is anyone for/against storing legs with torsos?

The thing with legs is that they generally lack prints and there are a finite number of colors. I store legs, torsos, and heads all separately, generally sorted a certain way. The legs I stack together by color. Printed legs have their own stack. Torsos are the most painful to sort (odd shaped buggers); I've all but given up on sorting them, just keep them in the same bin with matching ones kind of stacked. Heads I try and sort by color and then by facial expression and beard status, lol. Female heads go together. Gray bearded ones go together. Shades of green monster heads go together. Etc.

The thing with legs is that they generally lack prints and there are a finite number of colors. I store legs, torsos, and heads all separately, generally sorted a certain way. The legs I stack together by color. Printed legs have their own stack. Torsos are the most painful to sort (odd shaped buggers); I've all but given up on sorting them, just keep them in the same bin with matching ones kind of stacked. Heads I try and sort by color and then by facial exp<b></b>ression and beard status, lol. Female heads go together. Gray bearded ones go together. Shades of green monster heads go together. Etc.

I really don't have a system for sorting my minifig other than a bin of each part. Because I really only have city and creator, there's not many different types. Hair and head pieces, and accessories is a whole other ballgame, I'm at a loss of how to sort that.

Sounds like Rebrickable is what you want. I'm up to 11k bricks and it hasn't given me problems.

Thanks, I'd forgotten about that site. I need to play around with it.

I have been using BaseBrick, ReBrickable and Brickset. I like BaseBrick better because I can change my view of my inventory from parts to sets and I like the view mode better (my choice, other may like Brickset better). I can see what parts I have as loose parts and what parts are in sets. You can enter parts in to BaseBrick as sets or as loose parts. I find that my better inventory is in BaseBrick. There may be an interface between BaseBrick and ReBrickable I just have not discovered it yet. I also have a portion of my inventory in BrickSet and Brickset does have an interface between Brickset and Rebrickable. BaseBrick, ReBrickable and Brickset all have their strong points, the key is to finding out which features work best for you.

Andy D

Thank you, I'll check out basebrick, having a good view mode is Important.

@ Andy D. Thanks for mentioning BaseBrick. I just perused their website and I'm liking everything I see so far. The only thing that's slowing me down ffrom registering is knowing I'll be putting a lot of time to that website.

@ Andy D. Thanks for mentioning BaseBrick. I just perused their website and I'm liking everything I see so far. The only thing that's slowing me down ffrom registering is knowing I'll be putting a lot of time to that website.

You're welcome! Everything worth something takes something. In this case, BaseBrick takes time, but one can receive value in the form of LEGO collection content management.

Good luck with your Storage/Sorting/inventory management

Andy D

You're welcome! Everything worth something takes something. In this case, BaseBrick takes time, but one can receive value in the form of LEGO collection content management.

Good luck with your Storage/Sorting/inventory management

Andy D

Thanks for the tip about basebrick, using that for parts now, but still brickset for sets. Thanks dude!

Does anyone have any tips on getting KFOLs to be more organised with their Lego, or simple storage options for them?

We just bought a 27 litre clear bin for the bulk bits, which has an inset tray divided into 4 parts (vehicle parts, minidolls/figs, 'specialty' parts that can only be what they are, like windows etc and a misc which is all the little 1x1 round plates she loves so much and other tiny bits) but the tray has a gap under the handle so some bits fall through, and she often spills it lifting it out of the bin and back again.

We saw the massive Friends Lego storage system ($100 NZD! But possibly worth it knowing how much storage costs here the above ^ was on special for $30) and were wondering - does anyone use it? Does anyone use any official Lego storage? (The heads are a bit of a joke.)

Does anyone have any tips on getting KFOLs to be more organised with their Lego, or simple storage options for them?

When I was kid my father bought three (then later a 4th) boxes originally made for storing tools, screws, etc.

These are the four ones seen on the floor in the middle of this photo: http://antp.be/temp/lego/P1090981.jpg (containing orange, lime, brow, tan)

Later these were expanded with the green ones seen on the right (contaning white bricks).

(and I still wonder how I could have so few Lego back then to have them fit in these, and still feel to have a lot of Lego)

Edited January 17, 201411 yr by antp

Does anyone have any tips on getting KFOLs to be more organised with their Lego, or simple storage options for them?

We just bought a 27 litre clear bin for the bulk bits, which has an inset tray divided into 4 parts (vehicle parts, minidolls/figs, 'specialty' parts that can only be what they are, like windows etc and a misc which is all the little 1x1 round plates she loves so much and other tiny bits) but the tray has a gap under the handle so some bits fall through, and she often spills it lifting it out of the bin and back again.

