Should You Keep Lego Boxes? (5 Tips If You Do)

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Have you ever felt the bittersweet nostalgia of unearthing an old Lego set from your childhood, only to be faced with the conundrum of what to do with the box it came in? Are you having trouble deciding whether to keep those colorful, eye-catching Lego boxes or toss them out like yesterday’s leftovers?

Well, my fellow Lego enthusiasts, this article is specifically tailored for you! So should you save your Lego boxes?

It is a good idea to keep your Lego boxes as it makes it easier to keep your sets separate and also to make a nice display for your Lego collecting hobby. However, if you plan on building the Lego sets and never taking them apart again then you really don’t need to save the boxes for anything.

In the rest of the article we’ll dive headfirst into the great Lego box debate: to keep or not to keep, that is the question. By the end of this thrill ride, you’ll be armed with reasons to keep your precious Lego boxes and a treasure trove of tips if you decide to preserve them.

So buckle up, and let’s get this Lego party started!

Reasons to Keep Lego Boxes

Preservation of box art and design

You might not realize it, but Lego boxes are actually tiny masterpieces of art and design. With their vibrant colors and enticing illustrations, they can bring back a tidal wave of childhood memories.

From the moment you lay your eyes on that shiny new box, a sense of wonder and anticipation starts brewing inside you. Lego has a team of talented artists who work tirelessly to create these eye-catching designs, so why not honor their hard work by preserving their creations?

Increased resale value for collectors

For collectors and resellers, keeping Lego boxes in pristine condition can be a gold mine. Imagine this scenario: you stumble upon a rare, discontinued set at a garage sale, complete with its original box.

Your heart races as you realize that you’ve just hit the jackpot. That box alone could increase the set’s resale value by up to 30%! The collector’s market is a fickle beast, and having an intact box could mean the difference between a modest profit and an earth-shattering windfall.

Organizational benefits for large collections

As your Lego collection grows, so does the need for a well-oiled organizational system. Trust me, there’s nothing more frustrating than spending hours searching for that one elusive piece you need to complete a set.

Lego boxes can provide a practical and aesthetically pleasing way to keep your bricks sorted and at your fingertips. Plus, the thrill of opening that box again and again as you embark on new building adventures will never get old.

Keep similar sets together
Label boxes for easy identification
Stack boxes to save space

Emotional attachment to sets and boxes

There’s no denying it: we form emotional attachments to our Lego sets and their boxes. Maybe it was a gift from a loved one, or perhaps it was the set that ignited your lifelong passion for building.

There’s something magical about holding that box in your hands and being transported back to the moment when it all began. By keeping the boxes, you’re preserving a tangible piece of your personal history and keeping the memories alive.

Environmental advantages of reusing boxes

Last but not least, let’s not forget the environmental aspect. Lego boxes are made from cardboard, which is a renewable and recyclable material. Throwing them away not only contributes to landfill waste but also squanders the resources used to create them.

By reusing or repurposing the boxes, you’re doing your part to reduce waste and embrace a more sustainable lifestyle.

Ideas for repurposing Lego boxes:

Storage for other items

Crafting material for DIY projects
Gift boxes or decorative containers

Understanding the Condition of Lego Boxes

Defining box conditions: new, like new, used, and damaged

Condition	Description
New	Box is unopened, sealed, and in mint condition. Essentially, it’s as fresh as a daisy, untouched by human hands.
Like New	Box is opened but in near-perfect condition. It’s like that person who always looks flawless, even after a workout.
Used	Box shows signs of wear, but it’s still in decent shape. Think of it as that favorite pair of jeans you can’t part with – worn but still kicking.
Damaged	Box is torn, crushed, or missing pieces. It’s had a rough life, but with some tender loving care, it could potentially bounce back (or not).

Assessing box damage and deciding what can be salvaged

Before you start panicking and mourning the state of your beloved Lego boxes, take a deep breath and assess the situation. Some damage might be fixable, while other issues might be too far gone.

Here’s a handy list of box damage types and whether they’re worth salvaging:

Minor creases: If it’s just a small crease or two, you’re in luck! A bit of gentle smoothing might do the trick.
Torn corners: Depending on the extent of the damage, some clear tape or glue could potentially mend the heartbreak of a torn corner.

Water damage: Unless you possess magical water-removal powers, water damage might be a lost cause. Sorry, folks.
Crushed boxes: It’s a long shot, but you might be able to resurrect a crushed box with some careful reshaping and a whole lot of patience.

Properly storing boxes to prevent future damage

To avoid the heartache of damaged Lego boxes, it’s essential to store them properly. Here are some tips to keep your boxes in tip-top shape:

Avoid stacking too many boxes on top of each other (no one wants a Lego box pancake situation).
Keep boxes away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and warping.
Store boxes in a cool, dry place to avoid moisture damage.

Invest in protective sleeves or cases for rare or valuable boxes.

Knowing when to let go

As the old saying goes, sometimes you have to let go of the things you love. It might be tough, but if a box is beyond repair, it’s time to bid it farewell.

You can always take a moment of silence to honor its memory before tossing it in the recycling bin.

