Spring is when many of us finally open the loft hatch, and almost everyone who does finds a box of LEGO®. Maybe it's yours from years ago, maybe it belongs to children who have outgrown it. Either way, it's usually worth more than a charity bag, and a lot more fun to sort than you'd expect.
We buy and trade LEGO, and here's how to get the most from what you've found.
Step 1: Don't throw anything away yet
That bag of "odd bits" may contain minifigures, accessories and parts that collectors are actively looking for. Even a worn figure can have value to someone who needs it for a custom build.
Step 2: Sort what you have
You don't need to be precise. Make a few simple piles:
- Minifigures: complete ones, plus loose heads, torsos and legs.
- Accessories: hats, hair, tools, capes and weapons. These are often what turns an ordinary figure into a sought-after one.
- Sets and instructions: anything still in a box, partly built, or with its manual.
- Everything else: loose bricks.
Step 3: Identify your figures
Minifigures can be identified by their catalogue code, the same codes we use on every listing (like sw0614 for Star Wars or col435 for Collectible Minifigures). You can match a figure by looking at its print and checking it against a reference such as BrickLink. We explain the system in our guide to catalogue codes.
Step 4: Give it a quick clean
Lukewarm soapy water (below 40°C) and a soft brush will remove years of dust. Don't use hot water or a dishwasher. Let everything air-dry. If you're unsure, leave it; we'll clean and inspect pieces before we list them.
Step 5: Tell us what you have
Get in touch through our contact page with:
- A rough idea of what you have (a photo of the pile is perfect)
- Whether you want to sell, or swap for figures you've been missing
- Anything you're particularly hoping to find
We'll take a look and talk through the options with you.
Selling vs trading
If you'd like cash for a clear-out, selling is the simple route. If you're a collector, trading can stretch further: your duplicates and finished-with figures can become the ones on your wanted list. You can browse what's in stock first in our full minifigure range.
Looking for something specific instead?
If the loft has turned up a gap and you're now hunting for a particular figure to complete a set, tell us. We keep a note of wanted figures and will try to find them.