How to Store Jigsaw Puzzles
Store your jigsaw puzzles to protect them from harmful elements. Damp, heat and cold may adversely affect your partially completed puzzle. Because it is important to maintain the original integrity of puzzle pieces, storing them in controlled environments is recommended. Proper storage should be addressed even before you begin working on a new puzzle.
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Things You'll Need
- Custom storage box (optional)
- Original puzzle box
- Resealable plastic bags or plastic kitchen storage bowls with lids
- Wooden drawer unit (optional)
- Small plastic box used for fishing tackle
Instructions
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Select a Storage Unit
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Store loose puzzle pieces in air-tight, resealable plastic bags or plastic kitchen storage bowls with lids that seal tightly. This will prevent moisture from disturbing the shape and fit of the individual pieces.
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Purchase a small plastic box used for fishing tackle to store loose jigsaw pieces from multiple puzzles if you like to work on several puzzles at once.
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Reserve empty drawers for partially finished puzzles. Find them in the kitchen or in your bedroom chest of drawers. You may wish to roll your puzzle up in a puzzle mat first.
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Place your partially finished jigsaw puzzle on an empty kitchen shelf. This will protect the puzzle from dust and water as well as human-related accidents.
Opt for Puzzle-Specific Storage Units
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Find special storage units designed specifically for holding jigsaw puzzles at an online resource like Best-child-toys (see resources below). They are usually available in wood or plastic.
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Purchase a custom wood rack that will store as many as nine finished puzzles. You'll be able to take your time when deciding whether to preserve or disassemble these completed puzzles.
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Use a zipper-enclosed case to carry your jigsaw puzzles while they are still in progress. These cases hold your puzzle in place with special padding.
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Roll your nearly finished jigsaw puzzle up in a plastic mat made especially for keeping your progress intact. These mats are also available in felt and can be contained within a plastic tube for safe and secure keeping.
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Find more jigsaw puzzle storage solutions in your local craft store.
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Tips & Warnings
With a finished puzzle, your storage options include permanent preservation. If you love the finished look of a puzzle, consider framing it and hanging it on a wall in your home, office or classroom.
Be careful around small children when dealing with loose puzzle pieces. These pieces can pose a choking hazard for toddlers.
Avoid storing puzzles in a garage, as the extreme temperatures may eventually damage the pieces.
