by NormaB [Instagram feed]
How to sort and store your loose LEGO?
It’s a question we all have to face at some time. And the age-old question.. do you sort by colour or type? The truth is, there is no right or wrong answer. The solution you choose depends on various factors, some of these include the size of your collection, the available space and your budget, not to mention your personal choice. Of course, we would all love a huge dedicated space for our LEGO, but the reality is that this isn’t going to happen for most of us, so let’s look at a few ideas for storing LEGO.
Small drawer cabinets
Small organizer cabinets filled with drawers are available from many different retailers, including auto accessory stores, craft stores, hardware, and even Aldi have them from time to time. Even when your collection grows, these drawers are great for small parts. Clear drawers let you see what’s inside or label each drawer with what’s inside – The Brick Architect has labels for just about all LEGO elements that are great for labelling small or large drawers and containers. With most of these cabinets, you can pull drawers out completely to have parts handy on the table while you build.
Pro tip: Put empty drawers in the cabinet upside down. That way, when you are looking for something, you won’t waste time opening drawers that contain nothing!
Fishing tackle trays.
These are another good way to store small parts. Usually around 22cm x 35cm, they have multiple small, adjustable sections that can be expanded when more space is required. Smaller trays are also available, which are excellent for storing those tiny dots.
Pro tip: When buying tackle trays, check that the lid touches the dividers when closed. If there is a gap, small parts can get mixed up.
Storing larger pieces
Countless containers can be used to store larger elements or elements that you have a lot of. What you choose to use will depend on several things, including your budget and where you will be storing the containers. Generally, you will probably want containers with lids that can be stacked on shelves or in drawers.
Pro tip: Square or rectangular containers will give you more usable space, of course, you can use round containers, and if you are a regular at a LEGO store, Pick-A-Brick cups can make quite a display.
Shelving and drawer units
What you choose again will depend on your personal taste as well as your budget. There is a huge range of solutions, from less expensive plastic drawer units and DIY shelving units to custom-built quality pieces.
If you want to sort your LEGO without a large initial outlay for a storage system, read on for a budget-friendly solution using plastic milk bottles.
Inexpensive plastic drawer units are available at the likes of the Reject Shop or Big W (to name a few). Using these drawers as a base, use cut-down and washed milk bottles. Depending on the size of the drawers, you will get quite a few one and 2-litre bottles in each drawer. Start by cutting the bottles a little bit shorter than the depth of the drawer. Cut the bottle down even further if you don’t have much of one piece. Shorter bottles will stack inside each other, allowing more elements per drawer.