We saw the massive Friends Lego storage system ($100 NZD! But possibly worth it knowing how much storage costs here the above ^ was on special for $30) and were wondering - does anyone use it? Does anyone use any official Lego storage? (The heads are a bit of a joke.)

I JUST saw this link to a blog article describing a system and was thinking of doing something similar for DS (age 6). He already has more Lego than I remember having growing up!

http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2013/02/lego-meets-lack/

Our Duplo is in a giant under-bed Rubbermaid container. I am restricting the numbers to what fits there because it is plenty for 2 kids.

I have just added a post to my blog on how I sort and store my parts collection with photos.

http://paulstechnic....ow-i-do-it.html

page down :(

I use Plano 3700 adjustable storage cases for bricks and minifigures. Being adjustable, they allow for most types of bricks and they're deep enough to store some plates. I have some with organized sets and can usually fit maybe 4-6 sets depending on the size of each. They're stackable, but don't lock in place or anything.

page down :(

Back up now :)

I was thinking the other day about resorting my LEGO elements. The point is, I don't have much space to store all my elements where I live and I was thinking to sort It to color and two sizes: small and big elements. Sorted LEGO at color can be bothersome during building, but I assume you create much more space. At the moment It's by main type according to Bricklink: Bricks, Bars, Hinges, Minifigures, Wind Screens, etc.

So what's a better solution when you prefer economically space in your room but want to have a decent organized system? Because sometimes I'm thinking to end this hobby, because I don't have the space to store It. I hope that will never be the case ofcourse...

Back up now :)

Where did you get the crate on the right, with the trays?

I was thinking the other day about resorting my LEGO elements. The point is, I don't have much space to store all my elements where I live and I was thinking to sort It to color and two sizes: small and big elements. Sorted LEGO at color can be bothersome during building, but I assume you create much more space. At the moment It's by main type according to Bricklink: Bricks, Bars, Hinges, Minifigures, Wind Screens, etc.

So what's a better solution when you prefer economically space in your room but want to have a decent organized system? Because sometimes I'm thinking to end this hobby, because I don't have the space to store It. I hope that will never be the case ofcourse...

Don't ever give up the hobby

My storage solution is constantly evolving. I originally had my bricks sorted by color. But, given the fact that I collect mostly castle, lord of the rings, hobbit, and star wars, my bins of brown, black, gray, and white were overflowing. Now I have tiles of all sizes separated in their own bin, 1x1 and 1x2 plates in their own bin, 1x2 and 1x1 bricks in their own bin, everything else still sorted by color. Your sorting system will change as you acquire more bricks. Your system doesn't have to be perfect, as long as you can find whatever brick you're looking for relatively easily, you're fine.

Don't ever give up the hobby

My storage solution is constantly evolving. I originally had my bricks sorted by color. But, given the fact that I collect mostly castle, lord of the rings, hobbit, and star wars, my bins of brown, black, gray, and white were overflowing. Now I have tiles of all sizes separated in their own bin, 1x1 and 1x2 plates in their own bin, 1x2 and 1x1 bricks in their own bin, everything else still sorted by color. Your sorting system will change as you acquire more bricks. Your system doesn't have to be perfect, as long as you can find whatever brick you're looking for relatively easily, you're fine.

I started sorting last weekend and I keep It at two colours over two sizes. For example: Cold light grey with cold dark grey - Small pieces (2x6 and 4x4 max) and large pieces from each other apart. I sort elements that I own in large quantities seperate. Big plates in all colours are seperated because of their size that keeps getting in the way while searching for other big elements. I keep this storing solution for now, as long as I safe enough room, yet quite practical searching for elements.

I simply keep mine on shelves. I always thought that was the simplest way to store them while also showcasing them.

EDIT: Just went to the LEGO store today, and after buying some more stuff (my shelves are basically full), I've had to start dispalying them on shelves, dressers, etc. I'm even putting my PAB cups on the floor untill I can purchase more shelves, tables, etc. Anyone know any good, cheap shelves?

Edited February 16, 201411 yr by Gatthekid

[NOTE: Sorry about the small image size, I wanted to fit everything in one post.]

Well I think it's about time I put in my 2 cents about this subject.

I'm a organizing maniac,I admit it. This is definitely reflected in the way my collection is stored:

That was the main corner in which I have my Lego in.This next picture is to the left of my first picture, right across the window and all it is, is two of my favourite sets (The Republic Gunship and The Quinjet) displayed on a shelf.

