The Ultimate Guide to Puzzle Storage: Keeping Your Jigsaws Organized and Preserved
Assembling jigsaw puzzles is a beloved hobby for many, offering a relaxing and engaging way to challenge the mind. However, the joy of completing a beautiful puzzle can quickly turn into frustration if you lack a proper storage system. A disorganized puzzle collection not only takes up valuable space but also risks losing pieces and damaging the delicate cardboard. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a multitude of storage solutions, from simple DIY methods to specialized products, ensuring your puzzles remain pristine and ready for your next assembly session.
## Why Puzzle Storage Matters
Before diving into the how-to, let’s examine why effective puzzle storage is crucial:
* **Preservation:** Storing puzzles correctly prevents pieces from bending, tearing, or getting scratched. This maintains the integrity of the image and ensures the puzzle can be enjoyed for years to come.
* **Organization:** A dedicated storage system makes it easy to locate the puzzle you want to assemble without rummaging through disorganized boxes and bags.
* **Space Saving:** Proper storage optimizes space, preventing puzzles from cluttering shelves, closets, and other areas of your home.
* **Piece Protection:** The most obvious benefit is preventing lost puzzle pieces. A single missing piece can render an entire puzzle incomplete and unusable.
* **Convenience:** When your puzzles are well-organized, setting up and putting away a puzzle becomes a breeze.
## Preparing Your Puzzle for Storage
Before you start implementing any storage solution, you need to prepare your completed (or partially completed) puzzle for storage. This involves carefully disassembling the puzzle and taking precautions to protect the pieces:
1. **Disassembly:**
* **For Completed Puzzles:** If you’ve just finished a puzzle, gently separate the pieces. Avoid forcing them apart, as this can damage the cardboard. Work on a large, flat surface like a table or a puzzle mat.
* **For Partially Completed Puzzles:** If you want to save your progress on a puzzle and store it temporarily, consider using a puzzle mat or a roll-up mat. These mats allow you to roll up the puzzle while keeping the pieces connected. Alternatively, you can carefully slide the puzzle onto a large piece of cardboard or foam core board for transport and temporary storage.
2. **Sorting (Optional):**
* While not always necessary, sorting your puzzle pieces can make reassembling the puzzle much easier later. You can sort by color, shape, or border pieces. If you choose to sort, use multiple containers, such as resealable plastic bags, small bowls, or storage trays.
3. **Counting (Optional, but Highly Recommended):**
* Before you store the puzzle, especially if it’s a large or complex one, take the time to count the pieces. This ensures that you have all the pieces and haven’t lost any during assembly. Record the number of pieces somewhere, such as on the puzzle box or in a notebook. This will be helpful later when you retrieve the puzzle and want to confirm that all pieces are present.
4. **Addressing Missing Pieces:**
* If you discover a missing piece, don’t despair immediately. Check around the puzzle area thoroughly. It’s easy for pieces to fall onto the floor or get stuck under furniture. If you still can’t find the piece, contact the puzzle manufacturer. Some companies offer replacement pieces for a small fee or even for free. However, this service is not always available, and it may be limited to certain puzzles.
## Puzzle Storage Solutions: A Comprehensive Guide
Now that you’ve prepared your puzzle, let’s explore various storage options:
### 1. Original Puzzle Box
* **Description:** The most straightforward and often the most readily available storage solution is the original puzzle box. These boxes are designed to hold the puzzle pieces and typically feature an image of the completed puzzle for reference.
* **Pros:**
* Readily available and free.
* Provides a visual reference for the completed puzzle.
* Offers some protection for the puzzle pieces.
* **Cons:**
* Can be bulky and take up a lot of space.
* The boxes are often flimsy and prone to damage.
* The puzzle pieces can shift around inside the box, potentially getting scratched or bent.
* **How to Use:**
1. Ensure all puzzle pieces are inside the box.
2. Seal the box securely with tape or rubber bands to prevent pieces from falling out.
3. Store the box flat to prevent the puzzle pieces from shifting and to avoid putting stress on the box’s corners.
* **Enhancements:**
* **Resealable Bags:** Place the puzzle pieces inside a resealable plastic bag before putting them in the box. This will help prevent the pieces from shifting and getting scratched.
* **Cardboard Inserts:** Cut pieces of cardboard to fit inside the box and create compartments. This will further prevent the puzzle pieces from moving around.
* **Box Reinforcement:** Reinforce the box with packing tape to prevent it from tearing or collapsing.
### 2. Resealable Plastic Bags
* **Description:** A simple and cost-effective solution for storing puzzle pieces. Resealable plastic bags are available in various sizes and can be used to store individual puzzles or even sort pieces by color or shape.
