“Some people may prefer one big container for a large category like ‘bathroom products,’ where others may want to use several smaller containers for subcategories like ‘cleansers,’ ‘moisturizers,’ ‘makeup’ and so forth,” says Louisa Roberts, professional organizer and owner of Neat Method New York City. “Bins with lids are recommended for storing infrequently used items that need to be protected from dust, water, or other elements. Unlike open containers, bins with lids easily stack to maximize space, and they securely contain items you wouldn’t want children to access independently, such as paint and markers,” she says. To find the best bins available, we conducted hours of research and evaluated them on durability, size, type of plastic, closures, and price. We also took into account everyday pieces that would work in kitchens and closets and specialty items designed for a specific purpose or area. Our Best Overall pick, the Sterilite Garage Tote, is durable, easy to handle and transport, and has a removable lid. Ahead, no matter which size you need, you’ll find the best plastic storage bins to keep your space totally organized. You can buy these versatile bins in a six-pack or one at a time, but we have a feeling you’ll want to stock up if you plan on storing a good amount of items like holiday decor or your family’s off-season clothing. The capacity of each bin is 50 quarts, similar to a beverage cooler (a 25-quart option is available, too). The lids are recessed so that the bins can be stacked vertically in a neat, stable position. Note that they taper slightly at the bottom, so keep this in mind when measuring if you need to store a rigid, flat item. Even though the plastic is not high-density, these bins can withstand some weight without bending. Price at time of publish: $18 With a 6-gallon capacity, these containers would work well for storing everyday items, such as clothing, toys, or guest bedding and linens. You can stack them easily with the recessed lids, so pile them up in a closet or against the wall without worry. Just note that the brand recommends you use them indoors only. The plastic isn’t incredibly thick, but depending on what you’re storing, these would work well in spaces such as closets or laundry rooms. Price at time of publish: $7 with lid, $5 without lid Use them to store a wide variety of items, including gloves and hats near the entryway, coffee pods near the coffeemaker, and art supplies in the playroom. You can opt to purchase a plastic or wooden lid for an additional cost, and the plastic lids have a recessed top for easy stacking. Lids come in an assortment of creative colors, and if you choose to leave the container open, the lid doubles as a shallow organization plate. Price at time of publish: $38+ for 2 The crates are made of recycled plastic waste and should be cleaned with a soft cloth and gentle detergent because harsher products may scratch the glossy finish. While these would certainly look great stacked on a desk or open shelving, the small gaps mean little items could slip through, and with no lid, your stored items aren’t fully protected. As long as you plan accordingly for the open design, we think they’re a delightful choice. Price at time of publish: $7+ While the three-piece set can help someone elevate their refrigerator’s organization, others may not find a divided bin useful, or you may prefer different sizes of containers than those offered in this set. Luckily, there are several other solution sets in The Spruce by iDesign’s eco-friendly line, so you can choose between three, four, or five-piece sets. Each piece is transparent, so you can keep a ready eye on the freshness of your food, too. Keep in mind that for optimal care, it’s recommended to hand-wash these bins. Price at time of publish: $31 for 3 bins Stackable and easy to clean, the systematic set is designed to keep your pantry organized. These are on the more expensive side, and as with many The Container Store T.H.E. items, the sticker labels are sometimes difficult to remove. Price at time of publish: $80 for 4 Each of the five containers comes with a coordinating lid, and you get a selection of four different sizes, ranging from 0.3 quarts to 2.1 quarts (with two 0.9 quart containers included). We think this particular selection makes a great starter set, but you should know that there are other varieties offered too. The Pop line can get pricey, especially with so many choices sold separately. They also require a bit of extra effort to maintain because the brand instructs you to hand-wash them. Of course, if you’re planning on using them for long-term storage, we think the extra effort is well worth it. Price at time of publish: $60 for 5 The lid flips up from either side for easy access, no matter which side of the bed you sleep on. The lids are not airtight, but if you need to access transitional clothing like fall sweaters or that leather purse you carry only every now and then, this is an out-of-sight but still accessible storage option. We also like these boxes for storing crafts, gift wrap materials, and art supplies, too. Price at time of publish: $30 Note that this is a budget-friendly choice, and if you opt to