Reading Domino’s shopping guides is like having your own personal product consultant. We do all the hard work—the thorough research, hands-on testing, and expert advice—so all you have to do is click “Add to Cart.” That’s why we call them “the best.”
While the phrase “storage containers” may conjure up images of mysterious cardboard boxes or huge plastic containers without labels, we’re here to tell you that it’s entirely possible to store your belongings in containers that are modern, practical, and functional. The best storage boxes do it all: protect your belongings, keep them intact, and add style to your space.
At Domino, we love anything that can multitask, reducing both physical and visual clutter. If you’re looking for the best way to hide (or rather, neatly tidy!) that closet clutter or that black hole under your bed, we’ve rounded up options that roll, stack, and move, including metal, hand-woven abaca, and more.
Dimensions: 4 ¼ x 6 ¾ x 10 ½ inches (small) | Colors: Various | Material: Polypropylene | Stackable: Yes
Why We Chose It: A variety of colors and sizes make this affordable collapsible trash can easy to fold multiple times, disassemble, and move.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect pastel or a bright, bold color, these drawers from Danish design brand Hay are flexible and practical. They come in three sizes (small, medium, and large) to hold office supplies, toiletries, and more. They’re specifically designed to be modular, so smaller sizes can fit inside larger ones, allowing for thorough organization. Thanks to the perforations in the drawer walls, they’re lightweight, ventilated, and collapsible. These drawers are stackable, so using multiple drawers is especially effective, allowing you to create the color combination (or rainbow!) of your dreams.
Why we chose it: Clean and simple, the trash cans come in three different sizes (small, medium, and large) and make it easy to keep your life organized.
If you value Scandinavian cleanliness, then you’ll want to check out The Container Store’s containers and lids for all your organizational needs. They come in four sizes, from extra small to large, for storing large quantities of items, and can be used as open containers or with lids for stacking. But what we love most are the thoughtful details: the smooth-edged handles are easy to grip, the clean white body is made from 100% BPA-free plastic, and the matching lid can be used as a tray or to keep out dust. While they’re not microwave-safe, they’re dishwasher and freezer-safe, so they’re great for use anywhere—bathrooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and more.
Why we chose it: Stackable, playful, durable, and available in six cute colors—what’s not to love?
If you’re looking for a way to organize a cluttered room with ease and style, look no further. These painted steel trash cans are filled with thoughtful details, from reversible handles (for stacking) to open fronts with slots for tags or labels. Available in six colors—black, white, bright yellow, earthy green, pink, and navy—these bins are a no-no. The good news: The color combinations work just as well when mixed and matched as when used individually.
Japanese organization experts Yamazaki have created home storage baskets that are also known as the perfect pantry or hobby organizer. With a large open basket and wooden handles for easy transport, it’s ideal for storing large kitchen items like snacks or grocery bags, but it’s also great for storing clothes, toys, or craft supplies. Its painted steel construction feels sturdy and durable, while the durable powder coating gives it a glossy, slightly textured look. The baskets line up neatly in cabinets filled with goodies that stay put, though one Domino’s editor keeps hers on the refrigerator to store extra coffee and noodle packets.
Dimensions: 19.5″ x 12.5″ x 9.5″ (10″ with lid) | Color: Gray | Material: Pressed felt | Stackable: Yes
Why we chose this option: Soft, elegant, and made from recycled materials, these containers have us hooked with or without lids.
Careful proportions matter when it comes to storage boxes, and Open Spaces’ Large Felt Storage Bin is just that: a flexible and practical size that’s perfect for storing everything from printer paper to toy trucks. They combine soft, cosy pressed felt with a wooden lid, striking a perfect balance between style and comfort that will appeal instinctively to both the messy toddler and the minimalist tidy-up-and-tidy. Best of all, these storage bins are made from recycled plastic bottle fibres, maximising your organisational options while reducing your environmental impact.
Dimensions: 10¼ x 13¾ x 6 inches | Colors: Various | Material: PET plastic (minimum 50% recycled content) | Stackable: Yes
The Kuggis storage unit is minimalist in both design and color. We love its low profile and small but effective and graphic thumb holes. It’s especially great for storing toiletries, as its stylish appearance provides privacy. Don’t worry: it pairs perfectly with classic IKEA pieces like the Billy shelf and the Besta storage unit. While white, teal, and lime green may not be the neutral colors we’re expecting, we love the idea of ​​making the storage system a bright or fun pop of color in a closet or wardrobe.
