Should You Save LEGO Boxes? A Guide for Collectors and Builders
When it comes to LEGO, the decision to keep or discard the boxes can be surprisingly complex. As a LEGO enthusiast, you’ve probably asked yourself whether those beautifully designed boxes are worth the storage space they take up. Let's explore the pros and cons of saving LEGO boxes to help you decide what's best for your collection.
Why You Might Want to Keep LEGO Boxes
Collectibility and Resale Value:
Enhanced Value: For collectors, the original box can significantly boost the resale value of a LEGO set. Some buyers consider the box a vital part of the set, especially if it’s in good condition. Limited-edition sets, in particular, can command higher prices when sold with their original packaging.
Complete Experience: The box is part of the full LEGO experience. From the moment you open the box, there’s a unique thrill, especially with sets that have special artwork or design elements. Keeping the box allows you to relive that moment or pass it on to someone else.
Storage and Organization:
Safe Storage: If you’re not displaying your sets and want to store them safely, the original box can be a good option. It’s designed to fit the pieces perfectly and can protect them from dust and damage.
Organization: For those who like to switch out displays, keeping the boxes can help with organization. You can store disassembled sets back in their original boxes, making it easier to find specific sets when you want to rebuild them.
Nostalgia and Sentimentality:
Personal Memories: For some, LEGO boxes hold sentimental value. They remind you of the excitement of opening a new set, or they may represent a special occasion like a birthday or holiday.
Display: Some collectors enjoy displaying their LEGO boxes as part of their overall collection. The artwork and design can add to the aesthetic appeal of a LEGO room or display area.
Reasons You Might Discard LEGO Boxes
Space Consumption:
Bulky Storage: LEGO boxes, especially for large sets, can take up a significant amount of space. If you’re limited on storage, you might prefer to use that space for more LEGO sets, rather than empty boxes.
Efficient Organization: Without the boxes, you can store LEGO pieces in bins or drawers that take up less space and are easier to organize by part type or color.
Clutter Reduction:
Minimalism: If you prefer a clutter-free environment, discarding the boxes can help. Empty boxes can pile up quickly, and if you’re not planning on reselling the sets, they may just become unnecessary clutter.
Sustainability: Recycling the boxes instead of storing them contributes to reducing waste, especially if you don’t foresee any future use for them.
Digital Alternatives:
Instruction Manuals: With LEGO instructions available online, you don’t necessarily need the box to rebuild a set. This is particularly helpful if you’re trying to reduce the physical space your collection occupies.
Photographs and Scans: If you love the artwork or information on the box, you can always take high-quality photos or scans before discarding them. This way, you keep the memories without the physical bulk.
Making the Decision: To Keep or Not to Keep?
Ultimately, the choice to save LEGO boxes or not depends on your personal priorities and space constraints. If you’re a collector looking to maintain or increase the value of your sets, keeping the boxes might be the best option. However, if you’re more focused on the building experience and maximizing space, it might be time to let go of those empty boxes.
Whether you decide to keep them or toss them, remember that there’s no right or wrong choice—it’s all about what works best for you and your LEGO passion.
