The research
- Why you should trust me
- Best clear plastic storage bins: Iris WeatherPro Storage Containers
- Best bins for the garage, basement, and attic: Rubbermaid Brute Totes
- Best cheap storage totes: The Home Depot HDX Tough Storage Totes
- Best bin for bigger loads: Sterilite 40 Gallon Wheeled Industrial Totes
- Best outdoor storage bin: Rubbermaid Action-Packer Storage Containers
- Easiest to open: Akro-Mils KeepBox Attached Lid Container
- Best cloth storage bins: iWill Create Pro Storage Boxes with Zipper Lid
- How we picked and tested
- A note about labeling
- The competition
- Sources
Why you should trust me
I’m Wirecutter’s resident textile writer, and I’ve worked on our guides to closet organizing ideas. I’m also a published quilt designer and former librarian. I’m a born organizer. I have experience maintaining entire school libraries, keeping hundreds of yards of fabric sorted, and storing and cataloging the onslaught of sheets and blankets I’ve tested for Wirecutter. Naturally, I rely on bins to keep all these aspects of my life organized.
For this guide:
- I spoke to professional organizer Beth Penn, owner of Bneato Bar and author of The Little Book of Tidying: Decluttering Your Home and Your Life.
- I read through several technical papers and articles to learn about the durability of different plastics.
- Like all Wirecutter journalists, I review and test products with complete editorial independence. I’m never made aware of any business implications of our editorial recommendations, and I follow all of our editorial standards.
Best clear plastic storage bins: Iris WeatherPro Storage Containers
Top pick
Why they’re great
You can see what you’ve stored. We recommend labeling your bins, but with Iris WeatherPro Storage Container’s see-through design, you can skip that step and still keep track of what you’ve stored.
They’re versatile. These bins come in more sizes (12) than any others we’ve tested and in a design that maximizes usable space. Iris sometimes sells different sizes at different retailers (you can see all the sizes offered on their website).
They’re the tightest-sealing clear bins we tested. There’s a foam gasket in the lid and a total of six latches (most bins have only two on each end).
They stack securely. Each bin’s base sits snugly into a groove on the lid of the one below. Iris manufactures the WeatherPro in slightly different sizes and lid colors for The Container Store and Home Depot, but you can use them all interchangeably.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
They won’t do great in freezing temperatures. As with other polypropylene bins, the plastic becomes brittle in cold temperatures. You can probably get away with using these in a garage or unheated part of the house — if you live in a temperate climate.
They can sometimes chip. These bins chipped and lost latches in our drop tests, so look to heavier-duty bins if you plan to treat them roughly. Surprisingly, they’ve still kept moisture out even after they’ve lost a latch or two, even when I’ve left some outside in the rain for weeks here in the Pacific Northwest.
They can be stinky at first. Several other Wirecutter staffers have used these bins for years, although a couple of people have noted that the bins can be smelly when you first get them. Because they stay so well sealed, the smell can transfer to clothes and linens inside, so one senior staff writer recommends throwing some cedar blocks in.
Size options: 6.5, 19, 30, 36, 41, 44, 46, 47, 62, 74, 103, 156 quarts (size availability varies by retailer)
Best bins for the garage, basement, and attic: Rubbermaid Brute Totes
Top pick
Why they’re great
They’re the most durable bins we tested. These all-purpose Rubbermaid Brute Totes are made with high-density polyethylene, a sturdier and more temperature-resistant plastic than the clear polypropylene containers we’ve tested, like the Iris WeatherPro Storage Boxes. In our drop tests (down a flight of stairs), the Brute was one of our only picks to survive damage-free — only the lid popped off, but the container itself was completely intact.
They’re easy to carry. The Brute’s molded handles feel more comfortable than the less expensive garage bins we recommend, the Home Depot HDX.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
They can be tricky to open when they’re empty. If you need something more accessible, the butterfly lid of the Akro-Mils bins we recommend might work better. Otherwise, the Brute shouldn’t be a problem once you start using it — we found the lid easier to remove as needed once the bin was full of heavy books.
The lid collects water if left outside in the rain (or if you have a ceiling leak). Like most bins we tried, it didn’t let water in. But in our tests, the deeply grooved design caused the water to pool, which can attract bugs and bacteria.
