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Homes are filled with stuff; without an organization system, everything gets lost. I’m a cleaning freak, I plan birthday parties on Airtable, and I go to The Container Store with a tape measure, but I still have corners of my closet filled with odds and ends that I never even bother to look at. But, to paraphrase Marie Kondo, cleaning out those forgotten corners will change your life—it will allow you to use the things in your home more efficiently. While home storage and organization is currently a $14 billion industry in the United States (and growing), it doesn’t have to be expensive—you can keep your home tidy with storage containers that cost less than a pizza.
To compile the following list of the best storage containers, I consulted with several home organization experts who know their stuff, including some who organize small homes for a living. I also asked my fellow germophobic strategists for their favorite storage containers. (Unsurprisingly, The Container Store was a favorite, but there were plenty of other retailers, too.) Then I started testing out the recommendations myself. I’ve tried about a dozen storage containers so far, and I’m constantly adding them to my home, using them day in and day out to store and organize off-season clothes, extra blankets, toiletries, and assorted knick-knacks. The storage containers on this list cover a wide range of my favorite styles in both function and form. If you’re looking for more specific advice, like how best to store Lego or Christmas decorations, or where to find really cool toy storage bins, we’ve got plenty more buying guides to help you find what you’re looking for.
Updated January 22, 2025: Removed sold out Pillowfort Stackable Wooden Storage Crates; updated prices and checked stock for all other items.
The word “container” has a broad meaning, and in the world of home storage it covers everything from plastic bins and canvas boxes to wicker baskets and acrylic boxes. The functionality of a bin depends on whether it has a lid, hard or soft sides, and whether it’s airtight or ventilated. These details will also affect the aesthetics of the bin. Below, I’ve grouped each suggestion into a simple “shape” category and listed any notable details.
The material a storage box is made from can also affect its functionality and appearance. Professional organizer Laura Cattano says plastic milk crates are practical and durable, but they can easily collect dust and dirt in the holes and are difficult to wipe clean. Wicker is always associated with linens and clothes, so home organizer Caroline Solomon likes to use it to store “outgoing mudroom items,” like dry cleaning items you’ve been meaning to throw in the dry cleaners for a while. However, it’s more fragile than other materials and tends to crack if you apply too much pressure. Soft canvas boxes are great for a playroom and create a homey feel, says Solomon. Clear acrylic lets you see what’s inside, good and bad, which is one reason the ROYGBIV trend is so popular. Allison Dunn, founder of Neat Rules, says organizing clear boxes by the color of their contents can make them look less cluttered. When shopping for storage boxes, you should choose a material that not only matches the look you want, but also complements the items you plan to store. Also, think carefully about whether you want a clear, translucent, or opaque storage box. If you choose to use a translucent or opaque material, be prepared to label it. “You think you won’t forget what’s in there,” says Lisa Zaslow of Gotham Organizers, “but you definitely will.”
This is closely related to the functionality and practicality of the storage box. An easy-to-carry storage box can be moved anywhere in the house to store cleaning supplies or small towels. Small items, such as craft supplies, naturally require smaller storage boxes. Heavy items, such as books, usually require smaller storage boxes so that they are easy to lift. While you can fit almost anything in the Rubbermaid large case, it can be more difficult to move, especially if it is filled to the brim. I have rated each of the following storage containers as portable or not so portable, and also detailed my other observations regarding their sizes.
After nearly a year of packing and unpacking, I’ve settled on the Nordic Medium Basket, filled with sheets (like a full-size set), extra toiletries, a bathing suit, and a stack of magazines, as my go-to storage solution. It’s a great, versatile choice with a perforated dot pattern that allows for ventilation while keeping the contents hidden. Made from durable, tough recycled plastic, these boxes are sturdy enough to drag across carpeting and can accommodate heavier items. They come in small, medium, and large, all measuring 14.5 by 11 inches but with varying heights. When not in use, these boxes can be stacked on top of each other if you choose separate lids. There are convenient carry handles on the sides, making them suitable for a variety of spaces. Plus, they look great, can be pulled out even if the contents are messy, and are relatively affordable at around $9 for the largest size. I also think it’s worth investing in lids, which start at $5 and come in the same color as the bin and are also made of bamboo. The lid snaps on and off easily, covering the contents of the bin, which is important if you plan to stack the bins. (Labels for the handles can also be purchased as accessories to help you identify the contents.)