Now Here is my first of three tables I use for Lego:

Underneath this table I have five boxes which contain fully assembled sets (Without minifigures) as well as another box of the same size that contains some smaller sized Star Wars sets broken down into bags. To the left of these six boxes are a couple of Empty Pick-a-brick cups. To the left of these boxes is a little book holder which has some old duplo inside of it. (I will likely be selling it soon) Above that, I have another table I can pull out in case I need room for more stuff.in between this table and the bottom of the main table I have some smaller models from various themes in one box and Pre Visla's Mandalorian Fighter beside it. The table here actually used to be a school desk until the school had no more use for it and I took it. So there is a little bit of a shelf below the main surface. In there I have my instructions in a box as well as all of my baseplates.

On top of this table I have a tower (Blue tower on the left) which contains mostly assembled sets sorted according to theme. The top shelf contains my Star Wars minifigures separated by faction and type of figure. The second shelf from the top is stuff I plan to trade or sell. On top of this tower I have some Lego magazines and calendars, as well as some acrylic paint and a box full of polybags.

To the right of this tower I have a drawer system that vaguely resembles a StackOn. It has 39 shelf (9 Large and 30 Small) The top three rows of drawers contain minifigure parts and accessories. The next two rows contain various parts as well as my brick separators. The bottom nine drawers contain everything from torsos, to legs, to pieces, to collectible minifigures. On top of this box I have two Pick-a-brick cups that contain parts that I may have used for a MOC or something that have to be sorted.

Next is my desk. Pretty basic if you ask me. I have a garbage and recycling bin below as well as a power bar. The desks main surface has a few office suplie which take up a fraction of the surface area meant for work and building. There are two shelf above this main desk. The first one has my laptop and accessories. The top shelf has some (Yes I admit it) Kre-o Star Trek that I got for my birthday. Also up there is my Millennium Falcon and some minifigures on display. (Including my sigfig)

Next comes the Table underneath my window. This has the majority of my pieces. The White Drawers on the left side have Large pieces and All of my LBG Bricks. On top of that I have a container with LOTR and Hobbit minifigures. The other 10 containers have various parts sorted by size, type of piece and color.

Also, on the far right is a MOC I have to disassemble later today. (Oh yeah and the drawers IN the table are just clothes. )

The next three pictures are just a few examples of stuff being stored in my collection. The first one is my small piece container. The second one is some weapons from my StackON-like Drawer. The third is a Star Wars set disassembled and stored in a box under the first table. (Note that I wrote the Set number on the bag.)

Anyway that's about it for my Lego storage. As with all of us, this storage system is a work in progress so I wouldn't be surprised if by this time next year I have a new system! Anyway, Thank you for reading!

iamwhoiam

Edited February 15, 201411 yr by iamwhoiam

Do you guys store arms separately from torsos, or together? it's a pain since I don't want to take all the arms off since it'll loosen them.

I store most of my minifigs assembled. I never remove their arms. Suggestions: Leave arms attached, unless a project calls for a torso/arms combo you don't alrady have. If you have unattached arms, leave them unattached until needed.

I simply keep mine on shelves. I always thought that was the simplest way to store them while also showcasing them.

EDIT: Just went to the LEGO store today, and after buying some more stuff (my shelves are basically full), I've had to start dispalying them on shelves, dressers, etc. I'm even putting my PAB cups on the floor untill I can purchase more shelves, tables, etc. Anyone know any good, cheap shelves?

I bought some cubicle shelves from target for about 39USD. Pretty nice to display your lego.

Do you guys store arms separately from torsos, or together? it's a pain since I don't want to take all the arms off since it'll loosen them.

I have a drawer of torsos (with and without arms, hands and even heads) one of legs and one of heads and other body parts which catches all my loose arms and hands as I swap out for what I need.

Do you guys store arms separately from torsos, or together? it's a pain since I don't want to take all the arms off since it'll loosen them.

Minifigure arms are not supposed to be removable by design. I've found that it will loosen the arm over time, and can cause the torso to crack. If I need an odd arm/torso combo, I usually bricklink some random used torsos that I wont care about if they break.

When I was a KFOL, and well still today as an AFOL, I was very OCD with my Lego bricks. I had a drawer with which I made little "cups" where I would store parts based on color, size, etc. I would then put labels on the outside of the drawers to indicate that this drawer had all the gray pieces, then when I'd open it up I'd see the 1-by-X pieces in a cup, 2-by-x pieces in a cup, flat pieces, etc. Now as an AFOL I only have The Simpsons House set so I don't have a bunch of spare bricks lying around, but if I get more and more into the hobby (space, time, and money depending) I'll probably get back into my little drawer system like I did as a KFOL.

Can anyone recommend good quality, but not to expensive, erasable labels that I can use on plastic drawers? I have 6 of the 6 drawer(12 inch x 12 inch) sterelite drawer units and I really need some labeling for some of the drawers.