As we’ve discussed in our newsletter, minimalist living involves more than simply getting rid of possessions. Storage can still have an important place in a minimalist lifestyle. You may need to keep belongings after a family member becomes ill or passes away, or perhaps you are in the middle of a major decluttering project and need somewhere to temporarily place the things you are sorting through. There are plenty of practical reasons to use storage containers.

Another advantage of storage containers is that many of them retain some resale value. The goal is not to follow arbitrary “minimalist rules,” but to make choices that work for your particular situation.

Why Listen to Me About Storage Containers?

A few weeks ago, we helped a relative organize a yard sale. Because she is an antique dealer, the sale was enormous, and she had an impressive collection of belongings. She also owned storage containers in numerous shapes, sizes, materials, and conditions. Outside of a retail store, it was probably the largest variety of storage containers I had ever seen in one place.

I have also worked for a large retail store that sold many different types of storage containers. Over the years, I encountered some excellent products as well as some disappointing ones. On top of that, I previously worked for a moving and storage company, where I saw firsthand how much abuse containers can experience during transportation and long-term storage.

So, what qualities should you consider when choosing a storage container? The answer depends on how you plan to use it. Do you need to see what is inside? Are you storing lightweight belongings or heavy objects? How frequently will you need access to the container? Will the container be exposed to changing temperatures?

These questions are more important than they may seem. Transparent containers are useful when you need to identify their contents quickly, but many clear models are not designed for extremely heavy loads. If you expect to access a container frequently, you may prefer something lightweight and easy to handle, perhaps with wheels. Some containers are designed to stack several levels high, while others can only support a limited number of containers before the stack becomes unstable.

What to Look for in Storage Containers

Choose containers that can withstand the kind of rough handling they may encounter. You might assume your storage boxes will always be treated gently, but that is not necessarily the case, especially when moving. Even at home, containers can be dropped, bumped, overloaded, or moved around repeatedly.

There is little reason to purchase something flimsy, brittle, inconvenient, or poorly constructed. A stronger container may cost a little more initially, but it can be much more useful over time.

One important warning is worth remembering: direct sunlight and very cold temperatures can affect the strength and durability of plastic storage containers. If your containers will be kept outdoors or in an unheated area, consider the environmental conditions before choosing a product.

From experience, containers with lids that have secure snap-close handles are often preferable to models where the lid merely presses onto the top. Handles that lock the lid into position create a more dependable seal. Some lids seem secure when they are simply resting on top, but if the container is filled slightly beyond its intended capacity, the lid may come loose when you try to lift or move it.

When researching storage containers, product reviews can be useful for understanding durability, dimensions, and usability. However, it is helpful to separate reviews about the actual product from complaints related solely to shipping or delivery. Prices can also change over time, so any listed cost should be treated as a general reference rather than a permanent price.

For easier comparison, storage containers can be divided into three basic size categories: small, midsize, and large.

An Extra Category: Attractive Storage Containers

There is another category worth considering: storage containers that are attractive enough to become part of your home decor.

Storage does not always have to look industrial or unattractive. If your goal is to organize and simplify your home without getting rid of everything you own, attractive containers can help you keep belongings under control while making the room look better.

One detail that is easy to overlook is the difference between the advertised dimensions and the actual usable space. Many storage containers are marketed using the measurements of the lid, while the bottom of the container may be considerably smaller. Before purchasing, check the interior and base dimensions carefully or read reviews that provide measurements.

There is nothing more frustrating than receiving a container, getting excited because it appears large enough, and then discovering that the item you wanted to store cannot actually fit inside.

There are countless brands and models available in different sizes. Sterilite and Rubbermaid are two of the most recognizable names, and both offer a wide selection of useful storage products. Rubbermaid also produces numerous food-storage solutions, although that is a separate topic.

For now, let’s begin with the smaller options.

Best Small Storage Containers

Small storage boxes are commonly made from clear or translucent plastic, which makes it easy to identify their contents. This feature can be especially helpful when organizing drawers, closets, shelves, and other areas during a decluttering project.

Pay attention to the lids as well as the container itself. Stackable designs are particularly useful because they allow you to take advantage of vertical space between shelves.