Type: Three sizes and several colors of boxes, additional accessories sold separately | Material: Recycled plastic | Portability: Portable
Danish interior design company Hay’s colourful boxes also come in three sizes and stack without lids. Boxes of the same size can be snapped together to form a Jenga-like tower that can be mixed and matched in colour. (The smaller size can also be nested inside a larger box.) I have the original version of the box, and later tested the redesigned version for comparison; the most notable upgrades are that the box is now made from recycled plastic rather than virgin, and can be fitted with extras like a powder-coated steel lid (in custom colours) and wheels. The new boxes feel sturdier than the originals, and while Nordic Basket has a slight edge in terms of overall strength, the big advantage of the Hay boxes is that they’re fully collapsible – when empty, you can fold them up to save space. You can also fold just one side of the box for easy storage, as shown here. (If you fold more than one side, the others will break.) Now my box is filled with odds and ends, like half-open cans of hairspray, emergency extension cords, and bottles of cold medicine. If you buy wheels, you can install them right into the bottom corners of the individual boxes, making it easier to move the stacked boxes.
Another highlight of the Hay “Colour” series is the round storage box (also available in a rectangular form). I use it to store sewing supplies, and it’s a nice upgrade from my previous Dansk cookie box, which was a big hit. Kelsey Keith, editorial director at Herman Miller, uses them as gift boxes and repurposes them to store photos, office supplies, and more.
Hay’s Basket, with a capital “B,” is another favorite of mine. It’s advertised as part of a laundry set and comes in small ($30) and large ($50) sizes. It comes in pretty pastel colors like sorbet blue, baby blue, and baby yellow, and has a graphic open-mesh pattern that looks especially nice. I first learned about these baskets from organizer Brittney Tanner, who used them for laundry and loved how the smaller basket sat on top of the larger one, resembling a mixing bowl. The large basket is taller and narrower, at about 25 inches tall, and is obviously perfect for storing laundry. While the shorter, wider baskets have the familiar look of a laundry basket, they also double as a great all-purpose storage container. On laundry day, I load it with dryer sheets and detergent. Even though it’s less than half a queen size (about 10 inches tall), it also serves as a great place to store folded blankets in the corner of my bedroom or as a place to store rolled up bags and large scarves.
Japanese home goods brand Yamazaki describes the storage bin as a “craftsman’s toolbox.” Since it has a handle, it’s one of the most portable storage bins I’ve ever tried. I use it to spin towels, sponges, Clorox bottles, and Wet Ones wipes, and I can easily carry it with one hand. The removable wooden peg handle, secured with a silicone ring, keeps the bin securely in place when moving it, but it can be removed if you need to clean out unexpected spills or dust (which is sometimes necessary since the top is open), which is a nice touch. It feels pretty sturdy; I banged it around for a while, but it didn’t crack or scratch. And the bin itself is lightweight, which helps with its overall portability.
While the Como was originally intended as a trash can (Strategy editor Maxine Bilder has one in her office), after a few months of use, I like to think of it as a “throw it all in and sort it out later” bin. (The trash bags I bought kept falling off the corners, so if you’re going to use them for actual trash, you’re better off using them for paper or recyclables.) The handle makes it easy to move the bin where you need it. It has about the same capacity as the Yamazaki bin above, but it’s narrower and taller in shape, tapering toward the bottom. I use it to collect clothes for donation or recycling, as well as beauty products (moisturizer, deodorant), which I buy in double bags, and its taller shape makes it easy to hide the bottles.