Preserving Lego Boxes for Posterity

Cleaning and maintaining box surfaces

If you want your Lego boxes to shine like the stars they are, it’s important to clean and maintain them regularly. Here’s a quick and easy process for box cleaning:

Gently dust the box with a soft, dry cloth to remove surface dirt and debris.
Use a mild soap and water solution to clean any stubborn spots or stains. Remember, you’re dealing with cardboard, not a dirty frying pan – be gentle!

Dry the box thoroughly with a clean, dry cloth to avoid water damage.

Repairing minor damage and reinforcing weak spots

As mentioned earlier, some box damage can be fixed with a little tender loving care. Don’t be afraid to bust out the clear tape, glue, or even some carefully placed reinforcement cardboard to give your boxes a new lease on life.

Just remember to always test your repair methods on a less-loved box first, as practice makes perfect!

Protecting valuable boxes with sleeves or cases

For the crème de la crème of your Lego box collection, consider investing in protective sleeves or cases to keep them safe and sound. They’ll thank you for it, trust me. Here are some options to consider:

Acrylic cases: These clear, hard cases offer top-notch protection and display capabilities. Your boxes will look like they’re on display at the Louvre (well, almost).
Plastic sleeves: A more affordable option, plastic sleeves provide a decent level of protection against dust, scratches, and minor dings.

Cardboard box protectors: These custom-fit protectors offer extra rigidity and support for your boxes, like a cozy cardboard hug.

Cataloging and tracking box conditions for collectors

If you’re serious about your Lego box collection, it’s a wise idea to keep a detailed catalog of your boxes and their conditions. It’ll make you feel like a Lego librarian!

Here are some tips for cataloging:

Use a spreadsheet or dedicated software to track box details (e.g., set number, name, condition, etc.).
Take photos of each box for visual reference and to document their condition over time.
Regularly update your catalog as you acquire new boxes or as box conditions change.

Creative Ways to Display and Repurpose Lego Boxes

Using boxes as decorative wall art

Who needs a Picasso when you’ve got Lego box art? Get creative and turn your collection into a stunning wall display that’ll be the envy of every Lego fan who lays eyes on it. Some mounting ideas include:

Shadowboxes
Floating shelves

Framed box art

Transforming boxes into storage solutions

Think outside the (Lego) box and repurpose your old containers as storage solutions for your bricks or other items. You’ll be the Martha Stewart of Lego organization!

Some storage ideas include:

Drawer dividers
Stacked shelf organizers
Wall-mounted cubbies

Upcycling boxes into unique home décor or gifts

Unleash your inner craft guru and transform your Lego boxes into one-of-a-kind home décor pieces or personalized gifts. The possibilities are endless!

Here are some upcycling ideas to get you started:

Gift boxes

Decoupage picture frames
Collage art

Creating a dedicated Lego box museum or gallery

If you’re a true Lego box aficionado, why not go all out and create a dedicated museum or gallery in your home? Showcase your collection in style with:

Custom display cases
Themed lighting
Informative plaques detailing box history and fun facts

When to Say Goodbye to Your Lego Boxes

Deciding which boxes to part with

Not all boxes are created equal, and sometimes tough decisions need to be made. Here are some criteria to help you decide which boxes to keep and which to let go:

Sentimental value
Rarity and collectibility

Overall condition
Available storage space

Responsible disposal and recycling options

When it’s time to bid farewell to your Lego boxes, be sure to do so responsibly. Here are some eco-friendly disposal options:

Recycling: Check your local recycling guidelines and ensure that you properly recycle any boxes that are no longer needed.
Donating: Consider donating unwanted boxes to schools, libraries, or community centers for arts and crafts projects.
Composting: If a box is beyond saving and can’t be recycled, you might be able to compost it in your backyard compost bin.

Selling or trading boxes with fellow collectors

One person’s trash is another person’s treasure. You never know, someone out there might be desperately searching for that very box you’re planning to toss.

Some platforms for selling or trading Lego boxes include:

Online collector forums

Social media groups
Lego conventions or meetups

Embracing the art of detachment

It’s never easy saying goodbye to something you love, but sometimes it’s necessary. Embrace the art of detachment and remember that letting go of some boxes can make room for new and exciting additions to your collection.

Plus, think of all the fun you’ll have hunting for those new treasures!

Celebrating the memories and stories attached to your boxes

As you part ways with some of your Lego boxes, take a moment to celebrate the memories and stories attached to them. Perhaps you built the set with a loved one or spent countless hours admiring the intricate box art.

Remember that the joy and experiences you shared with those boxes will always remain in your heart, even if the physical box is no longer with you.

Conclusion

So, my fellow Lego enthusiasts, should you keep your Lego boxes? The answer, like a carefully constructed Lego masterpiece, is built on many factors – from emotional attachment and collectibility to practicality and storage space.

Ultimately, the decision is yours to make. But armed with the knowledge and tips from this article, you’re now well-equipped to make an informed choice and navigate the wild, wonderful world of Lego box preservation.

Remember, whether you decide to keep your boxes or part ways with them, the most important thing is to cherish the memories and experiences that your Lego collection has brought you. After all, the true magic of Lego lies not in the cardboard boxes but in the joy of building, creating, and sharing your passion with others.

Happy building!