Quick Picks for Storage Bins and Containers
Nearly everyone loves a well-organized pantry, an Instagram-worthy linen closet, or a garage storage system that makes sense, but not many know which storage containers to use to get there. There are a ton of storage containers on the market, and if you don't know exactly what you're looking for, it can seem impossible to find the perfect ones to organize each part of your home.
To help you make the most of your storage space, we reached out to professional organization experts for expert tips on buying (and using) storage boxes for everything from clothes to food to seasonal decor. Read on for their advice and 20 of their favorite storage boxes and containers.
First of all, think about what you need to store before buying any containers. Carly Ortiz, professional organizer and owner of Tidy by Carly Ortiz, explains that different types of items require different storage containers. “Food requires airtight, food-safe containers,” she says, while “clothes and linens benefit from breathable storage solutions to prevent mold.”
Ortiz points out that items like toys should incorporate dividers and compartments, while craft and office supplies “are typically stored in easy-to-access containers.” “Labels and clear containers make these spaces much more functional!”
Chris Hargrove, professional organizer and founder of Organized by Kris, explains that seasonal items or items you won't be using for a long time are best stored “in lids or ziplock containers. This will help protect the item from dust, moisture, and bugs.”
It's also important to consider the material your storage bins are made of, especially if you're storing delicate fabrics that may snag. “In general, linen and closet bins tend to be made of durable yet soft materials,” says Vaughné Lee, professional organizer and owner of Be Organized Method.
Once you know what you're going to store, think about where you're going to put your containers. Whether that's in the attic, basement, garage, pantry or linen closet, placement will have a big impact on both the functionality and appearance of the storage containers you need.
“Temperature plays a key role when sourcing products for different spaces,” says Ortiz. “For example, attics, basements, and garages are prone to temperature fluctuations if they're not air-conditioned. Temperature fluctuations can lead to dust, pests, and moisture.” Hargrove says it's best to use waterproof containers in these areas to prevent moisture from getting in.
Areas like pantries and linen closets “are usually on the climate-controlled levels of the home,” so open baskets can be safely used for storage in those areas, Ortiz says.
“Pest-resistant containers are useful if you're storing things for long periods of time or in areas prone to bugs and small rodents,” Leah says. “Living in Denver, I've had plenty of encounters with mice in my basement and garage. In these locations, I use more durable airtight containers and store them higher and off the ground.”
If you're not sure whether you should use these types of containers for seasonal or long-term storage, Ortiz offers a short list of items that are an absolute must-have: food, pet food, clothing and fabrics, books and paper, electronics and wires, etc.
If you decide you need pest-proof containers, Hargrove says to look for good-quality plastic storage containers with lids: “Plastic makes it harder for pests to nibble at them,” she says.
You probably already know that you need to measure the space where you plan to store these containers, but make sure you measure everything. Leah stresses the importance of figuring out how much you need to store before choosing your containers.
“Most people buy a container, go home and think about what's in each container, and try to fit their life into the product,” she says. “This is upside down. Would you buy a random pair of jeans without knowing your size and just hope they fit? If you know exactly what you're dealing with, you can make a better choice.”
Her method is to figure out how many items she has that need organizing, sorting, and storing, and then assess the space to determine what will work best. Only then will she buy storage or organization boxes—and, of course, a tape measure.
Think about how often you use the items you're storing and how difficult they are to access or move. For seasonal items, hard-to-access boxes might be fine, but for items you use more frequently, you might need a different option, like drawers.
These storage containers come in three sizes, packs of four, six, eight, 10, and 12. Professional organizer Meaghan Kessman says she loves these multipacks because they “offer great quality at the best price.” They're also versatile, “perfect for storing a variety of items in the pantry, kitchen cabinets, bathroom, garage, and more. They're clear, so you can see what's inside at a glance.”
Both Leah and Ortiz recommend this versatile open-front bin. “When you consider the price and durability, this product is even more of a value,” says Ortiz. “We've been using this bin for our clients since it came out, and we haven't gone back to any other bins since. It's easy to clean and label, and it's light enough to carry around.”