Size options: 14, 20 gallons
Best cheap storage totes: The Home Depot HDX Tough Storage Totes
Top pick
Why they’re great
They’re cheap. You can buy a dozen Home Depot’s HDX Tough Storage Totes for the same price as one or two of our more expensive picks. They’re stackable and great for large-scale projects on a budget.
They’re widely available. Unlike with many of our other picks, which are mostly sold online, you can reliably find HDX totes in Home Depot stores. This is helpful if you want to see the bins in person to figure out exactly which of the eight available sizes you need.
They’re great for messy tasks. I used to keep my animal feed bags on a shelf, but after mice began eating into them we moved them to these HDX bins, and the mouse attacks stopped completely. It has been over three years, and they’re still holding up, kept in an unheated workshop in the Pacific Northwest. In 2021, I bought several more to store extra gardening and chicken supplies, and they’ve lived outside year-round (under our deck) with no signs of weather damage or animal wear and tear.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
They’re not the most durable. In our drop tests, the HDX cracked and lost a small chunk of plastic. The lid stayed on, though, unlike with the Brute Totes. Though the container would probably need to be replaced after a major fall, your stuff would stay inside.
They can get brittle in the cold. Like several of our bins, the HDX bins are made with polypropylene, so they may break more easily when dropped in very cold temperatures. But if you live in a mild climate or aren’t worried about years-long durability, we recommend them for garages and basements.
They’re not ideal for small spaces. Although you could technically use these for closet storage, they’re much bigger than the Iris totes and won’t work as well for most indoor spaces. Even the smallest, 12-gallon size is almost three times as big as the smallest Iris.
Size options: 12, 17, 27, 38, 55 gallons
Best bin for bigger loads: Sterilite 40 Gallon Wheeled Industrial Totes
Top pick
Why they’re great
Transporting your stuff is easy. The extra-large Sterilite 40 Gallon Wheeled Industrial Totes are the only bins we’ve found with wheels and a big, comfortable handle that folds down when not in use. Though the HDX bins we recommend come in an even bigger size (55 gallons), they don’t have wheels. During testing, we consolidated three smaller bins of holiday decorations into the Sterilite tote and wheeled it into storage — quick and easy.
They can take a beating. I’ve used these bins to pack away all of our family’s holiday decorations for over four seasons now, and the wheels, handles, and latches have held up to an increasingly large amount of stuff packed inside, in addition to surviving being dragged up and down a hill and across our gravel drive to our storage space.
They can handle the rain. When we sprayed these bins with a hose during testing, not a drop of water leaked in. Over the years, these bins have kept everything dry and secure, and they’ve made digging out the holiday decorations I store away much more pleasant every year.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
They may be too much bin. These Sterilite bins are bigger than most people probably need (and more than most Wirecutter staffers we asked actually want), and they’re too cumbersome to carry up and down stairs. Also, they’re usually sold in a two-pack, which may be more storage than many people need.
The wheels might pop off. This happened In testing, but we think that’s due to the sheer weight and size of something this big taking a tumble down a flight of stairs. But the wheels were easily reattachable, and the container was otherwise undamaged. If you do plan on packing one of these full to the brim, be mindful of weight (we’d recommend things like clothes and decorations over documents and dry goods).
Don’t overstuff them. Because the bins are so big, you might be tempted (like I was) to fill it up so much that the lid bends upward. Don’t. This leaves air gaps, which then — as I discovered over the 2020 holiday season — can allow a small critter to get in.
Size options: 40 gallons
Best outdoor storage bin: Rubbermaid Action-Packer Storage Containers
Top pick
Why they’re great
Nothing will sneak into (or out of) these bins. In our drop tests, the Rubbermaid 24 Gallon Action-Packer Storage Containers outperformed everything else we tried. After we threw it down the stairs, a few corners were a bit dented, but the latches held and the lid stayed tightly closed. It’s also our only pick that can be padlocked.
The handles are excellent. They’re deep and rounded, making them easier on the hands than those found on the Brute, Roughneck, and HDX bins we tested. We found that the 24-gallon size is much easier to haul around than its big sibling, the 35-gallon ActionPacker.