Sterilite 6-Quart ClearView Latch Boxes

These compact Sterilite containers are useful for small belongings and offer several practical advantages. They can be stacked, their handles lock the lids securely, and their transparent walls let you see what is inside without opening the box.

They are also relatively affordable and sturdy. The containers can be used without their lids for simple organization, and their design allows them to be positioned on their sides when necessary. This makes them especially useful when you are trying to maximize limited storage space.

They work particularly well for smaller household belongings that might otherwise become scattered.

Sterilite Deep Clip Box

For smaller or oddly shaped possessions, the Sterilite Deep Clip Box is another useful choice. These containers can work well for craft materials, collectibles, toys, LEGO pieces, or other small objects that are difficult to organize.

They can also be used to sort collections, such as sea glass gathered from the beach. Their secure clips help keep the lid in place, while their stackable construction makes better use of shelf space.

One thing to remember is that the container is somewhat narrower toward the bottom, so check the interior dimensions before storing bulky objects.

Sterilite Small Storage Container Pack

Another useful option is a multipack of small Sterilite containers. These are particularly convenient for bottles and other liquid-containing items such as cleaning supplies, personal-care products, and household chemicals.

In some situations, you may not even need to use the lids. For example, placing bottles inside an open container on a bathroom shelf can keep them together and prevent them from being knocked over when you reach for something behind them.

Small containers are valuable because they can occupy otherwise wasted spaces. They can also bring order to drawers and cabinets where miscellaneous belongings tend to accumulate.

Instead of having everything thrown together in a drawer or credenza, separate containers make individual items easier to locate and keep the entire area more orderly.

Now let’s move on to midsize storage containers.

Best Midsize Storage Containers

Small containers are often better suited to organizing individual items, while midsize models are more practical when you need to store larger collections of belongings.

The options in this category generally hold approximately 30 to 40 quarts, or around 28 to 38 liters.

Rubbermaid 32-Quart ActionPacker Storage Box

The 32-quart Rubbermaid ActionPacker offers a strong combination of capacity and durability. It is available in several other sizes as well, making it possible to select a capacity that matches your needs.

These containers are designed to handle rough treatment. They can withstand being dropped, bumped, kicked, or generally abused during moving and storage. If durability is your primary concern, this is a strong midsize option.

Sterilite 30-Quart Tote

For those who prefer transparent storage, the Sterilite 30-quart tote is another practical choice.

Its secure clasping handles are particularly useful. From a mover’s perspective, a container that is simple to carry, stack, open, close, and load can make a huge difference.

These totes are convenient for moving because they are easy to transport and organize. They also make it easier to turn a moving truck or storage area into an efficient arrangement of stacked containers.

Under-Bed Storage Containers

The area beneath a bed is frequently overlooked, even though it can provide valuable storage space. Many people naturally end up placing seasonal belongings beneath the bed because the area is otherwise unused.

Under-bed storage containers make that hidden space much more practical. Some models are designed to slide across carpet or rugs, while others include wheels and are better suited to hard flooring such as tile, hardwood, or laminate.

These containers can also be useful beneath workbenches, desks, or other furniture where there is unused clearance.

Best Large Storage Containers

Large storage boxes are available in many different styles and capacities. The best choice depends heavily on what you intend to put inside them.

As the container gets larger, the weight of its contents becomes increasingly important. For that reason, large clear containers are generally better suited to lightweight items such as clothing and linens, while heavy-duty opaque containers are preferable for books, tools, and other dense belongings.

Large storage containers can be divided into two main groups: clear models and heavy-duty models.

Clear Large Storage Containers

Sterilite Ultra Storage Box

With a capacity of 116 quarts, the Sterilite Ultra Storage Box is one of the larger clear storage options.

The molded indentations in the bottom provide structural support but reduce some usable floor space inside the container. Because of this, these boxes are particularly well suited to lightweight belongings such as clothing, blankets, linens, and other household textiles rather than extremely heavy objects.

Rubbermaid Clear Roughneck Storage Tote

The Rubbermaid Clear Roughneck tote combines a large capacity with transparent sides, allowing you to identify stored belongings without opening the container.

These containers can be stacked, and certain versions feature secure clasp-style handles. This combination makes them useful when you want both visibility and dependable closure.

