Years ago, when LEGO first started, it was a rather basic building toy. Fast forward 80 years and LEGO is one of the most popular toys in the world, with clubs, conventions, and adoring fans everywhere. Many adults today also enjoy building with LEGO , and older sets are coveted for their nostalgic, and monetary, value. This article is a continuation of “Are My LEGO Sets Valuable? A Guide to Finding and Storing LEGO Bricks” where we gave some excellent tips for finding, and storing, valuable LEGO sets. If you want more tips for building a LEGO collection for fun, value, or profit, read on!
Utilize Facebook Marketplace
Hundreds, if not thousands, of LEGO listings are posted daily on Facebook Marketplace (FBM). That includes collections of varying sizes, ages, and LEGO themes. Some are overpriced, but many are very reasonable and have valuable classic parts and sets.
Here’s what makes FBM one of the best places to find valuable LEGO sets and minifigures:
- It’s easy to scroll and scan dozens of listings.
- New listings are posted every day.
- Many sellers ask very reasonable prices.
- It’s local, so easy to visit, inspect, and get the LEGO parts.
- Every so often, a really nice set gets listed on FBM.
- You can build a parts collection for a reasonable price.
- Many people still have the original boxes and instructions.
- Prices are often better than eBay.
- Classic parts from as far back as the 1970’s can sometimes be found.
Not every bin of used LEGO will have highly valuable sets, of course. However, if you know your LEGO , look often, and buy with care, FBM can be a valuable source of coveted LEGO sets.
Join a LEGO LUG
There are LEGO groups around the United States called LUGs (LEGO Users Group). These can be a great source for information, advice, and valuable LEGO parts and sets. Plus, they’re a wonderful way to share the hobby with like-minded LEGO enthusiasts!
Go to LEGO Conventions
LEGO conventions (CONs) are held all over the country throughout the year. Here you’ll find everything from new sets to classic, minifigures, MOCs, and more. Although some dealers set their prices high, you’ll often find sets and parts at fair, even excellent, prices. Plus, LEGO conventions are a ton of fun and camaraderie!
How To Identify Rare and Valuable LEGO Bricks, Parts, and Pieces
Identifying a particular LEGO part can help you find out if that part has a high value, or comes from a high value LEGO set. That knowledge can also help you, for example, rebuild a valuable set from a bin of LEGO parts you just purchased.
The way to identify a specific part is, in most cases, very simple; look for the LEGO part number embossed on the part. The vast majority of LEGO parts have their part number somewhere. You just need to find it. Here’s how:
- Get a magnifying glass, or use a magnifying app
- Look for the part number on the bottom of the part
- The number will usually be near the edge, centered to the side its on
- The LEGO logo and © are unimportant, but are usually close to the part number
- Most part numbers are 4 or 5 characters in length, maximum
Once you’ve got the part number, you can go to Bricklink and find out what sets the part comes from. Be aware, most parts are found in several different sets.
Tips for Storing LEGO Sets Long Term
Finding valuable LEGO sets, parts, and minifigures is one thing. To help preserve their value, you need to know how to store them correctly. After all, like any collectible, the more pristine a LEGO set, the more valuable it will be. That starts with proper storage, especially if you’re planning to store your LEGO long-term.
Stack Same Size LEGO Boxes Together
A LEGO set in an unopened box is, in most cases, the most valuable condition. If you collect sealed boxes, be sure to stack the same size boxes together for storage. If you, for example, stack small boxes on top of larger boxes, the larger box might get creased, smashed, or otherwise damaged.
Take Apart LEGO Sets that Have Been Assembled
Over time LEGOs’ “clutch power” can fade. Parts then become loose and tend to drop off and get lost. Some even fail completely. If you’re going to store sets long-term, taking them apart will prevent this loss of clutch power. Plus, you’ll have the joy of building them again when you take them out of storage!
Use Mirror Boxes to Store Flattened LEGO Boxes
Many folks like to build and display their LEGO sets but still keep the boxes. Of course, after a while, all those empty boxes could take up a lot of storage space.
To avoid that, cut the tape and fold your LEGO boxes flat. Then, store them as you go in a telescoping mirror box. You can fit 20 to 30 large LEGO boxes inside one mirror box, and take up much less space! Be sure to place like-size boxes together.
Store Instruction Books in Book Boxes
One LEGO instruction book isn’t going to weigh all that much, it’s true. If, however, you have 100, 200, or even more instruction books, they can weigh a lot!
For that reason, storing instruction books in 1.5 cubic foot book boxes is recommended. A book carton filled with LEGO instructions will weigh about 35 pounds. That’s not light, but it isn’t going to be impossible to move when needed, either.
Store Your LEGOs with NSA Storage
LEGO can be fun, engaging, and financially rewarding. With a little effort and due diligence (and a smidge of luck) you can create an impressive, valuable LEGO collection.
If you buy and sell a lot of LEGO, a storage unit from NSA Storage can come in very handy. Our storage units are clean, so your LEGO sets stay clean. They’re also safe and secure, so you can visit, organize, exchange, and store your LEGO without hesitation.
Reserve a storage unit online today and you can use it right away to keep your collection of LEGO in safe, pristine condition. Until then, best of luck finding your next valuable LEGO set!