They’re great for long-term outdoor storage. If the ActionPacker is sitting in the rain for long periods, water will run off, so the lid won’t turn into a putrid pool, where bacteria and bugs can fester. Made with durable HDPE, this bin will withstand weather better than many others we tested.
They’re incredibly durable. In 2020, a bear stole a bin from outside my chicken coop, dropped the bin on the latched side until it popped open, and made off with some chicken food. The only lasting damage was a small puncture hole from one of the bear’s claws. The latch still works perfectly, and if I had padlocked the bin (the lock was purchased but sitting in the house forgotten), I’m pretty confident the bear would have failed in its quest for food. Other staffers have kept their ActionPackers outside in all kinds of weather (including one editor who did so in both Los Angeles and in Maine), and they’re still holding up years later.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
They take up a lot of space. Because of the thick plastic and bulky design, it doesn’t make the most efficient use of indoor space. If you want to maximize the space in your garage, you’re better off with the Brute.
Size options: 8, 24, 35 gallons
Easiest to open: Akro-Mils KeepBox Attached Lid Container
Top pick
If bugs and leaks aren’t a concern,the Akro-Mils KeepBox Attached Lid Container may be a good pick — especially if you struggle with tight lids.
Why they’re great
They’re a cinch to open and close. The lid consists of two halves that just lift open — so it’s easier to open than any other bins we tested. The flip-top (also called a butterfly lid) is attached to the container, so it’s also ideal for anyone who tends to misplace container lids. My daughter uses one to store pellet litter for her rabbits, since she can manage the lid more easily than one with latches (which helps avoid litter spills).
They’re cheaper than similar bins. The KeepBox container was just as sturdy as the one other butterfly-lid bin we tried (the Quantum QDC2115-12) but about half the price and more widely available. The KeepBox is also clear instead of opaque, so you can easily see what’s inside.
They’re very sturdy. Used for industrial shipping, this stackable style is made of a polypropylene and HDPE blend, so it’s stronger than the clear polypropylene Iris WeatherPro Boxes. In our drop tests we didn’t see any damage to the plastic, but the loose lid did fly open (after all, there are no latches). To ensure the lid stays shut on things you want to store long-term, these bins have eyelets at their connection point that can perfectly hold a zip tie.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
They won’t protect your stuff against the elements. The KeepBox is the only container that let water in when we hosed it down. Bugs can probably also climb in. Designed with no latches, this isn’t the bin to use to protect your stuff against the elements. Still, even though these bins aren’t meant to be weatherproof, I was surprised to see how dry, dust-free, and pest-free ours stayed after a year in my outdoor storage shed.
Size options: 12, 18 gallons
Best cloth storage bins: iWill Create Pro Storage Boxes with Zipper Lid
Top pick
Why they’re great
They’re super-convenient to use. With a zippered top and structured sides, the iWill Create Pro Storage Boxes with Zipper Lid make packing and retrieving items less frustrating than with other clothing storage bins we tested. The smaller and more expensive front-loading Container Store Sweater Box, for instance, had to be completely emptied to pull out one thing; and the Sorbus Foldable Bags were so floppy that filling them was a challenge. And while we like the Iris WeatherPro bin, described earlier, the iWill’s zippered closure is preferable to latches for storing things you might reach for frequently; instead of wrangling with a big lid, I simply zip the top open all the way to see what I’ve stored inside or to add more items. (Just keep in mind that they aren’t moth-proof.)
They’re easy on the eyes. If your storage bin is kept in a place that you’ll be looking at a lot — such as your bedroom closet — you might as well choose a bin that’s somewhat attractive. You could also use these for extra storage under couches, beds, and linen closets.
They hold up over time. I’ve used our test samples for three years, and they do a solid job of keeping everything inside clean. They’ve also withstood a lot of handling as I take them on and off the shelves, and the zipper has held up.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
They’re hard to label. The container is opaque, so you’ll need to identify what’s inside — but there’s no slot for a label, and adhesive varieties fall off immediately. So you’ll need a marker or a good memory to keep track of what’s inside.
They don’t stack easily. These bins are not firm enough to stack, especially if filled with anything bulky or heavy.