Dimensions: 14″ x 14.5″ + 3.5″ Handles (Medium), 15″ x 19″ + 3.5″ Handles (Large) | Color: Light Abaca | Material: Locally Sourced Abaca Bark | Stackable: No
Why we chose this product: Handwoven in Indonesia, these baskets are the perfect combination of functionality and craftsmanship.
If you thought wicker baskets were just generic fruitcake containers used by weaving grandmothers or old-fashioned gift givers, think again. Citizenry’s Sundak baskets come in unique shapes and organic colors, and each basket is hand-woven from sustainably grown Indonesian abaca plants. The thick weave makes the basket surprisingly sturdy—think: it’s heavy enough to hold a couple yoga mats and a few heavy items—and the two large handles make it easy to transport. Available in two sizes, they make a beautiful ensemble when stacked together, but they can also be used individually to add a touch of warmth to any nook or cranny where storage is needed.
Dimensions: 22″ x 14″ x 17″ (Low Trunk); 17″ x 14″ x 27.5″ (High Trunk) | Colors: White/Gray or White/Navy | Materials: Plastic and Rattan | Stackable: No
The name says it all: the Riviera Rolling Storage Container combines classic Southern French beach style with the practicality of wheels. These storage boxes are full of personality and designed to coordinate with other products in Serena & Lily’s Riviera collection. They come in two sizes: a shorter, smaller size that’s perfect for books, toys, and other mid-sized items; and a larger, taller size that’s proportioned more like a traditional laundry basket. But no matter how you use them, we’re such big fans of S&L’s graphic wicker patterns and rattan accents that we had a hard time hiding them in closets, and we ended up putting them on display.
Dimensions: 27.8 x 16.1 x 10.5 inches (shallow box) | Color: White | Material: Polypropylene | Stackable: Yes
These corrugated bins from Japanese brand Like-it are the outdoor storage bins we’ve been waiting for. With water-resistant, air-tight lids, you can stack them outside or in the garage without worrying about mold, and they’re not made of tacky or cheap plastic that you won’t be turned off by. You can choose from four chic colors, with the light set coming with four matching mini bins that fit perfectly inside to keep seasonal items separated and organized, whether that’s Christmas decorations and ornaments or winter sweaters and clothes. Or, if you have a lot of stuff to put away, like leftover soil and other gardening tools, you can opt for a deep bin with a heavy-duty weight capacity of 220 pounds. We loved the handles on the sides, which are easy to grab while unpacking.
Thuma’s minimalist platform frame is one of our favorite beds, so it’s no surprise that the brand offers equally modern storage compartments. It’s made from PET felt made from recycled plastic bottles and can be easily pulled out of hard-to-reach places, even if you have carpeted floors. Plus, the dark gray color won’t distract you if you want it to disappear. The twin bed comfortably sleeps two, the queen bed sleeps up to four, and the king bed sleeps up to six. One reviewer noted that the matching cover prevents dust from accumulating, especially when storing seasonal sweaters or blankets. While there are no handles, there are bumpers for easy grip.
Why we chose it: Great for baby toys, diapers and books – they’re made from natural materials.
What’s the best thing about these wicker baskets? The flexible handle! They make it easy to carry your baby’s toys, books, and diapers from room to room. We recommend buying a few and placing them in your playroom, on a diaper rack, or just in the living room so your baby has room to explore. That way, you don’t have to drag everything around the house. Plus, they’re made from natural water hyacinth—if your baby tries to touch the material, you’ll know it’s eco-friendly and safe.
This versatile powder-coated steel basket from Neat Method comes in six popular colors, including matte spruce green, and two sizes (a small 10-inch square basket and a large 14-inch box that the brand estimates can hold about six bags of pasta). The perforated design keeps items hidden without completely blocking the view. We love that they come with felt pads to keep the bottom from scratching cabinet shelves or floors, as well as insertable dividers, but we wish the magnetic label holders had that feature, too. As one past buyer said, a larger size would have been handy. While other reviewers couldn’t be happier (one bought 40 to use in her entryway, office, and pantry!), some noted that the baskets arrived a little misshapen.
At Domino’s, design and aesthetics always play a major role in our decision-making. In fact, when we choose the best storage containers, these two factors are just as important as practical aspects like material, size, and functionality. From organization gurus to interior designers, our experts agree: When it comes to this essential organizational tool, form doesn’t matter more than function—it matters both.
When it comes to storage containers, design includes a number of factors, such as color, material, and details. Lids, handles, holes, and even casters can really transform a storage box and make it something you’ll want to display, not to mention move from room to room. Not sure if you really need a cover? “If you’re storing things in a visible place, like a bookshelf, you might want to consider a lid to hide what’s inside. Who wants to see office supplies or files?” notes professional organizer Laura Cattano.
