My son(6) loves Lego sets! We have a big collection of “Bricks” but he also has quite a little collection of sets. He has been complaining that he can’t find pieces and they turn up under the table or with another set. I knew we needed a new solution so him and I sat down and talked it out. Here is what we decided.
Overview of his school shelf
Top(display shelf) Middle(Art shelf) Bottom(Lego set storage)
Display shelf is where he puts COMPLETE sets. There are NO loose pieces allowed on this shelf.
This is what it looks like in the bottom shelf. That blue thing is his Lego work tray and it came from a Melissa and Doug magnetic boy toy.
Each set is in it’s own Zip Lock bag(some gallon, some quart-all freezer style because they hold up better) with the directions and the plastic tub has his little mini figure extra guys.
Even if the set is displayed on the shelf there is still a bag for it with the directions and any extra pieces.
So here it is step by step!
Step 1
Pick a set and sort piece out into the work tray(so they don’t fall or roll away). Use the directions to start building.
Step 2
Display the finished set on the shelf when you are done playing with it. This way it is safe and will be there when you are ready to play again:)
Step 3
Put the directions and the extra pieces in the storage bag.
Step 4
Put that bag and the work tray into your storage basket on the bottom shelf.
Why I love this-
- He is less frustrated
- he is more careful and proud seeing them displayed on the shelf
- If he isn’t finished with something, he can still put it in the bag half done to finish later
- If his display shelf is full then he needs to take some apart before building new ones. This encourages more building and rotating!
I can’t say we will keep it like this forever because I am sure he and his brothers will collect many more over the years but this is working great and I do have a plan for when the collection grows:)