* **Pros:**
* Inexpensive and readily available.
* Lightweight and easy to store.
* Protect the puzzle pieces from dust and moisture.
* Allow you to sort puzzle pieces by color, shape, or border pieces.
* **Cons:**
* Don’t provide much protection against crushing or bending.
* Can be difficult to identify the puzzle if you don’t label the bags.
* May contribute to plastic waste if not reused.
* **How to Use:**
1. Place the puzzle pieces inside a resealable plastic bag.
2. Squeeze out any excess air to minimize the bag’s volume.
3. Label the bag with the puzzle’s name, number of pieces, and any other relevant information.
4. Store the bags in a container, such as a plastic bin or a drawer.
* **Enhancements:**
* **Use Different Sized Bags:** Use smaller bags for sorting puzzle pieces by color or shape and a larger bag for storing the entire puzzle.
* **Label Clearly:** Use a permanent marker to label the bags clearly and legibly. Include the puzzle’s name, number of pieces, and a small image of the completed puzzle if possible.
* **Reinforce the Bags:** If you’re concerned about the bags tearing, reinforce them with packing tape.
### 3. Puzzle Sorting Trays
* **Description:** Puzzle sorting trays are designed to help you organize puzzle pieces by color, shape, or border pieces. They typically consist of multiple shallow trays that can be stacked or nested for easy storage.
* **Pros:**
* Help you organize puzzle pieces for easier assembly.
* Keep the puzzle pieces separate from each other, preventing them from getting scratched or damaged.
* Stackable or nestable for easy storage.
* **Cons:**
* Can be bulky and take up a lot of space.
* May not be suitable for large puzzles with many pieces.
* The trays can be flimsy and prone to cracking.
* **How to Use:**
1. Sort the puzzle pieces into the trays by color, shape, or border pieces.
2. Stack or nest the trays for easy storage.
3. Place the trays in a container or on a shelf.
* **Enhancements:**
* **Use Trays with Lids:** Choose trays that come with lids to prevent the puzzle pieces from falling out.
* **Label the Trays:** Label the trays with the color, shape, or type of pieces they contain.
* **Combine with Resealable Bags:** Use resealable bags to store the sorted puzzle pieces before placing them in the trays.
### 4. Puzzle Roll-Up Mats
* **Description:** Puzzle roll-up mats are designed to allow you to store partially completed puzzles without disassembling them. They typically consist of a felt mat and an inflatable tube that you use to roll up the mat and secure the puzzle pieces.
* **Pros:**
* Allow you to store partially completed puzzles without disassembling them.
* Protect the puzzle pieces from dust and damage.
* Portable and easy to transport.
* **Cons:**
* May not be suitable for very large or complex puzzles.
* The puzzle pieces can shift around during transport.
* The mat can be difficult to roll up tightly.
* **How to Use:**
1. Place the partially completed puzzle on the felt mat.
2. Inflate the tube and place it at one end of the mat.
3. Roll up the mat tightly, making sure the puzzle pieces stay in place.
4. Secure the rolled-up mat with the straps provided.
* **Enhancements:**
* **Use a Sturdy Mat:** Choose a mat made of thick, high-quality felt to prevent the puzzle pieces from shifting.
* **Roll Up Tightly:** Roll up the mat as tightly as possible to keep the puzzle pieces secure.
* **Secure with Extra Straps:** Use extra straps or rubber bands to secure the rolled-up mat.
### 5. Puzzle Keeper Boxes
* **Description:** Puzzle keeper boxes are specially designed storage containers for jigsaw puzzles. They are typically made of durable cardboard or plastic and feature dividers to keep the puzzle pieces organized.
* **Pros:**
* Durable and protective.
* Keep the puzzle pieces organized with dividers.
* Available in various sizes to accommodate different puzzle sizes.
* **Cons:**
* Can be more expensive than other storage solutions.
* May take up more space than other options.
* The dividers may not be adjustable to fit all puzzle piece sizes.
* **How to Use:**
1. Disassemble the puzzle and sort the pieces (optional).
2. Place the puzzle pieces in the compartments of the puzzle keeper box.
3. Close the box securely.
4. Store the box on a shelf or in a closet.
* **Enhancements:**
* **Choose a Box with Adjustable Dividers:** Opt for a puzzle keeper box with adjustable dividers to customize the compartments to fit your puzzle pieces.
* **Label the Box:** Label the box with the puzzle’s name and number of pieces.
* **Line the Compartments:** Line the compartments with felt or foam to protect the puzzle pieces from scratches.