Akro-Mils 12-Gallon Clear Tote

These large clear Akro-Mils containers are especially practical because they are easy to handle and stack.

One notable feature is the way the lids stay associated with the containers. When the boxes are not being used, they can be nested inside one another, reducing the problem of having to find matching lids later.

They can also be stacked quite high, although it is obviously better to avoid creating an extremely tall and difficult-to-manage tower of containers.

Heavy-Duty Large Storage Containers

Stanley 50-Gallon Mobile Chest

The Stanley 50-gallon mobile chest is built for serious storage. Its heavy-duty construction makes it feel more like a piece of equipment than an ordinary plastic tote.

It includes wheels for easier transportation, secure closing clasps, and the ability to be locked. The large capacity makes it suitable for tools, books, equipment, and many other heavy belongings.

The handle is particularly useful when the container is loaded with substantial weight.

Rubbermaid Brute Tote

The Rubbermaid Brute tote is another rugged choice for demanding storage situations.

These containers are designed to hold and stack substantial amounts of belongings. They are available in capacities of approximately 14 and 20 gallons, making them useful for a wide variety of household, garage, workshop, and storage needs.

Just remember that a container can be strong enough to hold heavy objects without making those objects any easier to lift.

Ammo Crate

For something a little different, an ammo crate can also serve as a storage container even when you have no intention of storing ammunition.

These rugged crates are useful for various organizational purposes, and their unusual appearance may appeal to people who want something different from a conventional plastic tote.

Choose the Container According to What You Store

The contents should always determine the type of container you choose.

Are you storing tools, books, magazines, craft materials, clothing, or other household belongings? Some containers can handle nearly all of these categories, while others are designed for specific types of items.

For large containers holding heavy objects, avoid relying on thin clear plastic whenever possible. Transparent containers are generally made from thinner plastic than many heavy-duty models, making them less appropriate for dense, heavy loads.

Once you know what you are storing, how often you will access it, and where the container will be kept, choosing the right design becomes much easier.

Attractive Storage Containers

Storage does not have to make a room look cluttered. Large plastic totes can be practical, but they are not always the most attractive choice for living areas.

If you are trying to organize your home while keeping the space visually appealing, decorative storage products can provide a better solution.

Sorbus Storage Cubes

Storage cubes can be mixed and matched to create a colorful, modular organization system. Sorbus-style cubes are available in a wide variety of colors, allowing you to coordinate them with existing furniture or shelving.

Many people use these cubes with compatible shelving units, creating a simple storage wall. However, if you already own suitable shelving, there is no need to purchase additional furniture simply for the sake of organization.

The goal is to reduce clutter and make better use of what you already have, rather than replacing one form of excess with another.

Rubbermaid Bento Box With Dividers

The Rubbermaid Bento Box with dividers comes in multiple sizes and colors and is useful for separating and organizing smaller belongings.

The internal compartments make it possible to keep different items sorted instead of throwing everything into one container. At the same time, its cleaner appearance makes it more visually appealing than a basic plastic box.

Wicker Shelf Totes

Wicker shelf baskets are another attractive way to store magazines, accessories, small household objects, and miscellaneous items.

They can be placed directly onto shelves and provide a softer, more decorative appearance than traditional plastic containers. They are also available in different colors and styles, making it easier to coordinate them with your existing interior.

Final Thoughts on Choosing Storage Containers

The best storage container is the one that matches the job.

Think carefully about the belongings you need to store, the amount of weight they will place on the container, how frequently you will need access, and where the container will live.

Small containers are excellent for sorting and organizing little items. Midsize totes are useful for everyday storage and moving. Large clear boxes work well for lightweight belongings, while heavy-duty containers are the better choice for dense or bulky possessions.

And if the containers will remain visible inside your home, attractive baskets, cubes, and decorative organizers can help you maintain a tidy space without sacrificing style.

Although a minimalist lifestyle often encourages reducing possessions rather than finding more places to hide them, there are plenty of legitimate reasons to keep things in storage. Whether you are temporarily decluttering, organizing a family member’s belongings, preparing for a move, or simply making better use of your home, the right storage container can make the process considerably easier.