't fit snugly.

Step-by-Step Process to Create Your Insert

1. Inventory and measure: Open your game and list every component type. Measure the interior of the box (length, width, depth) and note any irregular shapes like boards or large miniatures. Checkpoint: Ensure you have enough tray depth for tall components without bulging.
2. Sketch a layout: Draw a simple grid of your box interior. Place rectangles representing trays, allocating space for cards, tokens, and miniatures. Consider grouping by player or function. Checkpoint: Leave at least 5mm clearance on all sides for easy removal.
3. Select and arrange trays: From your Tray Variety Pack, choose trays that match your layout. Arrange them in the box, starting with the largest. Use removable dividers to create custom compartments within trays. Common mistake: Using trays that are too tall – always test with the lid closed.
4. Secure and test: If trays shift, secure them with double-sided tape or hook-and-loop strips. Place all components in their trays, then close the box and shake gently to ensure nothing moves. Checkpoint: If components still shift, add foam padding or use smaller trays to fill gaps.
5. Label and maintain: Optionally, label each tray with the component name or player number. Store the insert in a cool, dry place. Reuse trays for other games when you retire this insert. Verdict: A well-made insert saves time every game night and protects your investment.

Products That Work Well with DIY Inserts

• My Little Scythe: My Little Scythe is a competitive, family-friendly game for 1-6 players in which each player controls 2 animal miniatures embarking upon an adventure in the Kingdom of Pomme. In an effort to be the first to earn 4 trophies from 8 possible categories, players take turns choosing to Move, Seek, or Make. These actions will allow players to increase their friendship and pies, power up their actions using upgrades. With many miniatures, tokens, and cards, this game benefits greatly from a custom insert to keep components organized and speed up setup.
• Libertalia: Winds of Galecrest: In the world of Galecrest, sky pirates set sail on the winds in search of adventure, treasure, and glory. As an admiral, you command a vast and varied crew... but so do your rivals sailing other ships in the pirate fleet. Each day the fleet lands on a different island where you’ll send a crew member to collect your share of the loot, hoping they’ll return to boost your growing group of characters. This game has many character cards and tokens that need sorting; a tray insert can separate components by player or type for smoother play.

Creating your own board game inserts with Tray Variety Packs is a practical, budget-friendly way to enhance your gaming experience. By measuring carefully, planning your layout, and using the right trays, you can build an organizer that fits your game perfectly. Start with a game you play often, and enjoy faster setups and tidier shelves.