Storage bins and containers quick picks
Clear storage bin: The Home Edit 20-Piece Clear Plastic Modular Edit
Storage bin for bedding: SpaceAid 6-Pack Bedsheet Organizer
Stylish storage bin: Open Spaces Large Storage Bins, Set of 2
Storage bin with wheels: HDX Tough Storage Tote With Wheels
Practically everyone can appreciate a deliciously organized pantry, an Instagram-worthy linen closet and a garage storage system that just makes sense — but not everyone knows which storage bins to use to get there. There’s a huge array of storage containers on the market, and unless you know exactly what you’re looking for, it can feel impossible to find the best ones for organizing each part of your home.
To help you make the most of all your storage space, we reached out to professional organizers to get their expert tips on buying (and using!) storage bins for everything from clothing to food to seasonal decor. Keep reading for their advice — and 20 of their favorite storage bins and containers.
How to choose a storage bin
Assess what items you’re planning to store
First things first: You want to think about what you need to store before buying a container. As Carly Ortiz, professional organizer and owner of Tidy by Carly Ortiz, explains, different types of items require different types of storage containers. “Food items require containers that are airtight and food-safe,” she says, while “clothing and linens benefit from breathable storage solutions in order to prevent mildew.”
She notes that things like toys should incorporate compartments and dividers, while crafts and office supplies “are typically stored in easy-access containers,” Ortiz says. “Labels and clear containers make spaces like these much more functional!”
Kris Hargrove, professional organizer and founder of Organized by Kris, says seasonal items or items that will go unused for long periods of time “are best stored in a bin with a lid or zipper. This protects your items from dust, humidity and bugs,” she explains.
The material of a storage bin is important to consider too, especially if you’re storing delicate fabrics that could snag. That’s why you’ll find that “generally, containers for linens and closets are durable but softer in material,” says Bohne Leah, professional organizer and owner of Be Organized Method.
Consider where you’ll be placing your storage bins
Once you know what you’re storing, think about where the bins will go. Whether it’s the attic, the basement, the garage, the pantry or the linen closet, placement will majorly impact both the function and aesthetic of the storage containers you’ll need.
“Temperature plays a vital role when sourcing products for different spaces,” Ortiz says. “For instance, attics, basements and garages tend to fluctuate in temperature unless they are climate controlled. Temperature fluctuation makes the space prone to dust, pests and moisture.” That’s why Hargrove says that in these places, it’s best to use weather-tight bins to help prevent moisture from getting in.
Since areas like pantries and linen closets “are usually located within the home on a floor that is climate controlled,” Ortiz says you can safely use open baskets for storage in those areas.
Check if you need pest-proof or moth-proof containers
“Pest-proof containers come into play when you are storing items long-term or in areas that are prone to insects and small rodents,” Leah says. “Being in Denver, I’ve run into my fair share of mice in basements and garages. I’ll use more durable, sealed bins in these areas and store them high off the ground.”
If you’re unsure if you should be using these types of containers for your seasonal and long-term storage needs, Ortiz shares a short list of items that definitely require them: food items, pet food, clothing and fabrics, books and paper, and electronics and wires.
Once you’ve determined you need pest-proof bins, Hargrove says to look for quality plastic storage containers with lids. “The plastic makes it hard for pests to chew through,” she says.
Figure out the best container sizes for your items
You probably already know that you’ll need to measure the space where you’re planning to store these bins, but make sure you’re getting all the measurements. Leah emphasizes the importance of figuring out how much you need to store before choosing a container.
“Most people shop for containers, go home and see what they can fit into each one. They try to fit their life into a product,” she says. “This is like putting the cart in front of the horse. Would you buy a random pair of jeans and just hope they fit without knowing your measurements? We make better choices when we know exactly what we’re working with.”
Her process involves decluttering, categorizing and figuring out the volume of items that need to be stored, then assessing the space to figure out what will work best. Only then does she purchase storage bins and organizers — with a tape measure in hand, of course.
Consider accessibility
Think about how often you’ll be using the items you’re stowing away and how difficult it will be to reach them or move them. For seasonal items, you may be fine with bins that are harder to access. But for items you use more frequently, you might need another option, such as drawers.
Best clear storage bins
These storage containers come in three different sizes and packs of four, six, eight, 10 and 12. Professional organizer?Meaghan Kessman?says she likes these multipacks because “they offer good quality at the best price.” And they’re versatile too: “These are perfect for storing a variety of items in the pantry, kitchen cabinets, bathrooms, garages and more. The transparency allows you to see the contents at a glance.”?
Both Leah and Ortiz recommend these versatile, open-front bins. “The price point and durability make the product even more worthwhile,” Ortiz says. “We have been using these for our clients since they were released and haven’t gone back since! They are easy to clean, label, and light enough to move around.”
