Sorting Series: Bargain Bin Edition

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Storing LEGO is a major concern for most LEGO-lovers. As one’s collection grows, so does the need for proper storage. Fortunately, storage need not be expensive! We sought the advice of the Ladies LEGO Lounge and Team PMS from the Philippine LEGO Users Group, and here are their recommendations for reasonably priced (or free) storage containers for all your sorting and storage needs.

Barbara Hoel (@barbara_hoel) uses a variety of containers from her local Dollar Store as storage for her impressive collection. Photo courtesy of Barbara Hoel.

Barbara Hoel (@barbara_hoel) uses a variety of containers from her local Dollar Store as storage for her impressive collection. Photo courtesy of Barbara Hoel.

Food Containers

From jars to plastic microwavable tubs, local groceries, convenience stores, and dollar stores have tons of options to choose from.

Food containers as LEGO storage! You can stack them up to pack away or lay them out (like this!) when you build. Photo courtesy of Kelly Bartlett (@kellybartlett31).

Food containers as LEGO storage! You can stack them up to pack away or lay them out (like this!) when you build. Photo courtesy of Kelly Bartlett (@kellybartlett31).

Storage jars can store flour, sugar, and spices in your pantry… and 1x1, 1x2 bricks in your LEGO room! Photo courtesy of Barbara Hoel.

Storage jars can store flour, sugar, and spices in your pantry… and 1x1, 1x2 bricks in your LEGO room! Photo courtesy of Barbara Hoel.

Cosmetic Organizers

Don’t miss the bathroom section of your discount store! Often made of acrylic or hard plastic, these cosmetic organizers are perfect for storage and showing off your collection.

Acrylic cosmetic organizers show off this pretty collection of floral parts. Photo courtesy of Barbara Hoel.

Acrylic cosmetic organizers show off this pretty collection of floral parts. Photo courtesy of Barbara Hoel.

Small boxes, often used for jewelry, as storage for accessories and small parts. Photo courtesy of Teng de Guzman.

Small boxes, often used for jewelry, as storage for accessories and small parts. Photo courtesy of Teng de Guzman.

Shoeboxes and Large Plastic Containers

Clear shoe boxes stack easily and are perfect for big, bulky parts.

These clear plastic storage boxes with split hinged lids are from Dollar Tree and even look like they have LEGO studs. Photo courtesy of Elaine Mesker-Garcia (@legoluv).

These clear plastic storage boxes with split hinged lids are from Dollar Tree and even look like they have LEGO studs. Photo courtesy of Elaine Mesker-Garcia (@legoluv).

Shoeboxes from Japan Home are used to store parts by color. Photo courtesy of Kat Fernando.

Shoeboxes from Japan Home are used to store parts by color. Photo courtesy of Kat Fernando.

Crafting, Medicine Organizers & Tackle Boxes

One of the best things about these crafting/medicine organizers is that a lot of them are adjustable:  you can adjust the size of the inner compartments to suit whatever you want to store inside. Some also have compartments that you can remove, like this one from Michael’s.

This medicine box is customizable, with slots allowing for smaller or larger compartments as needed. Photo courtesy of Kat Fernando.

This medicine box is customizable, with slots allowing for smaller or larger compartments as needed. Photo courtesy of Kat Fernando.

Dumpling Trays

Asian stores usually sell these boxes with compartments that are meant for individual dumplings. Some of them are even multi-layered! We like using them for minifigures and accessories. It’s not the absolute best for little pieces because they tend to move around when the box is shaken. But for minifigs, it’s just the right size.

Dumpling trays from Daiso can be used as storage for minifigures. Photo courtesy of Tennille Tan.

Dumpling trays from Daiso can be used as storage for minifigures. Photo courtesy of Tennille Tan.

This box holds multiple dumpling trays, used to hold little parts. Photo by Inez Vasquez.

This box holds multiple dumpling trays, used to hold little parts. Photo by Inez Vasquez.

Cookies & Ice Cream Tubs

Some cookies, snacks or ice cream come in large plastic tubs that can be reused as storage for pretty much anything. (Read more about sorting in ice cream containers and peanut butter jars in our last sorting series entry!)

These plastic tubs used to hold cookies and crackers and can hold a lot of big, bulky pieces. The tub on top keeps 1x4 bricks, separated by color in plastic bags. Photo by Inez Vasquez.

These plastic tubs used to hold cookies and crackers and can hold a lot of big, bulky pieces. The tub on top keeps 1x4 bricks, separated by color in plastic bags. Photo by Inez Vasquez.

Snack Trays

Snacks like dried seaweed and some convenience food, like Korean frozen food, come with plastic trays that are perfect for sorting. You can also use them as storage—just stack them up!

Dried seaweed is a healthy and yummy snack, and the useful containers it comes in are an added benefit! Photo courtesy of Daneen Mcdermott (@brickwyrm).

Dried seaweed is a healthy and yummy snack, and the useful containers it comes in are an added benefit! Photo courtesy of Daneen Mcdermott (@brickwyrm).

Powdered Juice Containers

Powdered juice containers are surprisingly useful. We like these Crystal Light plastic tubs that have outer coverings which slip off. The tub itself is sleek and translucent, and fits perfectly in drawers!

Crystal Light tubs with the outer covering removed. Photo courtesy of Daneen McDermott (@brickwyrm).

Crystal Light tubs with the outer covering removed. Photo courtesy of Daneen McDermott (@brickwyrm).

LEGO Dots Trays

Dots containers are as great as the parts themselves! I almost want to buy all the sets just to have all the boxes.

The box from LEGO Dots 41904. Photo by Inez Vasquez.

The box from LEGO Dots 41904. Photo by Inez Vasquez.

There are many options for storage that are available, from wall to wall shelving to Ziploc bags packed away in boxes. Choose containers and a system that suits your budget and will allow you to make the best use out of your LEGO. We hope that you picked up some budget-friendly ideas from our article!

If you have other suggestions on how to store LEGO, please let us know in the comments below!

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