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I bought some of these, and placed them in Sterilite drawers:
https://www.amazon.com/STORi-Plastic-Vanity-Drawer-Organizers/dp/B0744NP826
They’re modular and stackable, and you can get different sizes to fit whatever drawers you have.
The drawer labels were made using LDviewer, the LDraw library of parts, and some python. We wrote a python program to set the LDviewer parameters we wanted and render each part from a list. The output files were placed onto a template in MS word, and printed on Avery 2.5" square labels. It was quite a lot of work, my brother in law and I spent about three days on it.
Appa was made by my brother in law. You can see more pictures of him in my MOC library here.
I use this. Look for the right size for your minifigs. I keep mine separate in individual bags so that it doesn't scratch.
​
Thi is perfect, thanks! FYI, I found this others brand that looks to be identical and on sales right now. If you needed more! Backerysupply Clear Plastic
Drawer Organizer Tray for Vanity Cabinet (3"×3"×2"，Set of 14),Storage Tray for Makeup, Kitchen Utensils, Jewelries, and Gadgets https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PJ4T2ZH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_eL23FbZXVEP1R?psc=1
Good deal for a 2-pack, Amazon sells singles for $30.
I use these: akro-miils stacking containers
I set them behind the pile I'm working on two tall with the top one scooted back a bit. When one fills up I set it aside until I run out of them. I take the sorted parts and put them into the large steralite bins you can get at walmart etc. If a collection is too big for one of those I can go to the dresser sized one or just start another of the same. It's generally good enough that I'm not searching forever. I mostley fully sort the technic cause that's what I'm in to.
People, plants, animals (includes tooth bits, bones, etc.)
Basic 1xbricks
Basic 2xbricks (larger ones go in here for the pre-sort)
Modified bricks
Basic 1xplates
Basic 2xplates
Basic larger plates
Modified plates
Tiles (all)
Technic parts
Bionical parts
Misc electronics (I look for technic heavy collections so I can usually get an old rcx touch sensor or something)
Printed parts
Round parts
Transportation parts (train is separate due to the value of a number of the parts)
Train parts
Angled parts
I purchased a two pack of Tenrai laundry bags to use in conjunction with large plastic bins for a long term storage solution. https://www.amazon.com/TENRAI-Delicates-Underwear-Lingerie-Pantyhose/dp/B07BZFKMMP
The pack came with one medium and one large bag. The large is big enough to fit a Star Wars gunship and manuals without issue. The build quality of the product is great and I’ve read some people even use them to wash their LEGO in. If you’re looking for something other than plastic bags to store your sets in I’d definitely recommend giving these a shot.
Look for something like these: amazon.com/gp/product/B001B0S2H6/
I bought them to store my son's LEGO Advent sets in but I've also started using them for accessory storage. You can find similar models with adjustable compartment sizes but I prefer the non-adjustable ones simply because the dividers always seem to pop out.
If you have a ton you could also just get an Akro-Mills small parts storage organizer or an equivalent from someplace like Home Depot or Harbor Freight.
I used a ton of these to subdivide 12 inch sterilite drawers that I have. If you check on the product info you’ll see the varying sizes. I have a mixture of the 9x3 and 9x6 ones depending on what’s in each drawer.
As I've recently started down the path of resorting by part rather than color, I too have found the usefulness of a search bin. Based on recommendations, I've picked up a couple of these funnel trays at Harbor Freight. Inexpensive at $3. Or you can go with a similar popular one at Amazon. The sides are not tall so easier to reach into and sift around than typical bins/trays. Then easy to dump back into storage container when done. They're not big so having a couple around is handy to dump out a bigger bin to sort/search through.
Stanley fatmax, has removable boxes inside, the lid is handy to just close up to take a break or leave your build for a week or so without gathering dust or prying cat paws.
They can also be stacked and clipped together to easily move. The shallower version is better than the deep to get your hands in the smaller compartments.
Stanley FatMax 1-97-517 Shallow Pro Organiser https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B007J3HFC2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_.pjKFb91XD5AN?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Start with 2 or 3 of these.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003P2UOCO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_zzLyFbP89CG99
The larger bins on the bottom will hold several hundred small parts. I think I've got over 350 of the black technic connectors in one of mine.0 The smaller bins can be divided into smaller spaces.
