Storing LEGOs for a move involves securing the bricks to prevent loss and damage, making organization key. The most effective way is to divide and conquer using sealable bags and appropriate packing materials.
Essential Supplies
Before you begin packing your LEGO collection, gather the necessary materials to ensure everything stays organized and protected.
Here are the essentials:
- Ziploc Bags: Various sizes are useful for separating bricks.
- Soft Packing Paper: Used for cushioning and filling empty spaces.
- Tape: Securely seal boxes.
- Permanent Markers: For labeling bags and boxes.
- Sturdy Moving Boxes: Different sizes depending on the volume of LEGOs.
The Packing Process
Properly packing your LEGOs involves sorting, bagging, labeling, and boxing. Follow these steps to streamline the process:
- Place Bricks in Sealable Bags: Divide your LEGO bricks. You can sort them by color or type if they are loose. For assembled sets or if a set has unique pieces or mini-figures, it's recommended to place the pieces belonging to that specific set into smaller Ziploc bags.
- Label Bags: Use a permanent marker to label each bag clearly. For loose bricks, you might label by color ("Red Bricks") or type ("Plate Pieces"). For sets, label with the set number or a brief description ("Millennium Falcon Set 75105", "LEGO City Fire Station"). This makes finding pieces or rebuilding sets much easier after the move.
- Box the Bags: Carefully place the labeled Ziploc bags into sturdy moving boxes.
- Add Cushioning: Use soft packing paper to fill any empty spaces in the boxes. This prevents the bags from shifting during transit and provides an extra layer of protection.
- Seal Boxes: Securely close and tape the boxes. Label the outside of each box clearly (e.g., "LEGOs - Kids Room").
Quick Reference Table
| Step | Action | Materials Recommended | Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divide & Bag | Separate bricks by color/type or by set | Ziploc Bags | Organization, prevents mixing small pieces |
| Label Bags | Mark bags with contents/set info | Permanent Marker | Easy identification & reassembly |
| Box Bags | Place bagged bricks in boxes | Moving Boxes | Containment for transport |
| Add Cushioning | Fill gaps in boxes | Soft Packing Paper, Bubble Wrap | Protects contents from shifting/impact |
| Seal & Label Box | Close and mark the box | Tape, Permanent Marker | Security and quick room assignment |
By following these steps, utilizing the essential supplies like Ziploc bags, soft packing paper, and tape as recommended, you can effectively store and protect your LEGO collection during a move.
