(Written by Sarah)

I know organizing a LEGO collection may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but as an adult fan it’s quite important when you go to build a creation that you’re able to find what you need. Regardless of whether you sort by type of brick, color or the phases of the moon, having a good LEGO storage system is a must.

I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m not at a point where I can design a LEGO-building-room complete with permanent desks, shelving and drawer-systems. I work out of portable organizers for a couple of reasons; One, I rent so I don’t want to build some massive drawer thing and have to move it in a couple of years. Second, I find that keeping everything in portable units is great for when I need to take it all with me.

You can find some pretty cheap solutions, but for best result, they must be sturdy and stay closed. The last thing you want is for all the small pieces to spill out across the floor. I’ve found some good LEGO storage options at Big-Lots. The dollar-stores always have tubs of various sizes, but I’ve never bought any for our LEGO collection.

Just be careful with discount places as they may never stock what you need again and it’s not fun to have 5 different storage units that don’t stack easily. Sometimes it is better to pay a little more to be able to buy the same unit in the future.

For small pieces, I recommend flip cases & other organizers in the tools sections. Avoid ones with adjustable compartments as pieces can easily slide under or over dividers. Again, make sure that the unit stays tightly closed so you don’t pick it up and it all spills out.

For large quantities of pieces and larger pieces, I recommend large tubs that stack easily. I use a variety of zip-lock bags to separate the pieces inside each tub. However you decide to sort is up to you. I put the same type of pieces in one tub, like plates, but then separate sizes and colors in the bags. If you do label the outside of the tubs, choose something that is temporary or easily changed. As your collection expands, you’ll want to be able to shift your organization around and re-label.

Every now and then, LEGO releases official storage units. These can be expensive, but it’s always fun to own LEGO-decorated organizers. In the past few years, I’ve seen piece-sorters, small carrying cases and larger bins. I’m sure there are a lot of choices if you go to BrickLink and look at what’s been released in the past. Just be warned that not all of them are as functional as you may want out of your organizers.

Last, but certainly not least, you may want to utilize whatever you had as a child. Using your childhood LEGO storage solutions can bring back memories and remind you of the simple joys in life, specifically LEGO.

So now my question, dear readers, is what do you use to organize your LEGO-collection? Do you have a particular method in how you separate pieces? Or do you not organize at all? Do you have one large box that you dump it all in? (That would be my husband’s preferred method if he had his way!)

Please post in the comment section below. I’d love to know what you had as a child and whether you still have it! 🙂

And if you would like to read more about LEGO storage solutions check here:
How to sort your LEGO?
How to store your LEGO?