As you'll sort, you'll get an idea of how many total bins you will need.
Don't forget that just because a part is 2 more studs longer, it won't be a 2x less fill. The empty space from them not stacking nearly will eat up more volume the larger the pieces.
What will kill you is keeping unique parts seperated. One element in one color equals one bin!
To fit my inventory in all of those style bins, at maximum density, I'd need 25 of those, and I've got way fewer parts than you do.
Really just get the same bins. You want them to be the same overall size so they stack next to each other nicely.
That is definitely plastic. It is injection molded. Here is that unit's page on Amazon. It is easier to see in the closeups, but it if you know what to look for that is obviously plastic even in the OP's pics.
Thank you for your reply. The lay flat drawstring bag seems like a great idea. Seems so intuitive but difficult to think about since we're so used to the concept of "storing" and "organizing" in shelves and buckets. I am going to get this and see how it goes. Thanks again!
OP, this specific one I'm linking to seems overpriced but it's a good example of what they're talking about when they say low-profile. Something without much height but has a lot of length and depth that can theoretically fit under beds or other pieces of furniture that would be wasted space otherwise.
I said this in a comment the other day, but older (vintage?) Akro-Mils are much better quality than the new ones. I won't even buy new ones unless they are VERY cheap, like $10-15.
I bought one of these and they are much better https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D6Y4F6W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I have some older Akro-Mils, plastic and metal ones, and some newer ones. The older ones are much better. I find them at estate sales and garage sales.
I got one of these and I like it a lot. I'm going to get more at some point. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D6Y4F6W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I use something similar to these plastic organizers.
These type of organizers hold a lot of parts compared to shelves or bags and it is very easy to quickly see what is in each one.
For sorting, just do them by basic type and sort it more finely as needed once you have too many parts to go through. Could be by theme, or by specific part type (helmets, caps, etc vs minifig headgear)
For rebuilding them, you can use google lens to identify torsos or browse bricklink or rebrickable and put them together from there.
Akro-Mils 10124, 24 Drawer... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003TV3NL0?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I like this one cause you can take the little compartments out and carry them around and then slip them right back in when you’re done
I use 8 of these for my minifig collection and have another 24 of them for all of my pieces. rebrickable says like 150k+ total but I don't know how many are actually in the bins.
I really like the size of these ones for most things. They stack well and I have had them 8 high unsecured and full with no real worry about tipping unless really careless. I don't keep 2x2 or larger blocks in them and my smallest pieces like 1x bits are sorted in something similar to this
I don't think it's even a Container Store thing. You can find this one on amazon. It's a generic china-made grid box. You can find it from multiple resellers in the US or directly from wholesale sellers on Alibaba.
After a lot of searching I found these 4mm!
They are also 6-7$ cheaper than other options and have double the thickness and protection. This comes with 1000, realistically I only need 500, but think I will go with this anyways as I have yet to see a 500 pack with 4mm thickness.
Although the product is no longer available that size and thickness works very well for any normal sized minifig. Amazon is your friend and these were cheap. Good luck.
Dazzling Displays 4 Mil 2" x 3"... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084RZ9ZPY?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Something like this already exists and is a lot cheaper and more ubiquitous. In the US you can search amazon for “Stori stackable drawer organizers”, and you get hits like this:
https://www.amazon.com/STORi-Stackable-Organizer-Multi-size-Dividers/dp/B082YFS8N3/
They’re clear acrylic, stackable, and modular. The basic units are 2” deep, and their lengths and widths are multiples of 3”, so for example 3x3, 3x6, 6x6, 9x3, 9x6, etc. They fit perfectly into, for example, Sterilite drawers. There are competing brands too. Basically, search for stackable makeup organizers, and you get all kinds of items that are great for LEGO too.
get a box of each size of ziptop bag you can. (snack, sandwitch, quart, gallon, 2 gallon)
Something like this is perfect
https://www.amazon.com/Ziploc-Gallon-Quart-Sandwich-Variety/dp/B07GXYR9K7
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Always by type, then maybe by color for an individual type thing.
start with 1xX brick, 2xX brick, 1xX plate, 2xX plate, larger plates, SNOT, technic, other.
I live having all of my SNOT bricks seperated to facilitate building interesting things.
