Storing boxes flat, is it ok?

[Daniel-Technic]

Hi.

I have too many large boxes eg 8110, 8043, etc and taking up space so is it possible to flat it out and store it under the bed?

This is what I'm thinking, take boxes apart the way TLG made the boxes, prising apart glue joint into two pieces ( top and bottom ) and flatted it out the way it came out of printing and cutting machine.

Then when if you want to sell, put it together using hot glue gun.

What do you think?

Daniel.

[grum64]

I know a couple of people that have flat packed their boxes and do understand why they do it.

Personally speaking, although I'm getting really pushed for storage space, I wouldn't do it. I'd worry whether the box would go back together satisfactorily or not.

[Alternator]

I dismantle my boxes (I'm not in the resale market, so they're just for me anyway)

Tbh I find it quite difficult to get clean separation of the pieces and usually get tearing, so I'm interested to find out what suggestions come.

Edited August 7, 2013 by Alternator

[Blakbird]

It's OK if you think it is OK. It's not OK if you think it is not OK. No one can answer for you.

The newer boxes flatten very easily and can be reasonably reconstituted. The old boxes with windows and foam inserts or plastic liner trays cannot really be compressed.

[weavil]

You could use a hair dryer or light duty heat gun and one of these http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61qAQ2xZftL._SX342_.jpg. and cut the glue as it heats up.

[Mutant Orc]

I've done exactly what you are thinking of doing- I've got quite a few under my bed and behind the bookcase- I don't have any problem with it.

[paul_delahaye]

For me box space is also a real issue, I personally flat pack all the smaller boxes I can, (the simple ones where you can cut the sticky tab on the ends of the box) but the large technic ones, I keep assembled, and put the flat packed boxes inside them.

[Tubby]

I destroy the boxes, recycle them and store all my Lego in a bespoke case sorted and labelled and the instructions in a folder of their own. But then again I don't ever plan on selling any of it at all. Some of my Technic I've had for over 20 years and will keep it until I have children of my own for them to play with.

The boxes hold no value imo, they just take up space so why keep them.

[Daniel-Technic]

Thanks.

I carefully managed to prise apart 8043 to see If it possibles with blunt knife by prising apart the glue joint. When I got the new set, I carefully opened it without tearing ( you need to tear it in order to open it ).

Then I reglue it back together and I can't see the different.

I don't really want to throw it away cos I like the design on box....

[Ape Fight]

I flat pack mine into the recycling.

I doubt they'd go back together again, but they may one day end up as another LEGO box : )

[skriblez]

Mine all go in the paper recycling trash. Keep the box while building then throw it out. Have some of the really old smaller set boxes but ill probably throw them away sometime to. Not going to sell any of my Lego so i have no need for the boxes

[firetech]

Mine all go in the paper recycling trash. Keep the box while building then throw it out. Have some of the really old smaller set boxes but ill probably throw them away sometime to. Not going to sell any of my Lego so i have no need for the boxes

I might do that to some of my older boxes, but there's no way in **** I'd throw out or flatten my 41999 box.

[lilongwe]

up on the old boxes I have all boxes flat because they need too much space. For me that is ok.

[N-4K0]

I deliver all cardboard boxes, also Lego, at my local garbage dump. They have containers for glass/cans and cardboard outside the gate.

[Foggy]

I like to keep all boxes as they are, i'll never destroy or flat them even because I store them in my attic. Instead of destroy them why don't you sell them?

[skriblez]

Never knew people wanted the box and shipping in Norway is expensive. Around £20 for a small packet internally in Norway :(

[legomuppet9]

I keep all my boxes in the loft but if you don't want them I'd sell them as foggy suggested, instead of breaking them down

[skriblez]

Atm i have the 42009 and am waiting for DHL to knock on my door with 42999! Do have a few of the old small set boxes in my "loft" as they are so old it feels bad to just throw them away after all this time :P

[FuzzyBallz]

I wouldn't do that if I were you. With the new generation of Technic boxes, if you cut the tape carefully and open the box slightly, the gap should be big enough for you to pour out the content w/o opening and damaging the box. I just did it this morning with my 9396 Helicopter box. Looks brand new still.

[skriblez]

Ill try and sell the new boxes i get for just shipping cost :)

[N-4K0]

If you don't want the box, you could cut out the front of it, put it into a frame and hang it on the wall. Free decoration

[kieran]

If you don't want the box, you could cut out the front of it, put it into a frame and hang it on the wall. Free decoration

Nice idea, some of the work done is amazing, thing is if you ever think you may sell a set you need the box, adds a lot of value to some collectors. Careful flat pack is the best way I think, but each to there own..

[skriblez]

If i was going to sell them i would keep the box i guess but they are all for my enjoyment and my future kids.