“This may be the most universal, standard product for use in any home,” says Christian Pfeiffer, professional organizer and owner of Valley Organizing, noting that the containers come in “11 sizes of stackable, clear containers that are perfect for any space in your home, from small trinket containers to long under-bed containers.”
Hargrove loves this set of clear organizers because they're versatile and durable. “They're stackable, so they're perfect for any space, like under the sink, in a closet, in a playroom, laundry room, or even the pantry. Plus, buying in bulk is easier on your wallet,” she says. The 20-piece set comes with three different containers: a large bin, an open-front bin, and an insert bin.
Kessman calls these bedding storage containers a game changer: “The sheet organizer keeps your linens neat and easy to access, so you can easily find the perfect set of sheets without having to rummage through a pile of them,” she says, adding that the item is “particularly effective and stylish, and it keeps your linen closet organized and efficient.”
Leah calls these bins “the perfect combination of style and size,” and says she uses different versions of the bins in different closets. “They're just the right height to give you a glimpse of your folded clothes, but provide enough coverage to keep the items inside out of the way. The woven texture and thoughtful color options will elevate any space.”
Airtight containers are a must-have in the kitchen. “I highly recommend airtight food storage jars with bamboo lids, available on Amazon,” Kessman says. “They keep your food fresh and look great in your pantry.”
Ortiz says she loves using turntables in places like pantries: “Utilizing spaces like corner cabinets, deep cabinets, and under sinks can help maximize storage. They're easy to access and can be used for a variety of products, like beverages, makeup, and cleaning supplies,” she says.
“Stackable and customizable, these bins are versatile and available in four different sizes, perfect for pantries, refrigerators, closets, garages and more,” says Pfeiffer. Each bin is designed to be the same depth as a cabinet to make kitchen organization a breeze.
“I like the large pull-out storage bins because they make the most of your vertical space and allow you to pull out the drawers completely to get to what you need,” says Hargrove. These multi-purpose bins are perfect for under the kitchen or bathroom sink, in the linen closet, laundry room, and more.
These stackable storage bins are perfect for organizing handbags, shoes, and other items you want to protect but still have easy access to. The lid of each bin is actually a door that closes magnetically, so all you have to do is open the lid, grab what you need, and close it again.
Melanie Summers, professional organizer and owner of I Speak Organized, loves IKEA's Kuggis storage box collection because of its “clean, modern design and various sizes that stack perfectly together, making it perfect for any room.” She also loves how they can create a cohesive look in different spaces. “I often use them in my living room for media, in my closet for seasonal clothing, and in my home office for organizing documents.”
Summers also recommends these durable containers, which are made from recycled materials. “Their clean, minimalist design will complement any decor,” Summers says. Plus, the containers are sleek and have handles. “They're perfect for heavy-duty storage of sports equipment or bulk groceries,” Summers says.
This was a top favorite among the pros we spoke to. Hargrove, Pfeiffer, and Summers praised these storage boxes for their latching lids, sturdy handles, waterproof seals, and versatility. They come in 10 sizes, with capacities ranging from 6.5 quarts to 156 quarts.
“We've got dozens of them now finishing off our garage,” Leah says of the containers, which come in eight sizes ranging from seven gallons to 77 gallons. “The totes and their large, easy-to-read labels are perfect for creating a clean, uniform look in our garage and are easy to move and maintain.”
If you need an airtight, weatherproof container to protect your files and documents, these durable file boxes are a great choice. The clear, stackable boxes come in a pack of four and are designed to fit snugly into letter- and legal-size file organizers.
The Container Store's clear-lidded storage boxes were a big hit among the experts we spoke to. This 56-quart option will help you take advantage of that unused space under your bed. It has a lid that opens from both sides and sliding casters, making it super easy to access.
If you're looking for a sturdy storage container that's easy to move, check out the wheeled version of this organization favorite. This large container has a 103-quart capacity and the same locking lid and moisture-proof seal, making it suitable for use in just about any space.
The largest of Leah's heavy-duty bags, the HDX Tough Storage Tote has wheels for easy transport. It has a capacity of up to 77 gallons, a weight limit of 250 pounds, and a snap-on lid, so there's basically no limit to what you can store in it.