Once you get there you can start to divide out everything else based off of the contents of your collection
Or just get 1 or 2 big bins and play it old school!! I sorted mine but, since I'm a casual AFOL, I usually just wind-up dumping things out on the floor anyway. Mine is similar to this but twice as big: https://www.amazon.com/Lay-n-Go-Original-Large-Activity-Play/dp/B007BPJTOU
There is something to be said about dumping/pulling the pile out, sitting criss-cross-applesauce, and pawing through the pile looking for that specific brick. My mother hated the SWOOOSH-SWISH-DRAAAAW-SWOOSH sound of me pawing through things but it's so rewarding!!
I just ordered this one today. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D6Y4F6W/
I have a few older Akro Mils. If you are on a steap budget and have time, start going to estate sales. I got a smaller 16? drawer metal Akro Mils for like $10. I got a big one with small drawers 64 total? for like $8 at Good Will. I got another 4 drawer (approximately 8"x5"x10" drawers that have dividers) thing for $5 at an estate sale the other week.
I use the myBricks Android app ( https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.co.otissoft.mybrickset ) that sync's everything with brickset.com and from there you can talk to there API if I remember correctly.
Maybe that can work for you.
It's two of these bundles from Amazon. They're on a great deal now. We paid $12 more per bundle a month aho.
Raaco Organisers from Amazon. They’re similar to Akro Mills and dividers are available for it.
If you order new ones, look if they have any with container in them. Like these https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B079X2XK69/
I always fight with those little "walls" that keeps thing separated. With the once from the link you don't have that problem.
There's a significant difference between a Goodwill and a Goodwill Outlet. At the outlets you pay for things by the pound. Typically, when stuff has been on the shelf too long at the Goodwill location it was donated to, they'll 'pack' it and ship it to another nearby Goodwill. This might happen a few times. Then, before the stuff is thrown out/destroyed, it ends up at the Outlet for one last chance to be sold. That said, I have an Outlet by me that also accepts donations, so it gets stuff that is being put out for the first time (and still sold by the pound). The amount and variety of stuff that we've found is extraordinary. For instance, last December we got two of these Pyrex beakers, brand new, and paid $1.83 each, including tax.
>I use the standard Akro-Mills storage for assembled minifigs: https://www.amazon.com/Akro-Mils-10124-Plastic-Hardware-6-5-Inch/dp/B003TV3NL0?pd_rd_w=KHNik&pf_rd_p=10fcba09-cb74-4822-816c-54937a8b6a73&pf_rd_r=8NNQWGVK5CXCAXYJ4D8Q&pd_rd_r=abaf0d5d-2a92-476c-97ca-2e2cd14422ac&pd_rd_wg=qOOak&...
This is Exactly What I need, many thanks!
Any time. The smaller containers I use are like these:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GBQ962G/
There isn't a single brand as they seem to be OEM and multi-branded. But that also means I can just find the cheapest brand of the day and wind up with the same product. There are other sizes to experiment with, too.
Is this it? I’m looking for something similar and exploring shelving as my modulars expand.
Metal Shelf Brackets for Floating Shelves - Rustic Heavy Duty Metal j Bracket Modern Iron Brackets for Shelves Large Industrial Farmhouse 4 Piece 11.25 inch Shelf Brackets https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B08FGNTFD6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_SM5GNG8TNMEV6DN481GH?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
thanks for responding!
so as of right now, they are in these plastic containers.
however, it is a bit messy, and I feel like I want to do something different.. but I am not sure. we have a lot of gray pieces so almost 3 boxes are all gray. they are not organized either, which is driving me crazy.
I been thinking about using the tool organizer route... but not sure. it is just mind blowing and my mind cannot comprehend this situation because every time I try to think of a way to organize.. my husband brings more legos in the house for our little one. legos are on all tables... and rooms. it is a freaking mess.
amazon- https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B096MLSW59/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
There are a million different versions of this product that all look identical so you can pick who you buy them from. Just check the dimensions of what you're buying since there are many bigger than this that won't fit these size drawers.
OP, maybe search for "Adjustable Drawer Organizer". You'll get some results similar to these. Some are expensive, some cheap.
There are also many 3d printed variations of these if you have access to a 3d printer
From the last time this was asked ( https://www.reddit.com/r/LegoStorage/comments/rgepuw/organizers_for_the_sterilite_drawers/hojugny/ ):
I use these:
https://www.amazon.com/STORi-Plastic-Vanity-Drawer-Organizers/dp/B0744NP826
There are many different sizes; you can mix and match how you like.
