Your LEGO collection has grown beyond one storage bin—maybe beyond five. Every build becomes an excavation mission, digging through thousands of pieces for that one specific brick you know you have somewhere. There’s a better way.
The right sorting system transforms chaotic brick piles into an organized workspace where you can find any piece in seconds. After years of trial and error (and watching my own collection grow from hundreds to tens of thousands of pieces), I’ve identified five sorting methods that actually work—each suited to different collection sizes and building styles.
Quick Answer: Which Method Is Right for You?
Sort by part type if you build MOCs and need to find specific pieces quickly. This is the method most serious builders swear by. If you’re primarily rebuilding official sets, consider sorting by set instead. And if your collection is still small (under 5,000 pieces), rough sorting by category might be all you need.
The 5 Proven LEGO Sorting Methods
Method 1: Sort by Part Type (Best for MOC Builders)
This is the gold standard for builders who create their own designs. Instead of organizing by color (which feels intuitive but doesn’t work well), you group pieces by their type: all 2×4 bricks together, all 1×2 plates together, all cheese slopes together.
Why it works: When you need a 2×6 plate in red, your brain can scan colors quickly. But ask your brain to scan mixed shapes for something specific? That’s where it struggles. In a drawer of mixed 2×6 plates, the red one jumps out immediately.
How to implement it:
- Start with broad categories: Bricks, Plates, Tiles, Slopes, Technic, Special Elements
- Within each category, separate by size (1-wide, 2-wide, larger)
- Break down further as categories grow too large to scan quickly
- Keep related pieces near each other (all slopes in adjacent drawers)
Ideal for: Collections over 10,000 pieces, MOC builders, anyone who wants to minimize hunting time.
Method 2: Sort by Color (For Display Builders)
Sorting by color gets criticized often, but it has legitimate uses—specifically for builders who work with color-controlled palettes or create display pieces where aesthetics matter most.
Why it can work: If you’re building something in medium azure and white only, having all medium azure pieces together lets you see your full palette at once. It’s also visually satisfying—your storage becomes almost decorative.
The limitations: Finding specific pieces takes longer because you’re scanning shapes instead of colors. This method works better for smaller collections or when combined with another system.
How to implement it:
- Group pieces into color families (grays, blues, warm colors, etc.)
- Within each color, loosely separate by piece size
- Accept that building will involve some digging
Ideal for: Smaller collections (under 5,000 pieces), display-focused builders, those who prioritize aesthetics over speed.
Method 3: Sort by Set (For Rebuilders)
If you love rebuilding official LEGO sets—maybe you have favorites you build every holiday season, or you enjoy the meditative process of following instructions—sorting by set makes perfect sense.
Why it works: Rebuilding a set becomes nearly as smooth as the first build. You’re not hunting through sorted bins; everything you need is already together.
How to implement it:
- After completing a set, bag all pieces together
- Store instruction booklets with the bags (or photograph them)
- Label bags clearly with set name and number
- Keep sets from similar themes together
Ideal for: Collectors who rebuild sets, families with kids who want to follow instructions, anyone with limited building space who rotates displays.
Method 4: Hybrid System (Part Type + Color)
This method combines the best of both worlds: sort primarily by part type, but for extremely common pieces, add a secondary color sort.
Why it works: Your basic bricks (2×4, 2×2) and plates (2×4, 1×4) accumulate in enormous quantities. When you have hundreds of 2×4 bricks, even scanning by color becomes slow. Breaking these down further speeds up building significantly.
How to implement it:
- Sort everything by part type first
- Identify your most common pieces (usually basic bricks and plates)
- Subdivide only those categories by color
- Keep specialty pieces sorted by type only
Ideal for: Large collections (20,000+ pieces), builders who work with basic elements frequently, anyone who has already tried pure part-type sorting and wants refinement.
Method 5: Rough Category Sort (For Beginners)
If you’re just starting to organize, don’t overthink it. A rough category sort gets you 80% of the benefits with 20% of the effort.
Why it works: The biggest improvement comes from not having everything mixed together. Even broad categories—Bricks, Plates, Technic, Minifigure Parts, Everything Else—dramatically reduce hunting time.
How to implement it:
- Get 4-6 containers of equal size
- Label them with broad categories
- Sort your collection in one session
- Refine categories as needed over time
Ideal for: Collections under 5,000 pieces, new builders, anyone who wants to improve organization without committing major time.
