How to Organize LEGO Bricks by Color, Set, or Type

Loved by children of all ages, LEGO bricks are a staple found in nearly every playroom. LEGO, an abbreviation of the Danish words "leg godt," means "play well," but these tiny blocks and their accompanying pieces can quickly turn into clutter once sprawled across a table or the floor. Parents who have stepped on the plastic parts know this dilemma especially well. Luckily, there are ways to tidy up the toys that will even have the kids excited to lend a helping hand.

"I truly believe you have to get the kids involved," says Jessica Litman, CEO of The Organized Mama. "I think the sooner the better." How LEGO bricks should be organized can be a collective decision based on the child's preference, how they play with the toys, and the space you have available to store them. Check out the following storage solutions for LEGO blocks to prevent clutter in your home and your feet from feeling the pain.

1. Organize LEGO Blocks by Color

Not just a popular organizing method of the moment, sorting items by color can also help children who are in the process of learning their hues. "My kids decided to color-code their LEGO bricks when my son was about 6 years old," says Litman. Keep bricks separated in clear, individually stacked containers or slide-out drawers for easier access. This makes cleaning up easy for everyone as they'll be able to see through the containers and know which colors belong together.

2. Organize by Type

Another option is to corral LEGO bricks by type while also helping kids keep track of them. For example, one bin or drawer could contain bricks only, a second gets designated for mini figurines, a third the cars and other transportation pieces, and so on. Labeling is key to getting and keeping LEGO pieces organized, even if the bins are transparent.

3. Organize by Set

The available LEGO sets are seemingly endless with many of the packages containing up to 100 pieces. If your child prefers to keep these together, a straightforward method is to use a large zippered bag or pouch to contain all of the pieces that come with that particular set. Be sure to label the name of the project, whether that's by character, theme, or movie, with a permanent marker or by using a label maker.

4. Display Finished Projects

For those sets your kids so diligently assembled, let them sit proudly on display. "I recommend storing them on shelves so they can be taken down to play with," says Litman. Hang floating shelves, create space on a bookcase you already have, or use the top of a cube organizer to prop up the assembled LEGO figurines for all to see and reach. You can also place the creations on any storage spaces you have for the bricks as well.

5. Utilize What You Already Have

Being that LEGO sets include mostly small pieces, look around to see what other organization systems for toys you might already have. A box used for crafts with separated compartments, a hanging organizer on the back of the door, or even an under-bed bin can make excellent LEGO containers.

6. Sort at Your Own Pace

A final LEGO organizing idea is to reserve a basket for tidying up at a later time. "Make sure you have a bin specifically for 'To Sort'," says Litman. "This makes cleaning up easier because you don't have to spend time sorting." Ideally, LEGO pieces should be put away as soon as kids are done playing with them. But when you're in a hurry, it's better to contain the bricks into something rather than leave them to become a visible, and potentially hazardous, clutter source.