I am in a similar situation. Father of three kids under 5, I have my assembled sets and a few Rebrickable MOCs pending to be build. We (my kids and I) use a mixture of Lego cases and a storage box for them and a few organizing cases like these ones for my reserved pieces. They latch together and use a Dymo label writer to keep tabs of what is in each of the compartments. I buy them in Amazon when they are in sale for 6-8€. They are a bit bulky but at least the pieces are not laying on the floor and I can move them easily.
If you have somewhere nearby to keep them, I've found that a stack of funnel trays like these work better than anything for that quick dump-sift-return sequence that you're describing.
That sounds like a nice project. I know some folks might not like dividers alone without a bottom but IMO that would only a problem if they are not a good fit and lift too easily. I agree though that trying to find a bunch of usable drawer trays could get expensive.
The Iris drawers I referred to are these: "IRIS Small Desktop Stacking Drawer, 6 Pack". I think I'm allowed to post a link here:
https://smile.amazon.com/IRIS-Small-Desktop-Stacking-Drawer/dp/B00FZVQ07G/
They fit 6x16 plates perfectly along the width of the drawer just as Akro-Mils drawers fit them length-wise instead. Using 6x16 plates as an example, you can get double the amount into one of these Iris drawers than you can fit the Akro-Mils.
Iris also makes some larger drawers that I use for larger items. Those look more like Sterilite stacked drawers that come in 6, 8 or 10 drawer units on optional casters.
Very possible ideas. An additional concern would be putting small pieces in slots and then trying to remove the pieces from the drawer. Fetching 1x1 or even 1x2 plates would not be enjoyable with these.
You may look for something more akin to a craft organizer box (here’s one of thousands of examples: Embroidery Floss Organizer Box with 36 Adjustable compartments Includes 100 Plastic Floss bobbins and 100 Sticker https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07Z5LWBVC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_9YZ1A9SMWJJQ600QH597)
I have the 7 and 10 Drawer versions of these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08S9RLZXC?ref=nb_sb_ss_w_as-ypp-rep_ypp_rep_k0_1_7&crid=1JGANCXXXRKPP&sprefix=iris+us
Pros:
Lot's of storage
On wheels
Cons:
They don't roll well when full. Best to set it and forget it.
They're just drawers. If I ever need to move, I'll need to utilize ziplock bags or absolutely ensure they never get flipped upside down or parts will spill
I snagged mine for no more than $50. I'd setup a Camel Camel Camel alert if you're interested, or check Amazon warehouse. Good luck!
These aren't the least expensive option, but they are superb. They slide in snugly and don't move. Plus since they're clear you can see a lot more of what's in each bin. I've bought them in every size and the 4-section dividers for the large drawers are so great to have.
>do you have a more specific recommendation around identifying if something is dirty enough to use something to deal with fungus and such?
Not really. Its all by eye. I think its okay to assume that any bulk purchase had kid fingers and/or mouths all over them at some point (as a dad of 3, kids are filthy creatures, lol). Also, you don't know where or for how long that bulk lot was stored. What if it was stored in an attic that had mice, etc... You can usually get a good idea as to how dirty a lot is when you pick through it and remove all the trash/non-Lego. Honestly, for me about 75% of my bulk goes directly in the washing machine, and that seems to be enough. I'm not sure where you live, but I use a product called Shockwave from Fiberlock Technologies. Usually I dilute it to an ounce or two per gallon of water. Its very safe to use (often used in disinfecting hospitals and for mold remediation). Its probably overkill, but a gallon of that stuff will last me for years and years.
​
>I assume you lay it out on a towel, is it also an arid or ventilated area?
I use a mesh drying rack similar to this. I started off using towels, but they took much, much longer to dry as the towels hold moisture. The mesh racks allow air to flow all around.
I dry these in my basement. It is cool and dry there and I run a dehumidifier, so the dry times are not that bad, as long as there is air flow, they should dry just fine.
