Maximize space and bring order to your belongings with the best storage containers for the garage, playroom, basement and office
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7 Best Storage Containers and Bins to Get Your Home Organized
Updated on Oct. 22, 2024
Every organization project in your entire home has one thing in common: storage containers! Whether you’re rearranging the garage, tackling the game closet or finally organizing the basement shelves, the best storage containers will take your job from slightly satisfying to Instagram-worthy!
We’ve combed our favorite retailers to find the best bins and containers to hold everything from Christmas decor to heavy-duty tools. Made with high quality materials and snug-fitting lids, you’re sure to find the best container or bin to fit your organizing needs.
Best Overall Storage Container
Container Store Clear Weathertight Tote
Pros:
- Airtight and watertight
- Sturdy design
- Many size options
Cons:
- More expensive
- Some reviewers had trouble with the latches over time
These clear weathertight totes from The Container Store feature super strong latches and both air and water tight seals. No matter what happens to the outside of the containers, you can rest assured the items inside will remain safe and dry. We also love that the tote comes in nine different stackable sizes, so you can mix and match totes on your shelves while keeping a consistent and tidy look. The reinforced lids and bases mean they won’t break even when containing heavier items.
Best Budget Storage Container
Commander Medium Tote
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Durable construction
- Black container hides messy items
Cons:
- Not weatherproof
- No lid latches
There are a lot of budget-friendly storage containers out there, but most dent and break easily. What we like about the Commander yellow and black tote is the durable design. It’s made from thick recycled polypropylene, features a reinforced snap lid, and holds up to 27 gallons of items at a value price!
It’s strong enough for outdoor use, but also works great in a basement or storage room. The black container keeps items hidden away so don’t forget to label your bins for quick identification of the contents.
Best Clear Storage Bin
Sterilite ClearView Latch Box
Pros:
- Clear lid and base for easy identification of contents
- Strong lid latches
- Stackable
Cons:
- Not weatherproof
The roomy Sterilite ClearView Latch Box holds up to 66 quarts of contents with both a clear base and lid. It’s great for toys, decorations, clothes or blankets, allowing you to easily identify what you need in a closet or basement.
The two side latches snap securely in place, and the indented lid means you can neatly stack the boxes as needed. Five-star reviewers are happy with the high quality and affordable price.
Best Storage Containers for Christmas Decorations
Sterilite Adjustable Ornament Case
Pros:
- Sturdy plastic dividers
- Clear sides
- Stackable
Cons:
- Might need multiple bins for all your ornaments
Keep your delicate ornaments tidy and safe in the Sterilite Adjustable Ornament Case. Unlike other ornament bins that include dividers made of flimsy cardboard, this version features sturdy plastic dividers so they won’t deteriorate over time. The dividers are also adjustable to fit both large and small ornaments. When it’s that time of year to decorate the tree, the clear sides let you find your favorite ornaments quickly.
Best Heavy Duty Storage Bin
Iris Store-It-All Trunk With Wheels
Pros:
- Strong, sturdy construction
- Handle and wheels for portability
- Heavy-duty latch lid
Cons:
- Not easily stackable
- Not watertight
For storing heavy items like tools or camping equipment, you can’t beat the Iris Store-It-All Trunk With Wheels. The reinforced bottom accommodates a 180-pound load, and the rear wheels and convenient pull handle allow you to move it around on your own without breaking your back. It also includes a space to fit a padlock to keep your items secure—a useful feature if you want to take the bin camping or store it outside.
Best Open Front Storage Container
Brightroom All-Purpose Open Front Storage Bin
Pros:
- Open front for easy access to contents
- Stackable
- Clear, modern design
Cons:
- Not big enough for larger items
- No lid
Open front storage bins are designed so the front panel dips down, making it simple to grab what you need. The Brightroom All-Purpose Open Front Storage Bin is made of crystal clear plastic with a sleek modern design—using these bins will make you feel like a professional organizer! They’re great for office supplies, craft items or grab-and-go snacks in the pantry. Plus, they’re stackable for even more organization possibilities. Ease your stress with storage bin shelves that you can easily and inexpensively make yourself.
Best Small Storage Containers
Iris Plastic Storage Container
Pros:
- Small, versatile size
- Snug fitting lids
- Neutral gray and clear design
Cons:
- Not for heavy-duty use
- Plastic too thin according to some reviewers
Once you start using these small shoebox size containers, you won’t be able to stop! The small size and stackable design of these Iris Plastic Storage Containers make them perfect for craft rooms, offices, game closets, play room and bathroom cabinets, to name just a few. The lid snaps on snugly and features a pull handle underneath the lip so you can grab the bin you need easily. The clear bins let you see what’s inside, but we like to add fun labels to these bins for a more professional look.
What to Consider When Buying Storage Containers
- Size right: Think about not only what you will be storing, but also about where you’re going to use your storage containers. Take an exact measurement of the space. There’s nothing more frustrating than realizing the storage containers your purchased don’t fit on the shelf correctly.
- Consider climate: If your basement or garage is prone to moisture, invest in bins with moisture-resistant features such as a gasket seal.
- See clearly: See-through bins let you see where items are located without opening the lid, but solid bins look tidier.
Types of Storage Containers
Storage containers come in all sizes and materials. Our top picks are made of sturdy plastic for long-lasting organization. Depending on the purpose of your containers or bins, you’ll need to decide if you need a lid or not. Generally, storage bins with lids are preferred because the lid not only keeps your items safe, it allows for stacking; and stackable storage bins help maximize storage space.
Although large storage bins have their purpose, TidyNest Chief Operating Organizer Shannon Krause says large bins are prone to over-packing and disorganization. “It’s difficult to properly organize the interiors since there’s so much open space,” she says. Instead, opt for a series of smaller, stackable containers.
How We Found the Best Storage Containers
As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject-matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.
FAQs
How to Label Storage Containers
For opaque bins, a strong labeling strategy is a must. “If you like a typed, consistent look, invest in a good label maker and purchase white label tape with black writing so it shows up on the container,” says Meck. We also like these clip-on labels for bins without lids.
How to Prevent Mold in Storage Containers
The best way to prevent mold in storage containers is to choose a container with a air and watertight seal. If you’re still having mold issues, try adding a moisture absorber product along with your items inside the bin.