Choosing Your Storage Containers
The right containers matter almost as much as the sorting method. Here’s what experienced builders recommend:
Drawer Systems
Plastic drawer units (like those from Sterilite, IRIS, or Akro-Mils) are the most popular choice. They let you see contents at a glance and access pieces quickly. The Akro-Mils 64-drawer cabinet is practically an industry standard among AFOL (Adult Fan of LEGO) builders.
Pros: Quick access, visible contents, stackable, relatively affordable
Cons: Takes up space, not easily portable
Ziplock Bags
For tight budgets or limited space, sorted ziplock bags stored in larger containers work surprisingly well. Label each bag with its contents.
Pros: Cheap, flexible, portable, easy to subdivide
Cons: Less durable, harder to browse, requires additional organization for the bags themselves
Tackle Boxes and Craft Organizers
These portable solutions work well for smaller collections or for builders who work in different locations.
Pros: Portable, compartments prevent mixing, good for small parts
Cons: Limited capacity, compartments can be awkward sizes for LEGO
Storage Tips
- Buy uniform containers—they stack better and let you rearrange freely
- Don’t over-buy initially—your sorting needs will evolve
- Leave room to grow—fill containers about 75% full
- Store in a temperature-stable area—extreme temperatures can affect plastic
Common Sorting Mistakes to Avoid
Over-Sorting Too Early
I’ve seen new builders create 200+ categories before they understand what they actually need. Start broad, then subdivide as specific categories become too large. You’ll learn where granularity helps through actual building.
Sorting Colors You Don’t Have Much Of
If you have 10 dark orange pieces total, they don’t need their own drawer. Group rare colors together until quantities justify separation.
Ignoring the “Unsorted” Pile
Create an “inbox” for newly acquired pieces. Sort them in batches rather than one-by-one as they arrive. This keeps small acquisitions from derailing building sessions.
Forgetting About Minifigures
Minifigure parts need their own system—torsos, legs, heads, accessories, hair/hats. They don’t fit neatly into brick-focused categories, and they’re often what you’re hunting for most frequently.
The Sorting Process: Step by Step
Ready to sort? Here’s how to approach it efficiently:
- Set aside adequate time—expect roughly 1 hour per 2,000 pieces for initial sorting
- Create your category containers first—label them before you start
- Work in batches—don’t try to sort everything in one marathon session
- Handle each piece once—pick it up, identify it, place it in its category
- Play music or podcasts—sorting is meditative but repetitive; entertainment helps
- Refine as you go—if a category fills up, split it immediately rather than waiting
For very large collections, consider spreading the process over several sessions. Sorting fatigue leads to mistakes.
Maintaining Your System
A sorting system only works if you maintain it. Build these habits:
- Sort after every build—return pieces to their homes immediately
- Process your inbox regularly—don’t let new acquisitions pile up
- Adjust as needed—your system should evolve with your collection and building style
- Keep your building area separate—don’t let “active” pieces contaminate sorted storage
If you’re looking for inspiration on sets to build once you’re organized, check out our guide to the best LEGO sets for movie fans for some display-worthy builds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to sort a LEGO collection?
Expect roughly 1 hour per 2,000 pieces for a basic sort. Highly detailed sorting (small categories, hybrid systems) can double that time. Don’t rush—accuracy matters more than speed.
Should I sort Technic pieces differently?
Yes. Technic elements have their own logic: beams by hole count, connectors by type, axles by length, gears by tooth count. Keep them separate from standard bricks entirely.
What about pieces from sets I might want to sell?
If there’s any chance you’ll sell a set, keep those pieces bagged separately with instructions. Complete sets with all pieces sell for significantly more than parted-out collections.
How do I handle pieces I can’t identify?
BrickLink’s catalog includes every LEGO piece ever made. Search by color and approximate shape, or use their “Part Out” feature on specific sets you own. There’s also r/lego on Reddit for help identifying unusual pieces.
Is it worth sorting a mixed bulk lot?
Usually yes, but first remove non-LEGO elements (they’re more common in bulk lots than you’d expect) and wash everything. Then sort in stages—rough categories first, finer sorting as you have time.
Final Thoughts
The perfect sorting system is the one you’ll actually maintain. Start simpler than you think you need, add complexity as your collection grows and you understand your building patterns, and don’t let perfect be the enemy of good.
A roughly sorted collection beats an unsorted one by miles. Even if your system isn’t optimal, you’ll build faster, enjoy the process more, and waste less time hunting through mixed bins. That time savings adds up to more actual building—which is the whole point.
Now that you know how to organize your collection, consider exploring some advanced building tips to take your MOCs to the next level. Or if you’re looking to expand your collection, our guide to LEGO sets for different skill levels can help you find your next build.