Beth Penn, owner of Bneato Bar Professional Organizing, and Jen Trolio, senior editor at The Strategist, each purchased a few of these multipurpose boxes. While you can buy them individually, the real value comes in sets of five and 20 (larger versions are also available). They’re designed to hold shoes, but the potential uses are endless. Penn relies on them to keep her closets and wardrobe shelves organized, storing medications, first aid supplies, and bathroom essentials like dental kits and feminine hygiene products. Trolio has them scattered throughout her home, storing everything from chalk to Barbie dolls to extra school supplies. The lids seal securely, and the stackability and transparency of these boxes make them especially easy to find when you (or, in Trolio’s case, your kids) need.
The Skubb storage bin from IKEA looks like a carry-on suitcase, with a zip-up top that opens up (as shown) to reveal the contents. The storage bin slides right under your bed, and it has a handle so you can pull it out whenever you want. The Skubb requires simple assembly: slide the included plastic sheet into the pocket on the side of the storage case to maintain its shape. Be careful not to overfill the Skubb box, as this will cause the walls to buckle. My storage bin is filled with bedding and holds about five full-size sheets without warping or stretching. Breathable mesh in the corners of the storage bin will keep your clothes fresh and clean. Strategy author Jeremy Rellose also likes the Skubb for this same reason, and uses it to store out-of-season clothes. His storage boxes have survived many moves, and at $10 a piece, they’re a real find.
Type: Clear Box with Flip Front | Material: Plastic | Portability: Not convenient to carry (when folded)
These shoe organizers are some of the best storage boxes on the market. Naima Ford Goldson of Restore Order Professional Organizing notes that they’re versatile—they can be placed under a bed, on a shelf, or stored separately. (Warning: If shoe organizers are stacked high, they can be difficult to move.) This organizer’s closed drawers keep shoes from getting dusty, and small vents allow them to breathe, says Jessica Decker of Become Organized. Mary Cornetta of Organized Overall prefers this organizer’s open design because it lets you find your favorite pair of shoes without having to rearrange them all.
When a reader wrote to our advice column Ask the Strategist looking for cute linen baskets, writer Lauren Rowe (who, oddly enough, is the home decor expert on our team) shared her favorite options. Over the years, Rowe has purchased several OrganiHaus baskets. Part of the reason for this is their affordable price, especially compared to other rope baskets on the market (“You really don’t have to spend a lot of money on them if you don’t want to,” she says). The baskets are large enough to hold throw pillows and a large yoga mat, “so it’s safe to say you could fit a couple pillows and a blanket or two in one basket,” Rowe explains. The baskets come in three colors, are well-made, and have handles for easy portability, making them look more expensive than they actually are, she says. Note that they will be a little soft when empty, but when filled with linens, that won’t be an issue.
While the baskets are perfect for a kid’s room to store the latest talking dolls and board games (3 Sprouts’ baskets are approved for outdoor storage of embroidered animals, as is IKEA’s Flådis), the Swoop bag is probably the most portable toy storage bag I’ve ever heard of. The bags come in mini, medium, and large sizes, and you can throw a few toys in, pull the drawstring, and “carry” them away. (Here’s the company’s official video so you can see it in action for yourself.) Trolio tried one of the bags after reading customer reviews on the site: “One customer mentioned that these bags are great for ‘rummaging through things without throwing everything on the floor,’ and I think that really hits the spot,” she said, since they’re easy to rummage through and then reseal. Trollo likens them to “Santa’s storage bags, but for organization” — for stuffed animals, fake fruits and vegetables, and other miscellaneous items scattered around the house. She cautions against overfilling, saying the load should be heavy enough to tighten the drawstrings, but not so heavy that it’s difficult to carry. She also warns that the magnetic sheets can get heavy quickly.
