How to Store and Travel With Your Shashibo Collection

Quick answer

Store each Shashibo cube in its original box or a soft pouch when not in use, and keep the collection in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. For travel, pack cubes in a hard-shell case or padded organizer, and avoid leaving them loose in a bag where they can collide or get crushed. This routine protects the magnets, prevents warping, and keeps your cubes ready to play.

Why Shashibo Storage and Travel Matter

Shashibo cubes are built with 36 ultra-strong magnets and precision plastic panels. While they are durable for everyday play, the magnets can attract other metal objects or become misaligned if the cube is dropped or crushed. The plastic panels can warp if exposed to high heat, such as inside a hot car or near a radiator.

Proper storage and travel habits also keep your collection organized, so you can find the cube you want without digging through a tangled pile. Whether you own a single Shashibo or a full set, a little care goes a long way.

Everyday Storage at Home

Start by returning each cube to its original packaging or a dedicated pouch after play. This prevents dust from settling in the seams and keeps the magnets from attracting stray metal items like paper clips or keys. If you have multiple cubes, store them side by side rather than stacked, because the magnets can pull cubes together and cause them to shift or rub against each other.

For a neat display, consider a shelf or a clear storage bin with dividers. Avoid placing the collection in direct sunlight or near a heat source, as prolonged heat can soften the plastic and lead to warping. A cool, dry spot like a closet shelf or a drawer works well.

Packing Your Shashibo for Travel

When you take Shashibo on the go, the goal is to prevent impact and magnetic interference. A hard-shell case or a padded travel organizer designed for small items is ideal. If you don't have a dedicated case, wrap each cube in a soft cloth or place it in a sock, then pack the wrapped cubes in a rigid container.

Keep cubes away from credit cards, hotel key cards, and other magnetic media. Also avoid packing them next to heavy metal objects that could scratch the surface or stick to the magnets. In a backpack or carry-on, place the container in a central compartment where it won't be crushed by heavier items.

Display Ideas That Protect Your Collection

If you like to show off your Shashibo, choose a display spot that is out of direct sunlight and away from heating vents. A wall shelf or a glass cabinet works well. You can also use a magnetic board, but be careful: the magnets in the cubes are strong enough to hold them, but pulling them off repeatedly could stress the hinges over time.

For a rotating display, keep a few cubes out and store the rest. This limits exposure to dust and reduces the chance of accidental drops. If you have limited edition cubes, like the Gartel set, consider keeping them in their original box when not on display to preserve their condition.

Preventing Warping and Magnet Damage

Warping usually happens when the plastic is exposed to heat. Never leave Shashibo in a hot car, near a stove, or in direct sun for long periods. If a cube does get warm, let it cool to room temperature before reshaping it. Forcing a warm cube can bend the panels.

Magnets can lose strength if exposed to extreme heat or if they are dropped repeatedly. Handle cubes gently when reshaping, and avoid slamming them together. If you notice a cube feels loose or doesn't hold shapes well, check our guide on fixing stiff or loose Shashibo for troubleshooting steps.

Step-by-Step Storage and Travel Routine

1. Step 1: Return each cube to its box or pouch after play: This keeps dust out and prevents magnets from attracting metal objects. Common mistake: leaving cubes loose on a table where they can be knocked off or get stuck to keys. Checkpoint: Make sure the cube is fully collapsed and fits easily in its container.
2. Step 2: Store the collection in a cool, dry place: Choose a shelf or drawer away from sunlight, radiators, and vents. Heat can warp the plastic panels. Common mistake: storing cubes in a garage or attic where temperatures fluctuate. Checkpoint: The storage spot should feel room temperature and dry.
3. Step 3: Pack cubes individually for travel: Wrap each cube in a soft cloth or place it in a sock, then put them in a hard-shell case or padded organizer. Common mistake: tossing cubes loose in a bag where they can collide and scratch. Checkpoint: Shake the case gently; you shouldn't hear cubes rattling against each other.
4. Step 4: Keep magnets away from sensitive items: Pack Shashibo away from credit cards, hotel keys, and other magnetic media. Common mistake: placing cubes next to a laptop or phone in the same pocket. Checkpoint: Use a separate compartment or pouch for your cubes.
5. Step 5: Avoid heat and impact during travel: Don't leave your bag in a hot car, and place the cube case in a central compartment where it won't be crushed. Common mistake: packing cubes under heavy luggage or near the car's heater. Checkpoint: Before you leave, double-check that the case is not in direct sun or near a heat source.

Products that help you store and travel with Shashibo

• Limited Edition Gartel Shashibo Box Set: Limited Edition Gartel Shashibo Box Set includes four magnetic puzzle cubes with exclusive Laurence Gartel artwork. The set comes in a collector's box, which doubles as a safe storage option for these limited-edition cubes. Keeping them in the box prevents scratches and keeps the set together.
• Shashibo ICOSA: Shashibo ICOSA offers 210+ configurations and 3 unique designs per cube. With more shapes to explore, ICOSA cubes may see frequent handling. A dedicated travel case or pouch helps protect the magnets and panels during transport.
• Shashibo Battle Shapes: Shashibo Battle Shapes includes two exclusive limited-edition Shashibo cubes and a deck of shape cards. The game format means you'll often carry two cubes plus cards. A small organizer or case keeps everything together and prevents the cards from bending.