Good organisation means 80% more enjoyment and far less frustration. Hunting for the right colour for 10 minutes kills creativity for children (and adults). Here are the best solutions tested by our community, from the simplest to the most elaborate.
Recharger son stock : sachet 1000 perles blanches Hama Midi · seau 30 000 perles multicolores · seau bio grand volume — * liens affiliés
🎯 Basic principle: One colour = one compartment. No exceptions. A misplaced bead costs 10 minutes of searching. 500 well-organised beads bring years of enjoyment.
📦 Storage solutions — Overview
The official Hama box (Beadbox)
Designed specifically for Hama Midi beads, with compartments perfectly sized for the beads. Available in 3 sizes (30, 48 or 66 compartments). Transparent lid to see colours without opening.
Pros
- Perfect size for Hama Midi beads
- Compartments numbered according to Hama codes
- Practical transparent lid
- Ready-to-use solution
- Stackable
Cons
- Expensive for the size
- Fixed compartments (not modular)
- Not easy to carry around
Boîte Hama officielle sur Amazon — * lien affilié
Hardware screw box (Stanley, Raaco)
Hardware compartment boxes are an economical and very effective alternative. Stanley FatMax or Raaco boxes with small transparent drawers are perfect. Each drawer holds one colour, with a customisable label.
Pros
- Very economical (~40% cheaper)
- Deep compartments (holds many beads)
- Customisable labels
- Sturdy (DIY quality)
- Wide choice of sizes
Cons
- Not designed for beads (compartments slightly too large)
- Risk of mixing if tipped over
Sewing / embroidery organiser
Soft compartment boxes for embroidery thread (DMC or Prym type) work very well for small quantities. Lightweight, easy to carry for creative workshops or holidays.
Pros
- Very light and portable
- Inexpensive
- Easy to find
Cons
- Limited capacity per compartment
- Less sturdy long-term
- Risk of mixing if shaken
Small pots with lids (DIY)
Recycling small yoghurt, condiment or cosmetic pots. Lids labelled with a bead glued on top for instant visual identification. Economical and eco-friendly!
Pros
- Free (recycling)
- Visually identifiable (bead on lid)
- Suitable for any quantity
Cons
- Takes up space
- No integrated transport solution
- Less neat appearance
💡 Identification tip: Whatever storage solution you use, always stick a sample of the corresponding bead on the compartment label. You'll identify the colour at a glance, even without opening the lid.
🏷️ The Hama colour code system
Hama assigns a number to each colour. Note these codes on your labels so you can order the right colours online without mistakes. Here are the most-used Midi colours:
Commander par couleur : blanc n°01 · noir n°18 (bio) — * liens affiliés
📊 Recommended stock calculator
🎒 Transporting your beads
For creative workshops, classes, holidays:
- Rigid pencil case: a rigid pencil case with small zip bags (jewellery type) for each colour. Compact and practical.
- Weekly pill organiser: 7-compartment pill boxes (1 per day = 1 colour) are perfect for transporting 7 colours with little bulk.
- Zip bag with pockets: zip storage bags for make-up (with many transparent pockets) work very well for a selection of 15–20 colours.
📐 Storing the boards
Boards stack well and don't take up much space if stored correctly:
- A4 folder with clear sleeves: each board in a plastic A4 sleeve. Easy to browse, protects from scratches.
- Flat fabric bag: like a laundry bag or flat fabric bag with a flap. Ideal for boards of the same size.
- Flat tool case: for large collections of boards (various shapes, multiple sizes).
- ⚠️ Avoid: direct sunlight or storage in a car in summer — boards can warp in the heat.
📸 Photo inventory: Photograph your sorted bead stock with colour codes visible. Check the photo on your phone when ordering online — you'll avoid mistakes and duplicates.
🗓️ Maintaining your stock
The "Last In, First Out" rule
When you refill a compartment, place the new beads under the old ones. This ensures stock rotation and prevents old beads from being stuck at the bottom indefinitely.
Regular stock-taking
Once a quarter, check which colours are empty or nearly empty. Make a bead shopping list and order all at once rather than piecemeal — postage costs quickly add up.
Pratique pour un gros réapprovisionnement : seau 30 000 perles Hama multicolore · version bio grand volume — * liens affiliés
Recovering lost beads
Hama beads roll easily and get lost. A tip: always place the board on a slightly raised plastic tray, or lay a folded towel around the work area to "catch" beads that fall without losing them in the carpet.