Gone are the days of needing a large, dedicated file cabinet in your home office, but there are some documents you might prefer to keep printed. For that purpose, Cattano recommended this acrylic file box, which looks more like a CB2 sculpture than a typical corporate folder. She often buys multiple boxes depending on what a client needs: one for insurance documents, one for financials, and so on. These boxes are compact and easy to carry, perfect for tax season or moving. She recommends getting a color-coded hanging file cabinet like this one “so you’re not embarrassed to see it.” Plus, this file box comes in a narrower version, perfect for storing smaller files.
Type: Multi-Size Shopping Bags with Airtight Lock Lid | Material: Plastic | Portability: Moderate to Medium (depending on size)
In the world of home storage, I learned that the Container Store’s airtight tote bags are a favorite among professional organizers. Tanner describes the boxes as “certainly some of the most durable on the market,” and Susan Colasanti, owner of Organized Home NYC, relies on them to meet the needs of clients who don’t want to throw away their CD collections but want to store them “for the long haul.” The boxes are stackable, clear, and available in nine sizes, from 6.5 to 156 quarts. They stack well, with some of the smaller pieces stacking “evenly” on top of the larger ones, like Tetris tiles (shown here). They’re also great for garages, attics, and basements, since each lid has a moisture-resistant foam seal inside and multiple latches that keep the lid securely closed, keeping out moisture, bugs, and anything else you don’t want. I tried the 19-liter capacity, the second-to-last smallest, which is about the size of two standard shoe boxes placed side by side. A few weeks later, when I opened the bag, the T-shirt inside was still in its original state. I especially like the hem design at the top of the bag, which makes it easy to grab and carry (though a larger bag would be more difficult to carry). If you need to store particularly heavy items, versions with handles and wheels are also available. If you have a lot of stuff to store and want to save money, many tote sizes are available in four- or six-packs at a discount.
When it comes to durability and reliability for storing everything from Halloween skeletons to old baby clothes, two names are synonymous: Sterilite and Rubbermaid. And these are some of Rubbermaid’s most durable products. Because the lid has a more angled edge than the Weathertight Tote’s lid and latches, Rubbermaid’s Roughnecks may be a better choice if you want a durable trash can that can be safely stored at high altitudes. Jane Stoller, author of Decluttering for Dummies, suggests organizing by purpose, placing the most frequently used items at the top. She finds that Roughnecks’ handles make them easy to lift; they also snap securely onto the lid. This airtight seal is one of the reasons they’re so popular in storage containers: The plastic sides of the container are virtually impenetrable to anything. (Stoller has even seen wedding dresses stored in them.)
Type: Tote bag with snap lid, available in two sizes | Material: Plastic | Portability: Not very portable
This Rubbermaid Brute trash can is extremely durable, thanks to its heavy-duty commercial-grade plastic and ribbed bottom for easy towing. (It’s also rated for industrial weight, so you can be confident in its durability.) Like the Roughneck, the Brute is stackable, has a durable lid, and an ergonomic handle for easy carrying.
• Nicole Abramovici, founder of Genius Organizing • Laura Cattano, professional organizer • Abby Clawson Low, graphic designer and art director • Susan Colasanti, owner of Organized Home NYC • Mary Cornetta, professional organizer • Jessica Decker, professional organizer at Become Organized • Allison Dunn, founder of Neat Rules • Rebecca Firkser, food writer • Christina Giaquinto, organizing expert • Meredith Goforth, founder of House of Prim • Naima Ford Goldson, owner of Restore Order Professional Organizing • Kelsey Keith, editorial director of Herman Miller • Anne Lightfoot, founding partner of Done & Done Home • Youngna Park, strategic writer • Beth Penn, owner of Bneato Bar Professional Organizing • Jeremy Rellosa, strategic writer • Barbara Reich, professional organizer at Life Organized • Lauren Saltman, owner of Living the Organization • Roy Roch, strategic writer simple. • Caroline Solomon, home organizer • Jane Stoller, founder of Organized Jane and author of Decluttering for Dummies • Brittney Tanner, professional organizer • Jen Troglio, senior editor at The Strategist • Rachel Winkler, owner of Tidyspot • Lisa Zaslow, owner of Gotham Organizers
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