I think that a major reason why AM storage is so popular is because it looks good. The bag and bin method isn't as pretty. If you have the room and budget (and aren't handicapped), it's a great life goal. I'm not going to knock it. It just doesn't work for me, and it isn't something I want to do in the first place. I have an AM drawer set, but only because it came in a lot I picked up before I lost my job and had to downsize. I've recently got most of my Lego out of storage, but my Lego space is still limited. So I'm sorting everything to fit what I have, and I definitely don't have room for significant AM storage.
As for jewelry bags, the specific brand I got is no longer available; but this looks similar. I can't speak to its quality, but if I run out of what I already purchased this is currently what I would order.
LeonBach 400 Pcs Clear Plastic Bags for Jewelry, Self Sealing Plastic Bags Small Bead Bags Craft Bags, 2" x 2.75", 2.75" x 3.9", 3.54" x 5.12", 3.9" x 5.9" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P451Z7G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apan_glt_fabc_8ZMHQJBQ6XEDPDW2G4Z3
This brand is also good. It has various sizes and stands up to Lego well.
Cousin 4x6 Inch Storage Bags - 175 Pieces https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000XANWZC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apan_glt_fabc_JQ1J5MVJM79Y72E4XCAR?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I’m actively in this process and I’m using drawer dividers. Lots of different brands, link is one example. Height it great. 4yo child is much happier to build with the parts in broad categories. He says, “I can find parts faster now” with a big smile.
Do these look right?? Sterilite Medium Clearview Compact Portable 3 Storage Drawer Organizer Cabinet (12 Pack) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DZ2BJGX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_D6SFHBR2DP5G98QM6P7J?psc=1
What is the width of the space under the desk? Or if it's very wide, what is the maximum width you would want?
I know from experience that searching for stools for bathrooms will come up with a lot of options. You might also want to check for bamboo shower stools.
Another option right now is looking for stools for college dorms. There are a bunch of sales on dorm stuff at the moment, and dorms prioritize space. This stool fits your height requirement, though probably not your budget; but the additional storage space might be worth it if it comes back in stock or you can find another option.
I use those daft black and white labels and I swear by them. They’re fantastic and easy to quickly identify amongst the wall of tiny shelves.
https://brickarchitect.com/labels/
And I print on this label maker:
Brother P-Touch PC Connectable Label Maker (PT-P700) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DSYEB28/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_EH19N0TYQ4KABZ29XN95?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
My mind’s first thought is always to make it myself. I would use clear plexi.
Might consider using drawer organizers. Maybe something like this:
madesmart Two-Piece Drawer Organizer, Granite https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B004IPVMAA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_NXW86XW9AJBQTM523FKA?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LDH3JC?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details
I think this is what you're looking for - I love them!
Great idea! We’ve been using plastic storage containers from dollar tree. Here’s a way overpriced amazon link as I can’t find them on the dollar tree website. Works great for us and the lid comes in handy. https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01DN9148Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_A0P77EBXJPAPH7P1C5RH?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I've had three high stacked on a dresser, temporarily. Being as high as it was I was nervous about knocking it over when reaching the top drawers. If it were lower it might be OK, but more than three I would definitely secure somehow.
If you don't want to screw into the wall, you could use adhesive pads like these. I wouldn't trust those for childproofing a real cabinet, but for LEGO drawers they should be OK.
I have these for my joint type technic pieces and my minifig pieces, and they work well. You also wouldn’t have to worry too much if your collection slowly grows bc you can always add another one.
I don’t think they’d be the best for bricks or other large pieces, just because you’d need so many.
I'd look at fishing lure boxes. They come in several sizes and prices. They're friendly on travel, for obvious reasons.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084NQLFMP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_GHSAM3FDHR1KEGZQWPVA
Also, your top lock idea with ziplock bags inside to keep different parts seperate.
i own a couple of those, but i prefer the ones i link below, they are a bit more expensive but its price is regular and there are different types
Ok, since he's young and it's a growing collection, I'd honestly go with ziploc bags. I have a wall of Akro-Mills for most of my large collection but still store my basic bricks by size/color in these. I sort by brick size then bag by color. I have small dresser drawers under my desk and each drawer is for a certain brick size with all the colors bagged to keep them separate. It works really well!
The slider on the bag makes it easy to open/close and the shape allows them to stand upright so I can have many out at once to grab from with spillage. They come in multiple sizes too so he can start sorting more and more as it grows. The sliders were what made all the difference for me and saved a bunch of $. Plus, they save space since you can pack them tight with no empty spots like in hard-sided containers.