### 6. Puzzle Storage Cases
* **Description:** Puzzle storage cases are similar to puzzle keeper boxes, but they are typically made of more durable materials, such as plastic or wood. They often feature handles for easy carrying and may include additional features, such as built-in sorting trays.
* **Pros:**
* Very durable and protective.
* Easy to carry and transport.
* May include built-in sorting trays.
* **Cons:**
* The most expensive storage option.
* Can be bulky and take up a lot of space.
* May not be necessary for smaller or less valuable puzzles.
* **How to Use:**
1. Disassemble the puzzle and sort the pieces (optional).
2. Place the puzzle pieces in the compartments of the puzzle storage case or in the built-in sorting trays.
3. Close the case securely.
4. Carry the case using the handle or store it on a shelf or in a closet.
* **Enhancements:**
* **Choose a Case with a Secure Closure:** Select a case with a secure closure to prevent the puzzle pieces from falling out during transport.
* **Look for a Case with Padding:** Choose a case with padding to protect the puzzle pieces from bumps and scratches.
* **Customize the Interior:** Add your own dividers or foam inserts to customize the interior of the case to fit your specific puzzle needs.
### 7. DIY Puzzle Storage Solutions
If you’re on a budget or enjoy crafting, you can create your own puzzle storage solutions using readily available materials:
* **Cardboard Boxes:** Repurpose cardboard boxes from shipping or other household items. Cut them to the desired size and shape, and create compartments using cardboard dividers.
* **Fabric Bags:** Sew fabric bags from old clothing or scraps of fabric. These bags are lightweight and can be easily stored in drawers or on shelves.
* **Plastic Containers:** Use plastic containers from food storage or other household items. These containers are durable and can protect the puzzle pieces from moisture and dust.
* **Binders and Sheet Protectors:** Store puzzle pieces in sheet protectors inside a binder. This is a great way to organize smaller puzzles or individual puzzle pieces.
### 8. Digital Storage (For the Truly Creative)
* **Description:** While not traditional, you can digitally preserve your completed puzzles. This involves taking high-resolution photographs of your assembled puzzle and storing them on your computer, tablet, or smartphone. You can then use these images as wallpapers, screensavers, or even print them out and create a puzzle-themed photo album.
* **Pros:**
* Saves physical space.
* Allows you to easily share your completed puzzles with others.
* Provides a permanent record of your puzzle accomplishments.
* **Cons:**
* Doesn’t allow you to physically reassemble the puzzle.
* Requires taking high-quality photographs.
* Relies on technology and digital storage.
* **How to Use:**
1. Assemble the puzzle on a flat surface with good lighting.
2. Take several high-resolution photographs of the completed puzzle from different angles.
3. Edit the photos to remove any blemishes or imperfections.
4. Save the photos on your computer, tablet, or smartphone.
5. Organize the photos into folders or albums.
## Tips for Maintaining Your Puzzle Collection
In addition to choosing the right storage solutions, here are some tips for maintaining your puzzle collection:
* **Keep Puzzles Away from Direct Sunlight:** Sunlight can fade the colors of the puzzle pieces over time. Store your puzzles in a dark or shaded area.
* **Protect Puzzles from Moisture:** Moisture can damage the cardboard and cause the puzzle pieces to warp. Store your puzzles in a dry place.
* **Handle Puzzles with Care:** Avoid bending or tearing the puzzle pieces. Handle them gently and avoid forcing them together.
* **Inspect Puzzles Regularly:** Check your puzzles regularly for any signs of damage, such as missing pieces or warped cardboard. Repair any damage as soon as possible.
* **Rotate Your Puzzle Collection:** To prevent boredom, rotate your puzzle collection regularly. Put away puzzles that you’ve assembled recently and bring out puzzles that you haven’t assembled in a while.
## Finding the Right Puzzle Storage Solution for You
The best puzzle storage solution for you will depend on several factors, including:
* **The Size of Your Puzzle Collection:** If you have a large puzzle collection, you’ll need a more comprehensive storage system than if you have a small collection.
* **The Size of Your Puzzles:** Larger puzzles will require larger storage containers.
* **Your Budget:** Puzzle storage solutions range in price from inexpensive resealable bags to expensive puzzle storage cases.
* **Your Available Space:** Consider how much space you have available for storing your puzzles.
* **Your Personal Preferences:** Choose a storage solution that you find easy to use and that fits your organizational style.
By considering these factors and following the tips in this guide, you can create a puzzle storage system that will keep your puzzles organized, protected, and ready for your next assembly session. Enjoy your puzzling journey!