4 Tips for Organizing Legos

Welcome to my blog about organizing Legos, where we will take your chaotic mess of colorful plastic bricks and turn them into something that would make even The Home Edit proud. If you’ve ever found yourself stepping on a stray Lego in the middle of the night or spending hours searching for that one missing piece your kids desperately need for their latest build, then you’ve come to the right place. We’ll tackle the important questions, like “Should I sort by color or shape?” and “Is it acceptable to build a Lego castle instead of doing my taxes?”☺

So grab your bricks and let’s get organized (and maybe a little bit silly) with Legos!

Tip #1: Talk First

Before you buy a bin, before you hang the shelves, before you even start sorting, there is one thing you need to do. Sit down with your Lego-lover(s) and have a very FRANK discussion.

Why? Because it is a complete and utter waste of time to build an elaborate Lego organization system that they don’t like and/or won’t maintain.

I am NOT here to make your life harder or to add more to your to-do list, so I don’t want to hear about YOU sorting Legos by color for hours each week. Nope, that is not allowed. (Unless you are the Lego lover, in which case – carry on.)

So, together with your builders, talk about the best system for sorting. Would they prefer it done by color? (ONLY do it this way if they are VERY adamant that they will work best with this system and will be the one to keep the ROYGBIV alive.) Perhaps it would be better to sort by set? Or to just pull out people and wheels, toss everything else in a bin and call it a day.

There is no right answer, only the system that is right for your family.

Tip #2: Stay Shallow

Once you have determined how much to break down the organization, you can start planning for your storage needs. My number one recommendation for at-home storage is to keep the bins you choose shallow. It is so much easier to see all of the pieces in a larger, shallow bin than it is in a cube shape, for example.

Here are a few products that tend to work well for this purpose. (Tap on an image to shop.)

Another great option if you are looking for a more permanent, professional set-up is an Elfa system from The Container Store. Elfa drawers are wide and shallow making them a great option for Lego storage. There are also a variety of drawer organizing options that make it easy to sort in categories as large or specific as you’d like.

Here is some inspiration from an amazing Lego room project we recently completed, so you can see the possibilities. (Our team is trained in designing these systems to fit your exact needs, so reach out if we can help.)

Tip #3: Work It Out

Another important part of any Lego space is an area to work. This can be as simple as a small table, or a built-in desk as part of a Elfa system.

Keep in mind, too, where you will store works in progress. Have a designated shelf or a separate table for projects that aren’t quite done. This is especially important if you have multiple builders in your family.

For the process builders who enjoy rebuilding smaller sets more than once or in a different way, consider on-the-go storage and containment systems like these:

These are also great options if you don’t have a lot of room to dedicate to Legos or if your kids are just starting to dabble. They can be tucked away in a closet or cabinet very easily. The Lego head isn’t as portable as the others, but it sure is a cute pop-of-color in a playroom! (Multiple sizes are available.)

Tip #4: Show Off!

Finally, add some shelves if you have the space. There is nothing that makes a Lego-lover feel more special than having a dedicated area to display completed works.

I recommend wall shelves or shelving units that are open. Lego builds are rarely uniform in size or shape, so you need all the flexibility you can get. Traditional enclosed bookshelves (those with solid backs and sides) or cube storage units aren’t ideal.

We’re also big fans of these acrylic shelves that really allow the builds to pop! (Tap the picture on the right to shop.)

And there you have it! Whether you’re a seasoned Lego enthusiast or just starting out, organizing your bricks can make all the difference in your building experience. By using the tips and tricks we’ve covered, you’ll be able to spend more time creating and less time digging through piles of plastic.

Remember, there’s no one right way to organize your Legos – it’s all about finding what works for you and your collection. So go forth, build something awesome, and let your creativity soar! And if you find yourself in need of a break, feel free to take a cue from the Lego movie and just sing “Everything is awesome!” at the top of your lungs. Happy building and happy organizing!

Susie