How do you store your systems/parts?

[Sinteres]

Just wondering how people store their older/extra/unplayed systems, controllers, wires and other hardware accessories that aren't CIB.

I've been considering buying those sliding plastic storage drawer carts Sterlite and other companies make but was wondering if anyone has any more creative/cheaper solutions that still save space and store well.

It'll be another year or so before the wife and I get a house after moving across the country so the dedicated custom-built shelving and storage game room idea is going to have to wait awhile.

[CRTGAMER]

Any box dry and dust free, kept in a climate controlled environment. When you do get the room, maybe have all retros hooked up thru power strips and multiple video switch boxes. Idea is not to constantly have to unplug and moving consoles around.

[Natty Bumppo]

All of my systems are set up (with the exception of a few duplicates which are stored in various places) - but I keep all of the controller extensions and controllers stored except for whatever I am currently using. I have two drawers in my system area where I store the controllers and extensions in really large ziploc freezer bags that are labelled for their system - makes it pretty easy to swap them out when I need to. (The only controller that stays out all the time is my wireless for the gamecube - which lives on a hanger attached to the gamecube.)

[Red Baron]

Those plastic Sterilite storage drawer carts aren't bad if you can find them for ten bucks, I've seen versions at Walmart for about that. Just keep in mind that they don't tend to be completely sealed, so dust or other elements can get in.

What I store a lot of my DVD box games and a few older systems in, though, are these super-durable locking stackable plastic tubs from Office Depot called "Really Useful Box".

Ten bucks will net the a 17 liter version, which holds 40 DVDs, or whatever else you want to put in there. They're designed much sturdier than normal plastic tubs so they're great for stacking, and getting the see-through ones makes it much handier to find which you're looking for.

That said, just make sure you have a good place for actually placing either of those options, that won't expose them to extreme temperature, like above vents or where sunlight from windows can get to them.

Also, as the above poster said, you should invest in those oversized zip-up plastic bags, ideally with the panels so you can tag them with marker more easily. They'd be great for both keeping cords seperate and untangled while being much less work than wrapping/binding them all the time, and also bigger ones for keeping dust/stray liquids off of systems or controllers.

[Sinteres]

Thanks for the ideas folks. I actually have some of the small Really Useful Boxes for office/desk use so I'll look into the larger ones.

BigLots had a sale the last full week of August with 5 and 7 drawer Sterlite carts for 20 each so I went to a few and picked up a couple of each type for various use. Normally they are 35 each at Walmart which is atrocious.

Large ziploc style bags would be great too since they usually have a white space to write on like a built in label, which also would be useful.

My eventual goal is to find original boxes for all my extra systems (I have like 4 original SNES and other such things) but its hard to find system packaging with the styrofoam/etc that doesn't come with a system already, and I won't get far with that.

[CRTGAMER]

Here is my editorial from an older post, hope its of help:



I see lot of classic game rooms showing beautiful shelves full of consoles but they are not hooked up.

Whats the point in that? Is that a museum with only latest Gen System running?

Don't get me wrong, Game Collections I see from other collectors are impressive from many years of research and I truly respect and admire.

But why not take that extra step and mount them all through Power Strips (which can shut power off) and Video Switching Boxes. Cord covers and Zip Ties can easily manage all those cables.

I think I am an OCD gamer nut. Have everything from Atari 5200 to N64 to PS2. My systems hooked up thru 3 separate video switch boxes. Don't ask me to trace all those video inputs again! All consoles on side table and on huge coffee table in front of me. To play Joust, Robotron, Sonic, Tempest X, God of War, Conkers Bad Fur, Spyro, Wario, Black, ICO, Mario Sunshine, House Dead, Pacman VS, Aero Elite or any of the others all I have to do is flip video switch box and PLAY THAT RETRO!

As far as organizing I just have shelves behind me of Alphabetized CD / DVD cases. For the Game Carts I built thin wood shelves that are cut to size matching carts. (Laminated Wood flooring make great thin lightweight shelving material)