1. Building a LEGO collection (on the cheap). --Shannon K
Building a LEGO collection (on the cheap) Shannon K. Basher, Douglas County Libraries
For under $200:
23 lbs of (used) bricks $97
10 NEW base plates $35
NEW 1000 Wonderbricks $32
Storage Containers $15
$ (minifigures NOT included)
(also does not include your time, effort, and laundry expenses)

2. Baseplates Strictly Bricks LEGO $35 - 10 plates (10” x 10”)
$ plate (10” x 10”)

3. Bricks LEGO - Classic set $60 / $49 on Amazon 790 pieces
2.2 lbs. ($27.27/lb / $22.27/lb)
Big and small pieces, some specialty
Wonderbricks - $31.95 on Amazon
1000 pieces
3.2 lbs ($9.98/lb)
Mostly big pieces, 60 roof pieces

4. Bricks – used ( Yes, USED….)
Goodwill Online Auctions
22.5 lbs of gently used LEGOs - $ ($67.66 bid + taxes/shipping)
$4.23 / lb!
Not always cheapest for minifigures
E-Bay
$9 - $16 / lb used
Most sellers have free shipping
Some sellers have cleaned bricks
Some sellers have decent minifigure prices

5. Cleaning used bricks You will need:
Lingerie bags / mesh zippered bags / pillow cases & string
Washing machine, detergent, bleach (optional)
Towels, large flat surface, fan(s)
(time)
Process:
Washing:
I used a front loading washer
3 bags of bricks at a time - not packed, enough room to move
CHECK THE ZIPPER
Add towels or other shock absorbing items
Use normal amt of detergent, bleach optional (1 tbsp/gal)
Use a cycle with low spin
Have a bucket or basket nearby to move to drying area- bags will be drippy
Drying:
Spread out to dry with fans - no heat
Lay out towels across a large water-proof surface (table or counter-top).
Spread out LEGOs in a single layer. Aim fans at bricks and get drying!
You will want to turn bricks a few times to get water out of pockets and get completely dry.

6. What else do I need? Minifigures (the most expensive component)
Good starting place is the LEGO City “Fun in the Park – City People Pack” 60134
(10 adults, 4 kids, 1 infant, dog & cool accessories)
$29 on Amazon / Target
Specialty Pieces
LEGO Store –
Pick a Brick Wall at LEGO store ($9 / $16 cups)*
OR website
Storage Containers – wide variety
I chose flat scrapbooking boxes for ease of storage and sorting
Costco 5/$13
Michaels $3.99 on sale, or add coupons
Totes are also great!

7. Favorite find - Denver Goodwill
LEGO Friends Sunshine Ranch (discontinued)
$55-$110
Denver Goodwill - online auctions
No box or instructions, but able to get PDF