I concur on the baking sheets. Easy to move when needed too.

Paper plates

I use the lid of a shoe box for all the pieces that aren't edge pieces. The edges go in a 7 x 7 sorting tray, all pieces turned right side up as I separate the edges out. I like the sorting trays, but only use one or occasionally 2 at a time for all sized puzzles. They are cheap, nest together when not in use. My daughter and I split a pack of 6 between us.

https://www.amazon.com/Lavievert-Storage-Puzzles-Environmentally-Friendly/dp/B00HHR4JJC/ref=sr_1_11?keywords=Puzzle+sorting+roll+up&qid=1560287360&s=gateway&sr=8-11

I use these...one to hold the puzzle and one to hold the sorted pieces.

For the 2000 piece puzzle I have this time I'm using a long skinny rectangle cardboard box and a long skinny wire rack shelf with a flat piece of cardboard on it. As well I'm using some trays and containers. I'm enjoying the this de stressor very much.

PS I probably don't sort as much as I should. Good thing I enjoy the hunt.

Those sorting boxes aren't very big, so not as many pieces are viewable at once as in a larger tray or whatever. The sorting boxes could be helpful, though, and maybe they are a good gift to a jigsaw puzzler.

Yeonassky--with a 2000 piece puzzle you would need a lot of sorting space! Are you the one who works without looking at the picture????

Fun--those mats look very handy. I'd only have room for one. Yellow color is helpful.

lgmd--shoebox lid....brilliant. The sides aren't too high to shade the pieces near the edge. I do find with the cake pans and box lid that the sides are a little high.

jkay-- paper plates another good idea, maybe the firm white ones (not slippery, not print).

foggy--baking sheets would be good as well because of the low sides.

sushi--cake pans, yes, are good. I found a pie pan today which might work too.

Thanks everyone, Happy puzzling. I splurged and bought a $20 puzzle today, but I'm looking forward to working it and it will take me a while.

Happy puzzling!!!

I have a table set up in my open concept living dining room behind the sofa. Most of the time my box of puzzles that are upright so that I can see each piece is on the back of the sofa. :-). We don't use the living room much at all.

I do look at the picture but I don't always remember or understand what I am looking at in terms of colours I'm much better at connecting the puzzle pieces themselves for colour.

Happy puzzling to everyone as well!

I do them on a 4x8' sheet of plywood on a table in the office in my house. Maybe one day I'll built a custom puzzle/game table.

This is my puzzle 'station'. My glide rocker with my feet up I can rock while puzzling. The styrofoam board will accomodate a 24 x 18 puzzle comfortably. Larger puzzles go on a 48" round table in the same room, but my sitting duration at the table is limited to less than an hour at a time. On the board here is a 1000 piecer, and it is really difficult.

Lgmd, Like me, you don’t have a lot of space for the sorting boxes. I like seeing where you do your puzzles. Looks like you have a good light. That’s so important.

1,000 pieces are my preference. We bought a folding table a few years ago, and when not in use it stores behind the loveseat.

I should bring it out and do a puzzle again, trying to keep Roxie off of it is a feat in itself, never mind the actual puzzle!

Someone on Freecycle is giving away a 2,000 pce. I should ask for it :-)

As far as sorting I just keep all of the pieces on the table, I don't sort; except when turning them over, then I separate all the edge pieces and start there.

Another question....after finishing a puzzle, how long do you leave it assembled? I usually leave it only a day or so as I’m a little tired of it.

I left it up long enough for hubby to admire it (and me for my patience) I find jigsaws very relaxing. It would come down that day, or for sure the next day. Either the table put away or another one brought out to start.

I use a cardboard "case" box. We have a tradition of never placing the last piece! Only stays out a day or so.