The 13 Best Plastic Storage Bins of 2023

Best Overall

Sterilite Garage Totes

4.9

View On The Container Store

The Sterilite 50-Quart Garage Tote is our top pick because it's durable enough to withstand everyday use in interior closets or long-term storage in exterior sheds. A smart design with secure lid closures makes this storage box outstanding for both options. The latching handles are sturdy, easy to grip, and snap into place. This will ensure your items stay inside the bin if it happens to fall over in your closet or attic. The strong plastic keeps moisture and dust out, so you can trust that your belongings will be safe for years. When it's time to retrieve your bins, you'll be able to see the interior contents.

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

_{Dimensions: 19.88 x 15.5 x 14.75 inches︱Capacity: 50 quarts︱Weight Capacity: Not listed︱Color: Clear︱Lid Closure Type: Removable/latching}

Best Budget

IKEA SAMLA Box with lid

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Ikea's Samla line brings organization containers to an accessible price point. We're fans of the transparent material that gives you a quick view of the inside as well as the practical shape that's easy to stack or position on a shelf. Bins can be purchased with or without lids, giving you additional flexibility (and save you money if you don't require a lid).

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

_{Dimensions: 15.25 x 11 x 11 inches︱Capacity: 6 gallons︱Weight Capacity: Not listed︱Color: Clear︱Lid Closure Type: Removable/optional}

Best Splurge

Open Spaces Small Storage Bins

View On Getopenspaces.com

These Open Spaces Small Storage Bins are so lovely to look at that you'll want to show them off on shelves and dresser tops in every room. They come in a range of sizes (small, medium, and large) and colors (from cream to dark green). If you're looking to implement a full organizational system, they're also sold in sets.

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

_{Dimensions: Varies per product︱Capacity: Not listed︱Weight Capacity: Not listed︱Colors: Dark green, light blue, cream, navy, light pink︱Lid Closure Type: Removable}

Best Design

HAY Recycled Colour Crate

View On Hay.com

With these bright, eye-catching bins, the team at Danish design firm Hay created a fun take on the standard milk crate. The Hay Recycled Colour Crates are lightweight, so they're easy to move around, and they can stack or just live happily on an open shelf. They're available in several sizes and colors, so you can pair them by putting smaller ones inside bigger ones to drill down on organizing. You can also choose to mix colors or opt for a monochromatic color scheme.

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+

_{Dimensions: Small: 4.1 x 10.4 x 6.6 inches; medium: 5.5 x 13.5 x 10.4 inches; large: 7.2 x 20.8 x 9.5 inches︱Capacity: Varies︱Weight Capacity: Varies︱Colors: 19 colors including blush, mint, olive, terra-cotta, and sky blue︱Lid Closure Type: Not applicable}

Best for Refrigerator

The Spruce by iDesign 3-Piece Plastic Refrigerator Organizer Bin Set with Lids, Clear/White

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The Spruce by iDesign 3-Piece Solution Set is an excellent option for anyone hoping to organize a home refrigerator. It comes with one berry bin, one large divided bin for snacks and cheeses, and one small bin for produce. The entire set is made from 100 percent consumer-recycled plastic, and it's BPA-free.

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

_{Dimensions: Varies per product︱Capacity: Not listed︱Weight Capacity: Not listed︱Color: Clear/white or clear/gray︱Lid Closure Type: Removable}

Best for Pantries

The Home Edit Stacking Pantry Bin (Case of 4)

View On The Container Store

The Home Edit (T.H.E.) Stacking Pantry Bins come in a variety of different sizes for optimal kitchen organization and are freezer safe. Stack them and place them side by side in your pantry for easy access to snacks and fresh produce. You can also purchase separate, smaller organizers to use inside if you'd prefer to organize your pantry into further categories.

