Learn about Types of Storage Devices Totes Tubs and Storage Boxes

Looking for a place to store that extra set of dishes, collection of baseball cards or last season’s clothing? Perhaps you just need a place to put your holiday decorations. Whether you want to hang on to something because it has sentimental value or because it just might come in handy when you least expect it, storage bins and boxes offer an excellent solution. Choose from totes, tubs, boxes, bins and other storage devices to help reduce clutter and organize items so you can find what you’re looking for faster. Start by taking an inventory of what you need to store, how big the objects are and what type of storage space is available. Use the following questions to help find the right match for all your needs:
 

• What types of storage devices are available?
• Will you need colored or clear bins?
• What types of items do you wish to store?
• How often will you need to access them?
• Are there any special features you’d like to have?

Bins, Boxes, Shelves, Totes and Tubs

Toys, sports equipment, toiletries, pet food, garden supplies, office material, photos, books and more can all be easily stored and organized with the help of the right containers. Small boxes with multiple compartments are perfect for storing sewing or craft materials while large crates provide plenty of storage space for old clothes or bulky, oddly shaped items. Choose from a variety of solid colors or utilize a clear plastic container so that you can instantly identify what’s inside without having to open it. Keep in mind the weight of objects you plan to store. If they’re heavy, you’ll need to look for reinforced containers that can handle the load.
 
Bins: Bins come in all different sizes, designs and colors for maximum versatility. Whether you’re storing a couple of pairs of shoes or all your holiday decorations, you’ll be able to find the ideal size. Choose multiple bins of the same color to store your old dishes, and then choose a different color for holding photos and keepsakes. Bins with rollers on the bottom are easy to move around, particularly if you’re storing them in a basement or garage with a concrete or hard floor surface. The chart below will help you learn more about the different bin designs available and some of the benefits of each.
 

Bin Type	Description	Benefits and Uses
Attached Lid	Features a hinged lid that opens and closes.	• Provides protection and keeps out dust • Comes in multiple sizes for a range of   applications
Bottom Hinged	Features a top lid and hinges on the bottom that allow items to be removed from the top or bottom.	• Provides convenient access from two   directions • Useful for storing heavy objects
Multiple Drawers	Features several sliding drawers.	• Provides storage space for a number of items • Perfect for craft or hobby storage
Nestable	A group of different-sized bins that can fit inside one another.	• Provides multiple storage bins • Takes up less space when not in use
Stackable	Designed to be used in conjunction with other bins by allowing for vertical stacking	• Allows for more efficient use of space • Comes in multiple sizes for a range of   applications • May lock into place with other containers
Under Bed	Features a long, shallow body designed for storing underneath beds and other furniture.	• Allows for more efficient use of space • Ideal for storing out-of-season clothing, shoes   and accessories

Boxes and Shelves: Corrugated cardboard boxes come in an immense range of sizes and are easy to assemble. While you won’t want to use them in areas that are susceptible to dampness, they are perfect for moving or storing items in clean, dry locations. If you’re using them to transport items during a move, you may want to pick up a tape gun to make sealing them quick and easy. Acid-free boxes are ideal for storing delicate linens over long periods of time. Make sure to label or mark boxes so that you don’t always have to open them up to know what’s inside. Shelves provide ample storage space for boxes and other items. Some can be anchored to a wall while others can be assembled to various heights depending on how much room you need.
 

• If you need many boxes, purchase unassembled ones for easier transport
• Boxes can be broken down when not in use for easier storage
• Boxes with dividers make it easier to store small items without getting them mixed up
• Use wooden or wire racks to increase storage space in kitchens
• Use plastic boxes in areas where moisture or water damage may occur

Totes, Tubs and More: Totes are ideal tools for both storage and transportation. Because they’re made of soft materials, they’re easy to store and won’t scratch or dent surfaces they bump up against. Baskets also provide an easy-to-transport storage solution while also serving to enhance and complement the décor of a room. Use them to hold soaps and other toiletries in the bathroom or magazines in your living room. Baskets are made from a range of materials, including plastic, bamboo, willow, wrought iron, canvas, coir and more.
 

• Tubs come in different sizes and can be easily transported if they feature handles
• Buckets are available in many different sizes and can be used for transporting or storing both solid 
  objects and liquids
• Drums can be used to hold large amounts of food, water and other materials
• Chests and trunks provide ample storage room and can be used for decorative purposes as well

Features

Label Maker: Once you’ve got everything stored, the last thing you want to do is open every box in the basement when you’re looking for something in particular. Pick up a label maker to clearly identify what each container has inside.
 
Nonslip Shelf Liners: When you’re storing items on shelves, you want to make sure they stay in their place. If the shelves are slightly uneven, boxes can slide off, causing small items to break and heavy objects to injure anyone standing nearby at the time. Nonslip shelf liners help alleviate this danger by providing traction for boxes to keep them in place.
 
Chloride Pellets and Cedar Blocks: Damp basements can wreak havoc on boxes and other storage devices. Chloride pellets, which are both odorless and nontoxic, absorb excess moisture to help keep boxes dryer. Cedar blocks will prevent moths from damaging clothes you want to store.
 
Name-Card Holders: If you choose not to get a label maker, look for boxes and bins that feature slots for inserting a name card.