Organizing Lego Sets?

[Zoshi]

I have about a hundred opened lego sets, some with 1000+ pieces that I've been keeping in their boxes. However, I've been thinking of taking them out and separating and organizing them by pieces. However, I'd still like to be able to build the original sets and I don't have any immediate plans for making MOCs or anything so I'm wondering if doing this will end up being more trouble than it's worth. I don't mind the organizing part, but once that's done I'm wondering how difficult it will be to put the sets back together. I still have the instructions for the sets. I'd just like things to be a bit more organized and possibly get rid of the boxes because they take up too much space.

Also, because of money constraints "organizing" at the moment would consist of putting similar pieces in ziplock bags.

[Andy D]

If you are not going to MOC, then separating parts will make it more difficult to gather the parts to re-make the sets. For sets storage I believe ziplock bags per set is a good alternative.

However if you really want to separate the sets, there is a great thread all about sorting and storage...

http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=26213

Andy D

Edited November 19, 2015 by Andy D

[Iria]

I agree with Andy D. Sorting by piece type is really beneficial if you are into MOCing, otherwise it is probably not worth your time and money, and will be a bit of a pain when you want to rebuild sets. I think your ziplock bag solution is a great way to save space. I'd probably an assortment of ziplock bags, especially large freezer bags big enough to fit both the sets and the instructions. You can keep bagged sets safe by storing them in a few large Rubbermaid containers, which are fairly inexpensive.

[Zoshi]

Thanks for the suggestions!

I think if I go into MOCing I'll start using that organization system. However, would it be extremely difficult to recover the sets after organizing? I'm worried that I'll have to chose between keeping the sets and MOCing.

[KlodsBrik]

Depends on how well you know your bricks.

I find it quite easy to recover bricks for sets the way i have them all organized.

However its probably most due to the years ive spent with LEGO, but a smart system will make it easier indeed to find the bricks needed for your sets.

Their is also this guy who has made a lot of labels if you will, all ready for printing.

Might be inspirationel as well.

Get organized.

Edited November 19, 2015 by KlodsBrik

[Andy D]

After I take a set apart, I put the parts in a sorted inventory. I have rebuilt some sets from my inventory, but it takes quite a bit of time for me to recover the parts for a medium sized set and I have not yet rebuilt a large set that I have parted out.

You could do it In a two way organization. If you think you may want to rebuild a set, keep those parts separate as a set. If you think you would like to use the parts for something else, keep them in a organized storage system. The best of both worlds.

Andy D

[gamejutzu]

Isn't MOC'ing the point of Lego?

I just mix all pieces of each color, when I need to MOC I magically find the right piece. If I need to remember a building technique I just whip out the saved instructions.

[Zoshi]

For me I usually like to keep the sets for display. I've been thinking of getting into MOCing and making stop motion videos, photography and such but I'm a bit pressed for time and space at the moment.