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I have some LEGO bricks which are probably about 10 years old. They've neither changed color in any way nor dried out or anything, so it seems to be as stable as ever.

How should I store them so that my own children (and maybe their children) can play with them?

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You are at a site where we do NOT store the LEGO but still play with it :) – mplungjan Oct 26 '11 at 12:50
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Indeed, keep playing, and don't make children. Keep your bricks for yourself. – Joubarc♦ Oct 26 '11 at 14:51
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Have you tried carbonite? It does wonder at protecting space smugglers from harm. – jfyelle Dec 13 '11 at 22:23

3 Answers

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  • Fading — Keep bricks away from natural light to avoid colour fading. (Models in Legoland Miniland are subjected to year-round weather. The chemicals in the plastic bricks are broken down by UV light.)
  • Heat — Keep bricks at room temperature in a dry place (like a cupboard). The melting point of a brick shouldn't be a concern 105 °C (221 °F).
  • Dust — Store bricks in air-tight containers. Dust is notoriously difficult to clean, especially around the studs of a brick. Whilst dust has no serious long-term effects on Lego, it saves a lot of time cleaning the bricks in the future.
  • Stickers — How should I store unused stickers?

I'd save these last two points for LEGO merchants or casual online shoppers:

  • Smoke — Keep bricks away from cigarette smoke — it can be very hard to remove from bricks, and may discolour them as well as leaving a faint odour.
  • Pet Hair — If you plan on selling your LEGO bricks in the future, you may find some buyers have allergies to certain pets.
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Yep, I can safely state that my LEGO bricks had been stored in a collection of cardboard boxes in both my parent's and then my own loft and are now enjoying a new life with my kids :) The only things that have not survived are the rubber bands and some of the older pneumatic tubes. – Zhaph - Ben Duguid♦ Jan 24 '12 at 21:57
Seconded. I stored mine in a metal can for 8 years in a metal can, and then for another 7 or so years in a paper ream box and it stored pretty well. I would also point out that smoke wasn't issue for me (my parents smoke), but then again, it had a LONG time to clear out. I'm pretty sure I kept the bricks relatively cool, they were never in an attic or garage. – altCognito Mar 24 '12 at 11:02
up vote 9 down vote

Store them in a place with no direct sunlight shining on the block to avoid bleaching. Also, make sure it isn't getting too warm (>50°C) - that's about all, the standard LEGO bricks consist of ABS, which is very robust.

In conclusion, the ideal place is dark and has as least fluctuation in temperature as possible: put your LEGO in a box/chest and store it in your basement/cupboard.

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Will humidity affect the blocks? – fredley Oct 26 '11 at 10:42
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since ABS isn't soluble in water this shouldn't have any effect. the only way i can think of is very humid air in combination with freezing temeratures wich could cause damage, but i'm nut sure about that. as long as you don't reach extreme conditions (wich shouldn't occur in a cubby anyway) theres no problem. – oezi Oct 26 '11 at 10:53
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LEGO vampire minifigs in particular must NOT be exposed to direct sunlight. – Joubarc♦ Oct 26 '11 at 14:50
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Humidity may be an issue for LEGO bricks with electronic functions, pneumatic cylinders and the older wheel bricks with metal axels. – Danny Staple Oct 29 '11 at 7:06
up vote 4 down vote

My first LEGO set was a police station I think from 1976 where I was 2½ years old. This and many other bricks (have around 50-60kg) have been stored in cardboard boxes, in the attic for years and now my son and I are playing with them to great fun for the both of us.

Some of the bricks have some wear and tear, but overall the majority is looking just as fine as new ;o)

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