pick up more than one, you can stack them together. Just keep in mind how much weight you’re asking the small handle to lift if you do try to move a stack of them at once, and be careful not to overdo it. Price at time of publish: $6 This bin would work well in areas that tend to be damp or humid, such as basements, garages, or outdoor storage sheds. The handles are ergonomically constructed and even have drainage holes to prevent mildew buildup. The bottom is ribbed for extra reinforcement in case you need to drag it across your driveway. Lids are recessed so bins can be nested on top of each other. Customers report using these for cat litter, power tools, and even an aquaponics rock garden. The opaque exterior limits visibility of the interior contents, so make sure to label each bin for quick access to your belongings. Price at time of publish: $41 Rubbermaid offers a lifetime warranty on the ActionPacker, and the high-density plastic is meant to withstand temperatures from 0 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The lid is double-walled to offer additional protection, and in addition to the side latching handles, the container can be secured with a lock that must be purchased separately. Due to the small hole, you might prefer to use a cable-style model rather than a traditional padlock. Price at time of publish: $116 These bins stack neatly on top of one another so you can even use them as individual shoe boxes in a closet or wardrobe. Because they’re clear, you can also easily see what’s inside, and the latching handles help keep the lid on securely. Be aware that some customers reported that the latches aren’t childproof, so store those messy paint supplies out of reach. Price at time of publish: $48 for 12 Note that the plastic isn’t rigid, so some customers reported that they bend when the bins get too full. The bins are ideal for lightweight items, and they aren’t stackable, so they’re meant to sit beside each other in a closet or under the sink. Price at time of publish: $4+ “There’s nothing worse than buying a bunch of bins and getting home and realizing that your space is too narrow for the bin you chose, or maybe you didn’t realize that your shelves couldn’t be adjusted for height,” says McAvoy. Plastic storage tubs list the capacity in quarts or gallons, and some may also include a weight limit. If you’re shopping online, you can get a sense of what a bin can hold by looking at both product photos and images posted by shoppers, which are often the most helpful. For Best Overall, we chose the Sterilite Garage Tote. The capacity of each bin is 50 quarts, similar to a beverage cooler. Besides being roomy, it’s durable, easy to handle and transport, and has a removable lid.
Material and Design
Rigid plastic materials are less likely to buckle when filled with heavy items. These are sometimes labeled as high-density bins. “A bin like this tends to be more expensive because it is really durable, keeps dust and critters out, and is airtight,” says McAvoy. If you’re storing bins vertically, look for a stackable style (these usually have recessed lids) because this will help the bins stay stable and maximize your storage space from top to bottom. Note that some storage bins are narrower at the bottom and wider on top so that they can nest when they’re empty. This is a helpful feature, but if you are lining these up on shelves horizontally, you may have wasted space in between.
Lid Closure Type
Storage bin lids can be attached or removable. Attached lids might be on a single set of hinges, or they may split down the middle and interlock. When the lid is integrated into the design, you’re less likely to lose track of it, but McAvoy warns that sometimes these can break, potentially rendering the bin unusable. McAvoy prefers removable lids with side snaps and latches. If you live with small children, you might need to opt for more secure closures. If you love color-coding, consider lids that come in different colors. Others might opt for clear lids so they can easily see the contents.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Lexi Dwyer has been contributing to The Spruce since 2019. She has written about drying racks, hampers, toy storage, woven baskets, and more. Lexi researched dozens of storage bins for this piece, carefully evaluating them on durability, size, price, and plastic type. She also considered everyday pieces that would work in kitchens and closets and specialty items designed for a specific purpose or area. Additional input was provided by professional organizer Marci McAvoy of Marci McAvoy Home Organization and Louisa Roberts, professional organizer and owner of Neat Method New York City. If you can’t easily recycle your old bins, try posting them on a local swap group such as Buy Nothing or Freecycle or using them for other home projects, such as building a terrarium or mini greenhouse. If they’re clean and in good condition, you can also donate them. Dena Ogden, Commerce writer at The Spruce, updated this piece and contributed additional research. She’s been writing professionally since 2016 and with The Spruce since August 2022, specializing in appliances, cleaning, and organizational topics.