Size options: one size (17.6 by 13.6 by 9.7 inches)
How we picked and tested
To find a range of containers that work for a variety of needs we researched a total of 82 bins and used these criteria to narrow the field:
Holds a lot: We considered bins that would neatly and securely hold a variety of items and stack without wobbling. Organizer Beth Penn told us to look for the squarest bins possible to maximize the space inside.
Widely available: A helpful storage bin is one that’s easy to buy. Some popular bins were hard to find, so we focused on containers sold by multiple retailers or sellers with reliable inventory. Sometimes you need to see a container in person, so we also looked for options that could be picked up in store.
Durable: All bins should have closures that work consistently and materials that won’t break or tear with everyday use. Not every bin needs to withstand heavy abuse, so we also considered some that were less durable but highly practical for storage. Our plastic picks are made with polypropylene (labeled PP, the most common plastic we found) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE, for heavy-duty containers). Both PP and HDPE will degrade eventually from exposure to oxygen and UV from sunshine — which can cause discoloration — but the bigger concern is cold. Polypropylene can become brittle at just below freezing, which is why we don’t recommend PP bins for storage in an unheated basement or garage. Instead, choose HDPE bins, which won’t become brittle until nearly –100 degrees Fahrenheit. Neither material should be affected by the hottest outdoor temperatures — weaker PP doesn’t break down until about 176 degrees Fahrenheit.
Easy to carry: We tested for handles that didn’t hurt our hands and lids that didn’t dig into our stomachs when carrying a full box.
Since 2015, we’ve tested over two dozen bins, in a range of sizes. Over the years we’ve simulated flooding and water leaks by hosing down the bins, submerging them in a kiddie pool, and leaving them out in the rain overnight. We’ve dropped them from different heights and tossed them down long flights of stairs (which, we’ve found, is relaxing and pretty good for stress relief). If a container survived those tests, we filled it with household goods to see how much it held, if it closed when overstuffed, if it stacked securely, and how comfortable it was to carry. We filled clothing boxes with sweaters and hoodies, noting how much the boxes held and how easy they were to pack and empty.
A note about labeling
We recommend investing in a label maker. Labels are easy to remove and replace if you decide to repurpose a box. If you still prefer writing on the bins, we suggest dry-erase markers instead of Sharpies, particularly on clear storage containers. A quick pass with a wet wipe or magic eraser will take off the marker so you can reuse the box. Penn also suggests keeping an index inside the closet so you’ll never forget what you’re storing.
The competition
Indoor storage
The lids on the IKEA Sockerbit Boxes have a split lit and don’t latch, which makes the boxes uncomfortable to carry and less useful than our other picks for stacking and long-term storage (though we do recommend them in our guide to small bedrooms for underbed storage).
We like the Sterilite Ultra Storage Box containers and used to recommend them, but they’re harder to find and come in fewer sizes than the Iris WeatherPro Storage Boxes.
Heavy-duty containers
Rubbermaid’s Roughneck Totes, which we tested in 18-gallon, 10-gallon, and 3-gallon sizes, are excellent, and a favorite with a lot of our staff. They’re just really hard to find.
The Sterilite 18 Gallon LargeStorage Bins come in only one size and aren’t as durable as the Brute Totes, but they’re inexpensive and they work fine for simple storage.
Attached-lid containers
The Quantum QDC2115-12 storage containers were very similar to the Akro-Mils KeepBox in testing, but they aren’t clear and cost a lot more.
Closet storage boxes
Getting clothes in and out of the front-loading The Container Store Cambridge Drop-Front Sweater Box was frustrating. We prefer top-loading containers for clothes storage.
The Sorbus Foldable Storage Bag Organizers hold a lot of clothes, but its soft sides made it the hardest one to load. It’s too floppy to be useful.
The Sterilite 27-Gallon Industrial Tote is harder to find than the 40-gallon size we recommend, and the lid had some sharp edges that made carrying the bin uncomfortable.
The Sterilite 27-Quart ClearView Latch Box, a former pick, is inexpensive and widely available, but the handles were flimsy, and it strained visibly with bulky loads.
The Iris 54-Quart Stack & Pull Box bowed so much when filled with heavy books and bulky pillows that one of the latches popped off.
This article was edited by Daniela Gorny and Joanne Chen.
Sources
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Beth Penn, home organizer and founder of Bneato Bar, email interview, December 27, 2018
