Before you start solving a puzzle, and I mean any type of puzzle, regardless of its difficulty level, it is important to prepare your ‘work area’. Technically, all you need to have in order to be able to sort puzzles comfortably is a flat surface. However, there are plenty of other things you should consider before you grab that puzzle box and start taking the pieces out. One major aspect you shouldn’t overlook is how much time you anticipate you’ll need in order to complete the puzzle. If you’ve got a 100 piece puzzle you can solve within the same day, you won’t have problems laying the pieces just about anywhere you’ve got a free flat area. But if you’re striving to solve a 1000 piece puzzle which might take days in a row, you might need a dedicated space where the pieces you’ve already assembled can safely be stored, while the remaining ones go back in the box. Another thing to consider is the fragility of puzzles. Most of these games are made of cardboard, which means they will get damaged in contact with water. For this reason, you should choose an area that doesn’t expose your puzzles to humidity. Also, while you’re solving a jigsaw puzzle, make sure to keep away any glasses or bottles that contain liquids as you can accidentally spill them over the game. Finally, make sure the puzzle pieces are kept out of reach of pets or small children. While they won’t pose any health risks, unless ingested, you know how precious these pieces are, and the importance of each and every single one of them, so you don’t want anyone to.
