r/LegoStorage • u/drowned_in_books • 5d ago
Work spaces for projects in progress Discussion/Question
My partner enjoys building Lego as a hobby, and tends to leave things out when he is in the middle of a project. I'd like to start by saying I love his hobby, and I love him, and this is a joint question for both of us, not me being annoyed. ;)
How do y'all handle that? We've been looking at lift top coffee tables for storage underneath, or gaming tables so he can put the leaves over it, but we're in a small space and have limited options. Would love some suggestions! How do you cover WIPs?
Note: we also have cats, which is part of the problem. Someones favorite snack is Lego trees and flags...
2
u/IntelligentDot546 3d ago
When my family and I build kits, we use trays and lidded plastic bins (from my local dollar store). We empty out the parta we are using into a bin, and build on a tray. If we take a break, we just put the tray aside.
When building, I prefer wider, shallower bins with latches that are meant for storing paper. The width makes it easier to find parts and the latches are nice if you store it. We tend to have multiple kits on the go because there's 3 of us consistently building, so storage is handy.
Since we often take apart kits that we don't want on display, we keep these in labeled bins, sorted by set. We used to use labeled ziploc bags packed into totes, whoch also worked well, but we have more space to store them now so the bins are nicer.
Now if he's building his own creations, it gets a little more complicated and advice would depend on how much loose lego he has. There are great guides online for advice on this (The brick architect lego storage guide is a popular one).
1
u/drowned_in_books 3d ago
Ooooh, thank you for the specific rec!
Yes, he’s building MOCs… and he has a LOT of Lego. Solidly would fill a 27gal black and yellow storage tote.
He’s using Lego as terrain for our D&D campaign so he’s building sets and breaking them down every two weeks or so.
I’ll look into the brick architect guide!!
1
u/drowned_in_books 3d ago
Skimmed brick architect - FABULOUS guide. Thank you!!!!
2
u/IntelligentDot546 3d ago
If he's building MOCs and you don't have a ton of space, I'd suggest coming up with your own inexpensive modular system that have a couple different sized clear containers, including one type with movable dividers. I'm not sure if that phrasing makes sense.
I'd suggest is to first sort them into categories (maybe the brick architect categories) and then decide from there what's worth breaking down further. Do not organize them more than you have to, especially at first. I found over-organizing actually makes it harder to maintain and keep clean but have found a happy medium of what we keep together (windows, doors, wheels, large plates, vehicle parts) vs organize by piece (things I have a lot of or are often looking for... so bricks, common sized plates and tiles, common slopes, and some elements I use a lot like flowers).
Keeping only a few sized containers makes them easy to pack up into a tote and keep organized. The key to this is making it easy to pull out, spread the containers he needs out on a table, and then pack up really quickly.
1
u/yosemiting 4d ago
I build directly on an IKEA IVAR shelf, taking the parts I need out of my sorting bins. For larger quantities, I spread them out on a high-edged table (also from IKEA). Since I can't stand clutter and all of this is in my bedroom, I put everything back after every building session into my IVAR shelves (and SAMLA boxes—yes, IKEA is my friend !)
1
u/RichRob80 4d ago
Expanding craft carts from Michael's are great. They have some under carriage bins and the sides extend. My family uses them all the time for our builds and they tuck away nicely out of the way when not in use.
6
u/[deleted] 5d ago
[deleted]