Storage bins come in a variety of materials, including metal, plastic, and natural materials like rattan and canvas. How do you know which material is best for you? Think about what you’re storing and any special requirements it may have. For example, if you’re storing food, make sure the storage bin is food-safe. On the other hand, “if you’re storing makeup or hair products, you want a material that’s easy to clean, like plastic. If you’re storing sweaters, you want a smooth material that won’t snag the fabric,” says Julianna Strickland, founder of Space Camp Organizing. But at the same time, Strickland adds, “I personally don’t want to see a wall of plastic when I walk into my closet, so I always gravitate toward storage bins made from natural materials like canvas, cotton rope, or wicker.”
Whether you’re looking to stash away the tiniest of knickknacks or the largest of toys, don’t worry: There are storage containers big and small enough to accommodate any storage need. In general, “a storage container should be large enough to hold one category of item, but not so large that small items fall to the bottom and are never found again (think about throwing Legos and doll clothes in a large fabric container!),” says Lucy Milligan Wahl, founder of LMW Edits. But no matter what size you’re looking for, “be sure to measure twice once you’ve decided where you want to place your storage container. There’s nothing worse than buying something an inch too big and it doesn’t fit in the space,” says Cattano.
Sometimes the biggest issue isn’t what kind of storage box you need, but a simpler question: what exactly do you want to store? Some of the most common items stored are seasonal, like winter clothing and holiday decorations, while other items can be used year-round, like toys or crafts. Before you buy, consider what you’ll be storing and how often you’ll be taking it out.
Durability goes hand in hand with quality materials and construction, so be sure to read the fine print. If the trash can is made of metal, inspect any coatings applied and check the construction in the corners for any raw edges. For fabric trash cans, it’s best to use a material that can withstand heavy use, such as leather, felt, or even high-quality canvas.
Some storage containers, especially those without lids, are made to be unique and even occupy strategic shelf space. Other storage containers are designed to be used in batches, stacked vertically, nested, or placed horizontally. If you’re considering buying multiple storage containers, consider what you’ll be storing; whether they’ll be the same size; and whether they’ll be in the same space or on the same shelf, says Cattano. If so, she suggests purchasing several of the same storage containers to reduce visual clutter.
Storage containers come in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the most common are round or rectangular storage containers. Sizes range from small (about 5 x 3 x 2 inches, which is about the size of a box of pasta) to very large (like 26 x 16 x 14 inches) that can hold dozens of quarts. However, storage boxes with bolder designs tend to be small and medium sized, while larger sizes are more practical models that can be used to store items in a basement or attic rather than on display.
If you’re looking to get rid of some old storage boxes, consider putting them elsewhere in your home, like the garage, basement, or attic. If that’s not an option, Strickland says, “your best bet is to give them to a friend or neighbor or donate them to a place that can always use a clean, undamaged box.”
If you’re storing photos, especially old or fragile ones, acid-free storage is your best option. “This could mean sorting photos into large acid-free envelopes and storing those envelopes in plastic containers, or it could mean using photo boxes and avoiding plastic containers altogether,” says Strickland. Caroline Solomon of Neatly Organizing recommends using acid- and lignin-free archival storage boxes, which will prevent your photo materials from yellowing. She notes that plastic repels moisture, insects, and rodents, but “it’s not ideal for storing photos, as it’s unclear how the plastic will react to the photos over time.” You’ll also need to consider where the storage box is stored, as temperature can have an impact: “Photographs are less likely to suffer serious damage in a plastic box if they’re in a temperature-controlled environment,” says Strickland. On the other hand, if they’re stored in a hot Arizona garage, “you definitely want to make sure the photos are stored properly in acid-free envelopes or boxes,” she adds.
Since pests are more interested in the contents of the box than the box itself, “make sure the storage box is well-sealed and the contents are clean and free of items that might attract pests,” Wahl says. Adding cedar blocks when storing fabric will help ward off woodworm, and avoid cardboard because, Wahl says, “crawling insects love it!” When in doubt, “invest in the highest quality boxes you can afford,” whether that means airtight containers or adding cedar balls or disks to sweater boxes, Strickland says.
Whether you’re looking to put away winter clothes or keep craft supplies neatly sorted and easily accessible, the best storage containers will not only keep your belongings clean, safe, and protected from moisture and pests, but they’ll also add a little personality to your space—whether that’s a simple, minimalist shape or a pop of color. Our recommended options have been carefully and thoughtfully tested, so they’ll fit just about any toy or gadget, and will work in any space, whether it’s a corner, a closet, or the kitchen.