Pro tip sort by brick size and shape and put them in stackable containers you can pick up and move.
[I use these. ](Sterilitwww.amazon.com/dp/B00IPUCPA0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_.965FbFH794M3)
I am surprised I had to read this far down to see this. You can get 500 heavy-duty 4x6 zip lock bags from Amazon for $20 (You can get smaller quantities also). If you want something a bit bigger, you can get 100 6x9" bags for $12.94. That should be a lifetime supply for this and plenty of other tasks (they can also be used for food storage).
Start sorting them into bags, then either just store the bags in the bins you already have, or from there you will have a better sense what will work best for you.
I use the alto-mils craft cabinet , around $30. I would recommend getting 2 drawers in the sizes that you need/want. The one I linked is a half small/large drawer combo, for sorting beams, pins, axles, and panels. However the link is to the American amazon website, so idk if amazon Australia is different. I have 3 of these drawers in all 3 different variations, and they are awesome. If you want some drawers right away, I would go to target and check out their drawers section. Good luck!
Wow those Papimax things look awesome. As much as I'd like to support LEGO-associated people, though, I can't imagine they have them made and molded just for that company... I wonder if there are the equivalent of OEMs available.
​
Also, poked around Amazon a bit and these look good too, just no modular swap-around dividers:
Amazon has them for sure, both for the little drawers and the larger draws. Clear plastic and are sturdier than the black back pieces the drawers come with. If I can find a link I'll leave it here.
Edit: Dividers
Picked up on Amazon. Looks like they went up in price since I got them, but they fit the containers perfectly.
Safco Products Wood Adjustable... https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0008GNY7W?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
The bottom structure, used just to get some height from the floor, is just something i smashed together. Just happens to fit 3 of the bins I had.
Amazon: Plano 2-3700 Stowaway with Adjustable Dividers. I've been pretty happy with them. Well suited for broad but not necessarily deep collections.
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B007N5ZULO/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_MpkYEbRGYSR7P
You can try STANLEY 1-93-980, STANLEY 1-93-979 and STANLEY 1-93-978 from the various european amazons for something similar. Prices do differ and change frequently.
Currently amazon italy is the cheapest for this variant,
https://www.amazon.it/STANLEY-1-93-978-Cassettiera-Porta-Minuteria/dp/B008DHZXY0
There are usually buying limits but it resets after a week.
Definitely IRIS USA, I've been slowly converting my collection to these. They often get down to as low as 50% off on Amazon https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ISOM972/
Amazon boxes (or similar) in a large storage tote.
After doing the ziploc/repair thing for years, I decided to store them like I store my event displays:
- Find a box that will hold the building snugly while it lays on its back. I find this to be the best method for me, as it takes up the least amount of room.
- Cut the flaps off (or not - you do you)
- Arrange carefully in a large tote. If you can find a deep enough under-bed tote, they work well. Other wise I'd recommend something heavy duty that latches closed.
For the smaller sections, I put them in Ziplocs and use the adjustable drawer-dividers from Amazon ( https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CGPLD3D/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 ) and put cardboard between the layers. (I transport my BrickHeadz to shows like this)
I got a slightly bigger size and works well for minifig + accessories. Also works well for spare parts
3 x 5 inches, 2Mil Clear Reclosable Zip Lock Bags, case of 1,000 GPI Brand https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HH5OZ6A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_kBR9Db8ZQADWA
The Akro mills come in several styles, all small, small and big mix and all big. There are also these: https://www.amazon.com/STERILITE-Organizer-Mini-Drawer-Pack/dp/B014E30YX6/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?keywords=sterlite+3+drawer+storage&qid=1566752569&s=gateway&sprefix=sterlite&sr=8-4. A combination of styles and sizes might be what you need.
Small pieces: Akro mills 64 drawer storage drawers. Sort by shape and consider grouping similar parts.
Medium pieces: Akro Mills 24 drawer storage drawers.
Large pieces: Just get 2-gallon buckets with lids from your local hardware store.
Labeling: Take photos of each part on a white background. Cutout the part from each photo and tape or glue it on the front of each drawer.
Avery All-Purpose Labels
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BQOCRK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I rip it in two for the smaller bins and handwrite all the labels.
When I fully sort my bricks I may move to visual labels instead of words.
