Studies show that solving jigsaw puzzles is good for your brain. Because anything that challenges your memory is good for you. You develop your problem-solving skills, and it can be stress-reducing as well. That is if you’re not being too ambitious for your own good (don’t start with a 1,000-piece puzzle!).
When you are a fervent puzzler (or when your kids are), you’ve probably accumulated a lot of jigsaw puzzles and their boxes over the years. How do you store such a puzzle collection? Don’t worry, I’ve got some amazing storage ideas for puzzles that will help keep all your pieces organized.
Keep reading to learn more about some of the best ways to keep your pile of puzzles sorted, so your game storage closet always looks neat!
Best Puzzle Storage Solutions
Puzzles can be messy and disorganized if left unchecked, but with some creative ideas, you can have them organized in no time. Read on for the best ideas you can implement to keep your prized game collection sorted at all times!
1. Declutter Before You Start Organizing
Before you start organizing your puzzle collection, it’s wise to declutter. This means getting rid of puzzles with missing pieces, or that are too worn out or even have broken pieces. If you have multiple puzzles, consider taking out the pieces of each, and storing them in a different organizer than the original (bulky) box it came in. When you cut out the image and store it together with the pieces, you’ll need much less space.
If you have multiple larger puzzles like wooden kid puzzles or 1000-piece puzzles, try to consolidate them in one box or shelf and dispose of the individual boxes they came in.
When you or your kids have outgrown puzzles, consider donating them to your local school, thrift store, or retirement home.
Downsizing your collection is a huge space saver as you’ll now be able to arrange your full-sized jigsaw puzzles, puzzle pictures, and beautiful puzzle artwork without cramming the cupboard or cabinet.
Decluttering your puzzles will give you a better idea of what you have, so you can store only the ones you’ll like and you or your kids still use.
2. Get Storage Containers For Different Sized Puzzles
Having the right storage containers for your puzzles is essential if you want to keep things decluttered. According to your available storage space, you should get containers or storage solutions in different sizes to store the different-sized puzzles.
You may want larger containers for chunky puzzle boards or your huge jigsaw puzzle range to keep all pieces easily accessible. This way you don’t have to search through a jumbled mess of pieces every time you want to put together a new puzzle. This way, your puzzles will stay neatly organized and ready for hours of fun!
Keeping finished puzzles sorted by size, color, or shape allows you to pull out the specific pieces needed without digging through an unsorted pile. Open-top boxes also allow quick access to your puzzle pieces when you need them while providing easy storage and organization when they are not in use.
Also, if these boxes have clear sides and lids, you can easily identify each puzzle at a glance.
Here are some other smart ideas you can try to keep your puzzles well-categorized.
Mesh Pouches For Puzzle Pieces
Not a fan of transparent containers that crowd your game shelf? We have a solution – puzzle pouches. Mesh pouches provide a compact way to store wooden puzzle racks if you don’t have stackable puzzle trays.
Unlike rigid containers or boxes, which may take up more space, mesh pouches can be quickly rolled up and stored in a much smaller area when not in use.
They also let you track each piece with their transparent material and secure drawstring closure. Mesh pouches come in various sizes, styles, colors, and materials, so you can find one that fits your puzzle-storing needs no matter the size or shape of the pieces you have.
For those who don’t have enough room for traditional storage containers, mesh pouches are a savvy alternative.
A Puzzle Board or Plateau For Frame Puzzles
A puzzle plateau with side drawers is an ideal solution for a dedicated puzzle solver and is the perfect mix of form and function. This plateau provides plenty of space to solve your favorite puzzles, while the side drawers give you a secure place for all your pieces.
The wooden versions of these plateaus have a professional appearance and superior protection from dust and other elements that could damage your puzzles over time.
Adding drawers allows you to store pieces from multiple puzzles in one convenient place, making life a whole lot easier when it comes to keeping track of all those tiny pieces.
So if you want a portable puzzle board that keeps your board game pieces accessible, a plateau should be your next purchase. You can also use this board for card games when there’s limited cupboard space, and you want things to remain mess-free.
A Separate Cupboard For Larger Puzzles or For Massive Puzzle Collections
If you’re serious about organizing your puzzles and keeping them well-categorized, a separate puzzle cupboard in your game or living room makes total sense.
This closet will allow you to section off areas for jigsaw puzzles, beach puzzles, board games, and more to make it easy to find the right pieces when needed.
Not only that, it will keep things orderly and out of reach from young hands. Sure, this hack for puzzle storage is expensive, but if you want to enjoy your puzzle-solving hobby to the fullest, go for it.
A Roll-Up Matt For Puzzles
If you’re looking for an effective solution to store and organize puzzles, a roll-up mat is a great way to go. This simple hack requires only a few supplies – namely, the matt and something to secure it with (such as a strap or elastic band).
To start, lay out all your puzzle pieces on the mat in order of similarity, allowing easy sorting. Then, roll up the matt carefully, ensuring all pieces are secured.
To ensure your puzzles stay safe and organized, secure the rolled-up mat with a strap or elastic band before storing it in an accessible location. With this hack, you’ll have easier access to your puzzles when needed – all while preserving the longevity and quality of your collection!
Rounding Up
Organization is key if you love solving puzzles and wish to enjoy this hobby for long. Utilizing one of the techniques we described above can help reduce stress and frustration while keeping your workspace organized.
Not only will this create an enjoyable atmosphere to assemble your puzzle. But once completed, your masterpiece will be displayed in a way that brings a sense of accomplishment.
Whether you prefer displaying them in an open view or getting special sorting trays and roll-up mats, these ideas provide ample opportunity for finding an organizational system that works perfectly with your lifestyle and tastes. Give one a try today!
FAQ’s
How do you preserve a 1000-piece puzzle?
To preserve a 1000-piece puzzle, you can use an acid- and lignin-free storage box to keep the pieces safe from dust and humidity.
A flat backing board and acid-free tape will let you securely roll up the completed puzzle and store it in the box without taking up too much blank space.
How do you store completed puzzles?
Storing completed puzzles can vary depending on the size of the puzzle and the number of pieces. One option is to use an archival-grade storage box with a lid, which makes it easy to stack several puzzles together and keep them protected from dust and humidity.
For larger puzzles, you can also invest in a jigsaw roll mat, which allows you to roll up your completed puzzle for easy storage without taking up too much space.
Is it better to glue or tape a completed puzzle?
Glue and tape are both suitable for preserving a completed puzzle, but the choice depends on personal preference.
Glue can be messy and requires more time to dry and finish, while the tape is quick and easy to apply.
If you decide to go with glue, buy acid-free glue so it doesn’t damage your puzzle pieces over time.
How do you frame a puzzle without ruining it?
Framing a puzzle can be tricky, but it is possible without ruining it. You’ll need a high-quality frame to put your puzzle in, as well as matting and backing.
To avoid damaging your puzzle pieces, apply an adhesive to the back before placing it into the frame. This will hold the pieces together without adversely affecting them.
Additionally, when fitting the frame, put it a few millimeters away from the puzzle itself so that no pressure is placed on any part of it.
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