LEGO Tips & Guides

Start with one tray-sized batch, not the entire box. Set out containers for bricks, plates, slopes, Technic parts, minifigures and accessories, and pieces you cannot identify yet. Remove obvious non-building items as you work. Keep an unsorted container so each session has a clear stopping point.

Make a broad first pass before splitting everything by exact size or colour. When a category becomes difficult to search, divide that category further. Your goal is a collection you can use, not a perfect sorting system in one afternoon.

A tub sorted only by colour can hide the exact piece you need among many similar shapes. Try grouping by type first: bricks, plates, tiles, slopes and other useful families. Small pieces deserve their own containers so they do not disappear beneath large ones.

For a small collection, broad groups may be enough. Split a group by size, shape or colour only when searching it becomes slow. Test your system by finding three pieces for a build; keep the divisions that make that job easier.

Look at the underside and other hidden surfaces for moulded markings. Record every number you can read, then note the shape, stud count, holes, clips and any printed decoration. Photograph the top, underside and side in even light.

Use those clues to compare candidates in a parts catalogue such as BrickLink or Brick Owl. A moulded number is a clue, not always a complete catalogue ID. Compare the connection points and dimensions before accepting a match. Keep uncertain pieces in a labelled tray rather than forcing a guess.

Choose a simple location code such as A01 for a drawer or tray. Put the same code on the container and in your inventory record. Use plain category labels that another person can understand, such as Plates 1 x 2, rather than labels that rely on memory.

Leave space for each category to grow. When you move pieces, update their location record at the same time. Try a few drawers before relabelling an entire collection; a useful system should make both finding and putting away pieces easier.

Write down the set or project, catalogue part ID, colour and quantity needed. Compare similar shapes carefully, especially clips, hinges and modified pieces. Check the seller's condition description and available quantity before adding an item.

Review the complete basket, shipping information, minimum-order requirements and seller terms before paying. A low part price does not necessarily mean a low total order cost. Our BrickLink and Brick Owl stores list current stock and ordering details; use the shop links to browse.

Try one guide on a single tray or drawer today. If your next job is finding missing pieces, browse our BrickLink and Brick Owl stores from the homepage. For a building-themed activity with younger fans, explore the Grumpy & Hunter printable colouring books.

Have a sorting or identification question? Send it through our contact form. Tell us what you are trying to do and include a clear photo when useful. Your questions help us decide which practical guide to develop next.