LEGO collecting advice from Michael Savage of New Canaan, CT

Whether you’re an AFOL (Adult Fan of LEGO), a nostalgic collector, or a parent stepping over minifigs barefoot at 2 a.m., one thing is clear: LEGO is more than a toy—it’s a lifestyle. 

With the ongoing evolution of LEGO sets, we see more and more sets every year. 

But with more, great bricks comes great clutter. If your LEGO collection has evolved from a small set of bricks to a sprawling plastic metropolis, it’s time to bring order to the chaos. 

Let’s dive into some fun, effective, and passion-preserving strategies for organizing and storing your LEGO empire.

1. Know Thy Bricks: Sort Like a Master Builder

Before you can store, you must sort. But how? There are two types of LEGO organizers: The Color Coder and The Piece Profiler.

  • By Color: A rainbow of bins makes for easy aesthetic sorting—perfect for visual builders.

  • By Piece Type: More complex, but immensely satisfying. Want all your 1×2 bricks or sloped roof tiles in one place? This is the method for you.

  • By Set: If you’re a purist who likes to rebuild specific sets, keep pieces together in labeled bags or boxes.

💡 Pro Tip: Start simple. You can always get more specific later. Don’t let perfection block progress.

2. Storage Wars: Choose Your Arsenal

No matter your sorting method, you’ll need storage that works for your space and budget. Here are the top contenders:

  • Drawer Units: Stackable plastic drawers (like from IKEA or Sterilite) let you categorize and access easily.

  • Tool Storage Boxes: Hardware store organizers with adjustable compartments are a brick lover’s dream.

  • Tackle Boxes & Craft Cases: Ideal for small parts like accessories, minifig heads, or rare pieces.

  • Ziploc Bags + Bins: Budget-friendly and surprisingly effective, especially for set-by-set storage.

  • Label Makers: Not storage per se, but you’ll thank yourself when you know exactly where that elusive hinge plate lives.

3. Display or Disassemble? The Eternal LEGO Dilemma

LEGO sets are built to be seen… but space is finite. What to do?

  • Rotating Gallery: Keep a few favorites on display and rotate them monthly to keep your space fresh and exciting.

  • Wall-Mounted Shelves: Display completed sets without hogging desk space.

  • Glass Cabinets (Detolf, anyone?): Dust-free glory for prized creations.

  • Modular Storage: Build custom storage with LEGO itself! Yes, it’s possible—and a fun weekend project.

💡 Bonus Hack: Use a smartphone or spreadsheet to track what sets you’ve built, disassembled, or plan to acquire. Brickset.com or Rebrickable are great for this.

4. Keep It Clean: Dust, Sunlight, and Other Brick Hazards

Even bricks need TLC, especially if you’re aiming to build wealth with your LEGO investment.

  • Dusting: A soft paintbrush or compressed air can keep your sets pristine.

  • Avoid Sunlight: UV rays turn bright LEGO bricks into sad, yellowing shells of their former selves. Store or display away from windows.

  • Avoid Moisture: Dampness is a LEGO enemy. Basements are fine—just ensure they’re dry and temperature controlled.

5. Don’t Forget the Minifigs

Those pint-sized personalities deserve VIP treatment.

  • Minifig Trays: Display in foam-lined cases like prized coins or action figures.

  • Shadow Boxes: Wall-mounted frames with pegs are great for showcasing your superhero lineup.

  • Storage Drawers with Compartments: Keep accessories, heads, torsos, and legs separated like a LEGO operating room.

6. The Digital Side: Inventory Tools & Apps

You’re a 21st-century builder—embrace the tech!

  • Brickset: Track your collection and wish list.

  • Rebrickable: Upload your pieces and discover what sets you can build with what you have.

  • Stud.io: Virtually design your own creations before unleashing chaos in real life.

7. Kid-Proof (or Adult-Proof) Your System

If you’re sharing your collection with kids (or impulsive roommates), consider:

  • Color-coded Bins for Free Play vs. Display Sets

  • “Please Ask Before Dismantling” Notes

  • Build Zones and Sort Zones: Keeps play fun and organization intact

Final Thoughts: Build What You Love, But Store Smart

LEGO isn’t just about clicking bricks together. It’s about preserving creativity, reliving nostalgia, and maintaining order amidst joyful chaos. A well-organized LEGO collection doesn’t just make building easier—it deepens your passion, lets you share your hobby more easily, and gives you space to keep dreaming bigger.

So grab that label maker, clear a Saturday afternoon, and prepare to become the Marie Kondo of minifigs. Your bricks—and your bare feet—will thank you.

🧱 BONUS: Quick Checklist for LEGO Organization

  • Sort by color, piece, or set

  • Choose storage: drawers, bins, or boxes

  • Label everything!

  • Decide what to display and rotate

  • Clean and dust regularly

  • Protect from sun and moisture

  • Track digitally with Brickset or Rebrickable

  • Create kid-proof rules and zones

Want to take your LEGO life to the next level? Start organizing today—because passion, like bricks, is best when it’s snapped together with purpose.

 

ABOUT MIKE SAVAGE 

Mike Savage of New Canaan, CT is the Founder of 1-800Accountant that helps businesses with their accounting services and needs through cutting-edge technology and customer support. He runs the company alongside CEO Brendon Pack.

In his spare time, Savage enjoys creating unique koi ponds, collecting Michael Jordan sneakers, and admiring muscle cars. He and his wife also spearhead the Savage-Rivera foundation to help impoverished families in Honduras.