Cost and Space Effective Minifigure Storage/Display

[BCC_LQ]

Over the years I've been working on a very large collection of Ninjago minifigures, attempting to collection them eventually. As I continue in this, I'm running in to the issue of a lack of an appropriate way to store them. Currently they're all in small cardboard boxes, which I really don't like as it can cause some of the prints to rub off. 

The collection consists of well over 100 different minifigures at this point, and I've been trying to find a cost effective way to either display them (which perhaps is improbably due to the sheer size) or at least safely store them while they wait to be swapped in when used in my different displays. The amount of space this method takes up is somewhat of  concern as well, not to the point I can't give them a decent amount of space, but I'd prefer to have solution that is somewhat efficient and doesn't leave too much wasted space.

If anyone has any suggestions and/or leads on where I would acquire what I need that would be appreciated. 

[deraven]

Hi BCC_LQ!   If these are genuine Lego minifigs, the printing shouldn't be nearly that fragile, though some of the newer stuff definitely isn't as durable as it used to be.  Just dumping all of them in a plastic bin loose together shouldn't even be an issue unless they're frequently being mixed around or the container constantly vibrating in travel or something.  I've got tons of minifigs that have spent many years in bins with other pieces that only have minor wear, so if you're having printing rub off I'd suggest either more loosely packing them or perhaps more tightly since you may have stumbled upon the perfect mix of factors that affects the pad printing.  

What works fine for me for bulk storage (not strictly filed, but say a few CMF lines in one box, loosely grouped together but still easy to find a specific minifig) of minifigs I want to treat more gently is putting each figure in a small plastic baggie (like these used for general collectibles: http://www.hotspotcollectiblesandtoys.com/collecting-supplies/3-x-5-zip-lock-baggie.html - these are big enough to also hold a few accessories with the fig, and can just be rolled around them for extra "padding" if it's just the minifig, but if you're doing just the figs a 2x3 bag is the right size) and then putting those in whatever box/bin with other minifigs makes sense for how you sort or store them.  Plenty of room to label those bags if desired, too.  I find this to be effective, economical, and scalable.

As for displaying the minifigures, here are a couple things to look at:

http://frugalfun4boys.com/2016/05/19/ikea-frame-lego-minifigure-display-storage/

 

Let us know what you come up with - always nice to see how other AFOLs do things.  

 

[BCC_LQ]

18 hours ago, deraven said:

Just dumping all of them in a plastic bin loose together shouldn't even be an issue unless they're frequently being mixed around or the container constantly vibrating in travel or something.

I should have mentioned this, they are often being mixed around. Around once a week I like to redo my displays, which involves me looking through boxes for the right figures. Here's an example of an issue I'm running in to:

It's a bit hard to see, but the printing on the emblem in the lower center of the torso seemed to have rubbed off. I had to replace it recently with the new one on the right. The 2012 style Ninjago hoods also have an issue with the metallic coloring rubbing off.

Perhaps your suggestion of packing them more loosely would eliminate this risk. I could arrange them so minifigures were beside each other and not on top of each other, therefore I wouldn't be sifting through them as much. I'd just need to find the right size of containers.

 

EDIT: I see my picture link was removed. Most likely because of some new member restrictions I'm guessing. I must have missed that in what I read through signing up. 

Edited July 2, 2017 by BCC_LQ

[deraven]

Huh.  You should be able to embed images as a new member, so long as they're not spammy or from a suspicious domain or anything.  Here's the instructions on how to embed images from various sources (in this section):

 

[1980-Something-Space-Guy]

I think I have a very space effective solution. It doesn't take that much space, it's relatively cost effective, it protects my minifigs from scratching, and I can find any minifig I want and take it out with relative ease.

First, I store each minifigure in 2x3 in. zip baggies. I use and recommend polypropylene bags. I use the archival safe ones from clearbags.com. Then, I place them in these boxes:

https://www.containerstore.com/s/garage/parts-boxes/6-compartment-clear-box/12d?productId=10009771

I place the minifigs standing up in line, in each of the 6 compartments. Each compartment fits around 20 minifigs, so I get ~120 minifigs per box. Most of them have a good amount of clearance from the top lid, but some oversized figs (like the Toy Story ones) I do store separately. The bags prevent the scratching and the wearing off the prints, and the boxes provide good protection and organization. Finally, I store them in a dark place to prevent UV damage. Hope this helps!

Edited December 7, 2020 by BrickHat

[BCC_LQ]

2 hours ago, deraven said:

Huh.  You should be able to embed images as a new member, so long as they're not spammy or from a suspicious domain or anything.  Here's the instructions on how to embed images from various sources (in this section):

 

The method I used to embed the image from imgur is the same I have used on other forums. Looking at that topic, is it possible that the image is too large? It's been several years since a forum has given me an issue with image size, as they'll normally downscale themselves on most platforms. As it's a raw image I took with my HD webcam, it most likely is much bigger than 800x600 as the topic you linked recommends. I suppose I could try downsizing it, it's just a pain and I'll have to wait until I have more time to sit down at the computer. 

 

 

2 hours ago, BrickHat said:

 

I place the minifigs standing up in line, in each of the 6 compartments. Each compartment fits around 20 minifigs, so I get ~120 minifigs per box. Most of them have a good amount of clearance from the top lid, but some oversized figs (like the Toy Story ones) I do store separately. The bags prevent the scratching and the wearing off the prints, and the boxes provide good protection and organization. Finally, I store them in a dark place to prevent UV damage. Hope this helps!

So the minifigures fit standing up in this container? How much clearance is there for headgear? You mention figures like Woody would not fit but do those with taller hair or helmets pose an issue? 

[koalayummies]

For those with modular buildings you can stuff them all in there, its free, keeps them dust and UV-exposure free, easy to get to and doesn't take up anymore space that isn't already being used. Also winds up looking like an absurd costume party:

 

[1980-Something-Space-Guy]

7 hours ago, BCC_LQ said:

So the minifigures fit standing up in this container? How much clearance is there for headgear? You mention figures like Woody would not fit but do those with taller hair or helmets pose an issue? 

Yes, I fit them standing up. It's a little hard to describe, but I sort of have two "rows" per each compartment, and I alternate left and right as I place the minifigs in the compartment. The clearance is pretty good, but I can't remember exactly how much it is. I can tell you even Medusa has enough clearance. With some figures I've had to place them diagonally, but honestly I've been able to fit most of my figures in those boxes.

Edited July 3, 2017 by BrickHat

[Darth Stripy]

I have the same problem. I used 8x16 base plates and put them in mini boxes. not really space effective but should prevent scratched paint