Tips for Keeping Jigsaw Puzzles from Taking Over Your Home

This time of year, many of us like to relax by staying indoors, avoiding bad weather, drivers who cannot navigate wintery roads, and people spreading flu and other upper respiratory viruses.

A popular indoor activity is solving jigsaw puzzles, but if you’re short on space, how do you manage?

Some of my friends use special puzzle tables or easels with drawers and various other compartments. I have neither the space for one of these nor the desire to spend money on the good (pricey) ones. The cheap ones are either too small for 1,000-piece puzzles or just plain flimsy.

Solving puzzles on my coffee table got old fast—too much bending over was straining my back. Then I found a large white poster board, 32×40 inches, that I can put on my dining room table. Yes, the edges stick out a little bit, but that’s OK. I have plenty of space to work on a 1,000-piece puzzle with room for loose pieces on the side.

I also have plastic sorting trays that I received as a gift. Before that I used paper bowls, which also worked fine. Both the trays and the bowls have the advantage of being able to be nested.

If I need to use my dining room table for other purposes, say dining, it’s easy to carry the work-in-progress on the poster board. Some of my friends have had success with products that let you roll up the puzzles. Frankly, they haven’t worked for me, but YMMV. Do what is best for you.

Finally, if you’re comfortable with multitasking, try listening to an audiobook while solving. Both activities are fabulous ways to pass the time and to escape the winter doldrums!

Photo: Pixabay