That's fair, my above post is a bit hypocritical because I do still have 3 Akro-Mils units that I use for smaller things.
I don't have any Papimax but I do have issues with dividers. I find getting parts out of divided cells to be a pain, especially when you max one out and want to move it to something bigger. Much easier to just pull a drawer and dump it, or I like things where each cell is its own removable cup, like these: https://smile.amazon.com/Stalwart-75-MJ4645102-Portable-Storage-Organizer/dp/B017W2Q6PG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1546802608&sr=8-3&keywords=stanley+parts+organizer
I'm months late to your post, but is this the ones that you bought? https://www.amazon.com/Akro-Mils-10164-Plastic-Storage-Hardware/dp/B000LDH3JC
How have you liked them over the last few months since your post? I'm just starting to buy Lego in bulk and really need some storage options.
I realize this is a month old, but I wanted to echo this... Shallow drawers are great. My favorite so far has been this IRIS one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ISOM972/
Removing the drawers is a bit different, but easy when you are used to their system. I only have one so far with my miscellaneous pieces by color.
I also have 2 of these Sterilite ones: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000K7RK6A/ where the drawer is about 1 inch deeper, and a couple inches wider. But that stack of 10 on the IRIS is awesome. The cost per drawer is much better on the IRIS versus getting 3 Sterilites...
Check out all the options from Akro-Mils https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000VTSOKS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_bAeHAbN20KMRN
It really depends on how specific/organized you want to be, how much you want to spend, and how much space you have. It’s not all that bad of an idea to mix similar parts in one container to save space and money.
That's my system too, it works perfectly since every instruction is immediately available this way, and it makes classifying easy.
The inconvenient is having to buy a filing cabinet, and that it takes a lot of space.
Mine looks like that. It's a very heavvy piece of furniture, but on the plus side the amount of booklets that can be stored in it is insane. I'm only using one drawer for now, it's half empty and contains only ~100 booklets.
Actually sorry. I got the ones on the right confused with the ones on the left. These are the ones on the left. The ones I linked before are the ones on the right and are much larger as you can see.
I have six of these and intend to buy a few more. They're highly customizable and I find the trays being clear to be a major plus (red trays were a problem). My collection is sorted by brick type and color.
I use a large Sterilite drawer cabinet for those. Works really well.
Something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Sterilite-Drawer-Wide-Tower-White/dp/B00VXIQJQ2
The smaller drawers are great for WIP parts and partially built things or for a "sorting drawer" where you dump stuf that needs to be sorted.
The big drawers easily fit the wide raised baseplates and boat hulls, along with the big tires.
If you want some on display, using a shotglass display case works very well.
I have a couple of methods. I use the 6 quart Sterilite show bin for bulk storage. I have a ton of castle minifigs that go in there for the kids to play with.
The other method is using the small 5-drawer Sterilite unit: https://www.amazon.com/Sterilite-20758004-Drawer-Drawers-4-Pack/dp/B001OM2NGW
I use those for categorized minifigures. Each category of minifig gets a drawer.
I've repurposed the boxes from 100 packs of manila folders. Something like these...
Agreed.
Here's a link for one of the Plano boxes available in a four pack: http://www.amazon.com/Plano-23600-01-Stowaway-Adjustable-Dividers/dp/B000E39T50/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1460468376&sr=8-1
The gaps are very small, essentially enough to allow the drawers to open. The Akro-Mils cabinets are not like some of the others where the drawer uses a front opening to allow the drawer to be pulled out.
However, the following might be of interest if you find dust is still getting in:
You can cut those so the back will be completely enclosed.
If you already have 100+ of those Plano boxes, then it makes no sense to switch. And when you say Plano, do you mean stuff like this?
I'm partial to the Stanley boxes since they seem sturdier than the Plano boxes and I'm currently using them in my workshop already. I do know that they are more expensive, but I'm very fortunate to be in a position where that isn't really a factor for me.
And I'm just throwing ideas out there so maybe others could use these ideas as well. I'm definitely interested in hearing about other ideas so I could find something that works better for me.
Instead of Plano tackle boxes, I'd suggest these instead:
I've found that when looking for small Lego pieces, you want them in containers that are shallow and wide. Much easier to search for items that way. I use the above container in my garage for various stuff and I have since started using them for my Lego collection as well. The clear top is awesome as well.