A Shelf Full of Laughter Waiting to Be Found
If you’ve ever opened a game cabinet and felt instantly overwhelmed by a jumble of boxes, you’re not alone. I recently worked with two wonderful families who shared something in common — a deep love of board games and card nights that had quietly disappeared from their routines. Both said almost the same thing: “We love playing together, but we just don’t anymore.”
The reason wasn’t lack of interest. It was clutter.
Rediscovering What You Already Love
In both homes, the shelves told a familiar story — favorite games buried behind piles of forgotten ones, some missing pieces, some outgrown, some stacked so high that no one dared to touch them. Over time, the joy got lost under the stuff.
So, we did what organizers do best — we began by taking everything out. Every box, every deck, every puzzle piece. Once everything was visible, we could finally see what each family owned. Then came the sorting: one pile for games everyone still loved, one for donations, and one for anything incomplete or broken beyond repair.
It wasn’t about perfection — it was about clarity. Seeing everything in one place made decisions easier and reminded each family of what mattered most.
Making Space for Fun Again
Once we knew what was staying, the fun began — literally. We created “game zones,” grouping items by type (board games, cards, puzzles) and storing them in clear, labeled bins. The favorites — the ones that brought the most laughter — earned the best real estate: eye-level shelves, easy to reach, easy to put away.
Suddenly, the shelves looked inviting again. No hunting for missing pieces, no shifting stacks to find that one special game. Just open, grab, play.
And the transformation was immediate. Both families told me, in their own words, “This makes me want to play again.” That’s when I know organizing has done its job — it’s not just about tidiness; it’s about restoring joy.
What Organization Really Gives You
When you open a closet and everything you love is visible and ready to use, it’s more than just a clean space — it’s an invitation. To gather. To relax. To reconnect.
For me, that’s what home organizing is all about: creating systems that make daily life smoother, but also make room for laughter, connection, and the simple moments that matter most.
If your game cabinet, playroom, or living room feels more chaotic than cheerful, remember — a little intentional organizing can do more than clear a shelf. It can bring back the fun that was there all along.
Every organized drawer, every labeled bin, every simplified shelf is a quiet act of care for your home — and for yourself. When clutter clears, joy comes forward. And sometimes, that joy looks like family game night.
If you need expert organizing help, don't hesitate to reach out.
Visit pinkyjackson.com to schedule a free assessment.
We would love to help you with our Onsite Organizing services if you are in the Louisville, KY area or our Virtual Organizing services if you are more remote or prefer to work online.
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Pinky Jackson is an Organizing Expert and Decluttering Specialist. She and her team organize homes & small businesses in Louisville, KY. For more information about Pinky’s pricing & services or to schedule your free assessment, go to pinkyjackson.com.
Photo: Nathan Dumlao @nate_dumlao