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

_{Dimensions: 6 x 10 x 10 inches︱Capacity: Not listed︱Weight Capacity: Not listed︱Colors: Clear︱Lid Closure Type: Not applicable}

Best for Food

OXO Good Grips POP 5-Piece Canisters

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When it comes to dry food storage, the Good Grips Pop line from OXO is tough to beat. We love the neat and simple design, the stackable shapes and sizes, and the airtight lids. Not only do they look great lined up on your shelves or in your pantry, but they also keep food fresh. Plus, they're transparent, giving you a clear view of all of your ingredients.

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

_{Dimensions: Varies︱Capacity: Varies︱Weight Capacity: Varies︱Colors: Transparent/white︱Lid Closure Type: Removable/latching}

Best Under Bed

The Container Store Our Long Under Bed Box With Wheels

View On The Container Store

When you're short on closet space, sometimes you have to get creative. The Container Store's Long Under Bed Box With Wheels is an excellent choice for anyone looking to store extra shoes, sweaters, or bags out of sight. This nearly 3-foot-long container comes with wheels, so you can quickly roll it out from under your bed and grab what you need.

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

_{Dimensions: 6.5 x 18.25 x 35.63 inches︱Capacity: Not listed︱Weight Capacity: 30 pounds︱Color: Clear︱Lid Closure Type: Removable/flip-up}

Best for Crafts

Sterilite Stack & Carry 2 Tray Handle Box Organizer

View On Target

Sterilite earns another mention with this handy two-tiered organizer. With a transparent exterior and a removable teal green tray with six compartments, it's ideal for sorting small craft items from buttons and beads to stickers and stamps, as well as makeup, hair ties, toys, and others small items that always seem to appear and clutter up your countertops. In a perfect world, there'd be a variety of color choices for the inside tray, but we're willing to overlook the limited choices for the smart and convenient design.

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

_{Dimensions: 10.63 x 7.25 x 5.5 inches︱Capacity: Not listed︱Weight Capacity: Not listed︱Colors: Transparent/green︱Lid Closure Type: Removable/latching}

Best Heavy-Duty

Rubbermaid Commercial Products BRUTE Tote Storage Container with Lid, 20-Gallon

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This Rubbermaid Commercial Storage Container is an ultra-tough 20-gallon bin that is part of the same Rubbermaid line as the wheeled gray garbage cans that adorn so many public spaces. Popular in commercial kitchens, the bins meet NSF International (National Sanitation Foundation) standards for things like durability and performance.

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

_{Dimensions: 15.13 x x 27.88 x 17.38 inches︱Capacity: 14-20 gallons︱Weight Capacity: Not listed︱Color: Gray, white︱Lid Closure Type: Removable/latching}

Best With Lockable Lid

Rubbermaid 35-Gallon ActionPacker Lockable Industrial Storage Container

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College students, travelers, and campers might want a storage bin that can be fitted with a separate lock, like this Rubbermaid ActionPacker 35-Gallon Industrial Storage Container. Note that the lock acts mainly as a deterrent because—as some reviewers pointed out—if someone is really determined to break in, they could use tools to cut through it. Still, this incredibly durable bin is worth considering if you're seeking rugged storage. Camping gear, grill tools, Christmas decorations, and large costumes are just a few things you can store inside.

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

_{Dimensions: 17.25 x 35.25 x 20 inches︱Capacity: 35 gallons︱Weight Capacity: 110 pounds︱Color: Black with gray lid︱Lid Closure Type: Removable/latching with locking capability (lock sold separately)}

Best Compact

Sterilite 6 Quart Storage Box (12-pack)

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Small spaces sometimes need creative storage solutions, and that's where these compact Sterilite 6-Quart Storage Boxes can come in handy. Stock up on these storage bins sold in packs of 6 or 12 and start your organization project today. Use these bins to organize craft supplies, kids' clothes, or bathroom supplies for stockpiles of items, such as contact lenses, nail accessories, and extra products.

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

_{Dimensions: 4.86 x 14.13 x 7.75 inches︱Capacity: 1.5 gallons︱Weight Capacity: Not listed︱Color: Clear with plum handle︱Lid Closure Type: Removable/latching}