“This could be the most universal and standard product to use in any household,” Christian Pfeiffer, professional organizer and owner of?Valley Organizing?says, noting that the containers come in “11 different sizes of stackable clear bins, perfect for any space in your home, from small accessory bins to long under-bed bins.”
Versatile and sturdy, Hargrove says this set of clear organizers is her favorite. “They are stackable and work great in any space, such as under the sink, in a closet, playroom, laundry room and even in the pantry. Plus, buying in bulk makes these bins budget-friendly,” she says. The 20-piece set comes with three different types of containers: large bins, open-front bins and insert bins.
Best storage bins for closets
Kessman calls these bedding containers a game changer. “Sheet organizers keep your linens neat and accessible, making it easy to find the right sheet set without digging through piles,” she says, adding that this pick is “particularly effective and stylish, ensuring your linen closet remains tidy and efficient.”
“I love using these sturdy storage bins in closets for seasonal clothing, thin blankets, towels or linens,” Hargrove says. “You can access them from the top, front or side and can clearly see what’s inside. As a bonus, they stack to utilize vertical space.”
Leah calls these bins “a perfect combination of style and size,” noting that she’s used different versions of this bin in a multitude of closets. “They are a perfect height to show a glimpse of folded clothing but provide enough coverage so that interior items are not distracting. The woven texture and thoughtful color options elevate any space.”
Best storage bins for pantries
Airtight containers are essential in the kitchen. “I highly recommend these airtight food storage jars with bamboo lids, which you can find on Amazon,” Kessman says. “They keep food fresh while also looking pretty in the pantry.”
Ortiz says she loves using turntables in pantries and beyond. “They maximize storage by utilizing spaces such as corner cabinets, deep cabinets or even under the sink. They provide accessibility and can be used for a lot of different products such as drinks, makeup, cleaning products, etc.,” she says.?
“Another versatile product, these stackable and customizable bins come in four different sizes, making them perfect for pantries, fridges, closets, garages and more,” Pfeiffer says. Each is designed to be cabinet-depth for easy kitchen organization.?
Best stackable storage bins
“I love the large drawer stackable bin for utilizing vertical space and being able to pull the drawer completely out to access what I need,” Hargrove says. The versatile containers are great for use under kitchen and bathroom sinks, in linen closets, in laundry rooms and more.?
These stackable bins are perfect for organizing purses, shoes and other items you want protected but easily accessible. The lid of each bin is actually a magnetic-close door, so all you have to do is open the lid, pull out what you need and close it again.
Best stylish storage bins
Melanie Summers, a professional organizer and owner of?I Speak Organized, loves Ikea’s?Kuggis storage bin collection?because it “offers a sleek, modern design with various sizes that stack perfectly, making them ideal for any room.” She loves that they can create a cohesive look in various spaces: “I often use them in living rooms for media storage, in closets for seasonal clothing and in home offices for document organization.”?
Summers also recommends these durable bins made from recycled materials. “The clean, minimalist design fits seamlessly into any decor,” Summers says. Plus, they’re as spacious as they are sleek — and they have handles. “They’re perfect for heavy-duty storage needs like sports equipment or bulk pantry items,” she says.
Best heavy-duty storage bins
This pick was the most popular among the pros we spoke to. Hargrove, Pfeiffer and Summers all called these storage bins out for their latching lids, heavy-duty handles, weathertight seal and versatility.?They come in 10 sizes with capacities ranging from 6.5 quarts to 156 quarts.
“I am currently using dozens of these to finish out a garage,” Leah says of this bin that comes in eight sizes, from 7 gallons to 77 gallons. “This tote, plus large easy-to-read labels, is the perfect way to give your garage a clean, uniform look [that’s] easy to navigate and maintain.”
If you need a tight-sealing, weatherproof container to protect your files and documents, these durable file boxes have you covered. The clear, stackable bins come in a pack of four and are designed to fit letter- and legal-size file organizers perfectly.
Best storage bins with wheels
The Container Store’s clear-lidded storage boxes were a huge hit with the experts we spoke to, and this 56-quart option can help you take advantage of the unused space under your bed. It has a lid that opens from either side and wheels to make sliding it out super easy.
For a heavy-duty storage container that’s easier to move, check out this wheeled version of one of the organizers’ favorite picks. This large bin has a capacity of 103 quarts and has the same locking lid and moisture-proof seal, and it can be used in just about any space.
The largest version of Leah’s go-to heavy-duty pick, the HDX Tough Storage Tote has wheels to make it easier to transport. It holds up to 77 gallons, has a weight limit of 250 pounds and comes with a snap-on lid, so there’s basically no limit to what you can stash in it.?
