I have bought many puzzles and tried different methods to keep my puzzles. In this page, i will list the 3 methods that i have tried. If you have better ideas, do drop me a email and i will share with everyone here.
1. Keeping puzzle boxes
This is the first method that i adopted. Some collectors will do that when they wish to preserve the beautiful boxes. I choose this method because, at that time, ready made frames are not available. Custom made frames are too expensive. So naturally, i will disassemble the puzzle and keep it back into the box. However, these boxes actually takes up more space than the puzzle itself. This method is not that good unless you really like the boxes a lot.
2. Hang up the puzzles
After my cabinet is filled with puzzle boxes, i started to use another method. That is to hang the completed puzzles and discard the box. My parents are rather supportive and willing to let me frame up my puzzles and pay for the framing cost. I managed to free up my cabinet but i took up all the available wall space at home. The big problem with this method is you are limited by your wall space. But over the time, you can always replace the puzzle with new ones.
3. Storing framed puzzles
This is the method i am using right now. This method saves space and will not be limited by wall space. However, you must frame up the puzzle. You may keep the empty boxes if you want to. You can invest on those cheap ready-made frames. One you have frame up your puzzle, you are able to preserve the puzzle and slot it to any available space. For instance, under the bed, on top of the wardrobe, inside the wardrobe. What i did was, I will keep the plastic packaging of the ready-made frame and reuse it to protect the framed puzzle from dust. I will then store them inside my wardrobe. One problem i have is that i can only store puzzle size of 1000 pieces or less.
4. Give away
Some people just simply enjoy the process of completing the puzzle. A good solution for them is to give away the completed framed puzzle or sell it away. Personally, i feel very few people will want to buy completed ones. Most people will want to get a un-assembled puzzles and complete it themselves.
Feel free to try out these methods and see which one works best for you. If budget is not a problem, method 3 will be a good solution. Other wise, method 1 is more cost-saving.
