LEGO is a world of endless possibilities, and, let's face it, an occasional chaotic mess. If you're anything like us, you've probably found yourself drowning in a pile of bricks more times than you can count, desperately searching for that one elusive piece. Sorting and organizing your LEGO can be daunting, but here is a guide to get you started:
1. First things first, decide HOW you want to organize your LEGO collection. At Bricks & Minifigs, we store some pieces, pieces we need frequently when certifying, by type. We like this method because it allows us to find exactly the piece we need quickly. Many of our customers prefer to sort pieces by color. This method has the benefit of needing fewer containers. In LEGO, there are fewer colors than types. Still, others prefer to sort by keeping all the pieces for a set together in their own container. When they need a piece, they can use a website with an inventory feature to find out which sets contain that piece - and find it with those sets!
2. Sort your pieces into temporary containers.This is a great opportunity to reuse shipping boxes, gift bags, shopping bags, mason jars, those food storage containers with missing lids, etc, to sort your pieces. However you decide to permanently sort your pieces, this will give you an idea of the container sizes you’ll need.
3. Choose your permanent storage solution. This can be the fun part, unless you’re as indecisive as I… There are so many great ideas for LEGO storage. Search for LEGO storage images online, search places like Pinterest, and check LEGO groups on social media for inspiration. At Bricks & Minifigs - St. Louis Metro East, we like to use the storage containers meant for screws and bolts, but you can use tackle boxes, stackable containers, branded containers, drawer organizers, over-the-door pocket organizers, tool organizers, caboodles, makeup cabinets, a cubby system, or even furniture and cabinets. Consider repurposing thrift store items and painting them in fun LEGO hues! Whatever you decide should fit the space you have available and have the right sized compartments or containers to match what you sorted temporarily.
4. When it comes to LEGO storage, labeling is your secret weapon. Whether you're using bins, drawers, or jars, slap a label on 'em and never again will you find yourself digging through a pile of bricks in search of that one specific piece. At our store, since we sort by type, we print a small picture of each piece for the front of each drawer. It’s much easier to spot than an obscure piece name.
In conclusion, storing LEGO doesn't have to be a daunting task—it's all about embracing the adventure and getting creative with your storage solutions. So grab your bricks, unleash your inner organizer, and get ready to embark on the ultimate LEGO storage adventure. Happy building, fellow LEGO enthusiasts!