How to Set Up the World's Best Lego Storage System
Now the Christmas gifts are unwrapped, you're probably looking at hundreds of Lego bricks. Here's how to sort them out
Which child doesn’t love playing with Lego? It’s where many of us first learn to follow step-by-step instructions and experience the joy of creating something that (almost) always ends up looking like the picture on the front of the box. Here’s how to ensure it’s fun for everyone, including the parents who have to store it all.
Whether your child is beginning with Duplo, has advanced to Lego or graduated to Technic, you need a way to store Lego in your home so nobody ends up stepping on random pieces during the night. You’ll want a system that ensures it’s easy for kids to play with Lego and, just as important, one that makes it easy to pack it up at the end of the day.
I have a few go-to Lego storage systems that I use with clients through my business, Simply Organised, but first, there are a few questions to consider when deciding what Lego solution will work best for your family.
Ask yourself these questions
First, consider who plays with the Lego in your home and where they like to play with it. Is it something you need to keep out of reach of little fingers, meaning it needs to be kept up high? Or is it best stored lower where kids can get it out themselves?
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First, consider who plays with the Lego in your home and where they like to play with it. Is it something you need to keep out of reach of little fingers, meaning it needs to be kept up high? Or is it best stored lower where kids can get it out themselves?
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And importantly, consider how your kids play with Lego. Do they like to make their creations as per the instructions then display the finished pieces? Or are they more likely to build an object once then deconstruct it and use the pieces for their own inventions?
Once you’ve given these questions some thought, you’re ready to pick a storage solution that will work for your family. Here are my top go-to ideas for you to consider.
Once you’ve given these questions some thought, you’re ready to pick a storage solution that will work for your family. Here are my top go-to ideas for you to consider.
Under-bed storage
All our Lego is kept in under-bed storage in our son’s bedroom. It’s great because it’s out of sight when it’s not in use and super easy to access when the kids want to play with it. The best thing about this solution is that the kids can do everything on their own – pull it out, play with it and easily pack it up again. You can buy shallow storage trays and push them under the bed yourself or, if you have a bed with drawers beneath it, dedicate one to the bricks.
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All our Lego is kept in under-bed storage in our son’s bedroom. It’s great because it’s out of sight when it’s not in use and super easy to access when the kids want to play with it. The best thing about this solution is that the kids can do everything on their own – pull it out, play with it and easily pack it up again. You can buy shallow storage trays and push them under the bed yourself or, if you have a bed with drawers beneath it, dedicate one to the bricks.
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Play bag
There are many different types of Lego play bags on the market, with the central idea being that you keep the Lego pieces in a drawstring bag that double as a play mat. This means that when the kids finish their Lego session, instead of having to pick up all the pieces, you just draw the string to close the bag and the pieces are all contained.
Tip: This solution is also handy if you want to easily transport Lego around the house.
There are many different types of Lego play bags on the market, with the central idea being that you keep the Lego pieces in a drawstring bag that double as a play mat. This means that when the kids finish their Lego session, instead of having to pick up all the pieces, you just draw the string to close the bag and the pieces are all contained.
Tip: This solution is also handy if you want to easily transport Lego around the house.
Lego table
There are some pretty clever Lego tables available that might suit your family. You can purchase some at toy shops; others are clever hacks that people create. This is great if you don’t have a huge supply of Lego and the kids like playing together at a table where you can keep an eye on them.
Browse more images of kids rooms for inspiration
There are some pretty clever Lego tables available that might suit your family. You can purchase some at toy shops; others are clever hacks that people create. This is great if you don’t have a huge supply of Lego and the kids like playing together at a table where you can keep an eye on them.
Browse more images of kids rooms for inspiration
Shelving
If you have a child who is a master builder and they want to display their creations, dedicated shelving is a great solution. You can custom-build shelves to suit the size of your children’s Lego creations or whatever else you’d like to display. Cube shelving can also look great with different Lego inventions in each cubbyhole, with larger pieces displayed on top.
If you have a child who is a master builder and they want to display their creations, dedicated shelving is a great solution. You can custom-build shelves to suit the size of your children’s Lego creations or whatever else you’d like to display. Cube shelving can also look great with different Lego inventions in each cubbyhole, with larger pieces displayed on top.
If your child collects mini-figurines, picture rails can be your best friend. This is a fun and creative way for kids to display their collection.
Containers
If you’re a serious Lego fan – or have one at home – no doubt you’ve already considered which is the best way to sort and store your large Lego collection. Should you sort by colour? By size? By set? Whichever method you choose to use, having consistent containers is key. I suggest that you have larger containers with broader categories (all red in together, for example) rather than small containers for each category, as it makes packing up so much easier.
If you’re a serious Lego fan – or have one at home – no doubt you’ve already considered which is the best way to sort and store your large Lego collection. Should you sort by colour? By size? By set? Whichever method you choose to use, having consistent containers is key. I suggest that you have larger containers with broader categories (all red in together, for example) rather than small containers for each category, as it makes packing up so much easier.
Remember that like all toy storage, Lego storage should enable play, creativity and fun, rather than restrict it. If your Lego storage system is too complicated or too hard to maintain, consider trying a new method that works for the stage of life your kids are at.
Tell us
Do you have a Lego success story to share? Tell us in the Comments, save your favourite images, like this story and join the conversation.
More
Tempted to get a professional organiser to sort out your space this year? Find one near you
Tell us
Do you have a Lego success story to share? Tell us in the Comments, save your favourite images, like this story and join the conversation.
More
Tempted to get a professional organiser to sort out your space this year? Find one near you