What to Store in Plastic Storage Containers

General Clothing Storage

Clear containers with locking lids are ideal for storing clothes. You can store clothes in the attic, basement, or garage until it's time to switch out your wardrobe when the seasons change. Ensure you don't keep plastic near anything too hot such as a furnace or stove.

Accessories and Other Small Items

There are several storage options for these items. You can use accessory boxes to store scarves, gloves, hats, chunky jewelry, and hosiery, but these boxes can also hold other small items. Some ideas include small tools, cables and wires, desk accessories, toys, and travel toiletries.

You can also use a plastic rolling cart to hold small items, such as hats, socks, jewelry, or makeup. A three-drawer rolling cart is mobile because it's on wheels and can be quickly used in different spaces.

Tools, Sports Equipment, and Cleaning Supplies

Since these items tend to be heavy, use heavy-duty plastic containers to store garden tools, sporting equipment, or cleaning supplies. These storage bins will protect these items from the elements if kept in a cold garage or shed and can keep them close to where you need them.

Organizing Files

An extra-large file tote box should be large enough to fit files for a household of up to two people. Once you begin adding ​more people, you probably need to graduate to an actual file cabinet.

Holiday Decor, Outdoor Entertaining, and Large Kitchen Items

A great, multi-use storage option for these items is a 22-gallon plastic storage container. They are roomy enough to fit more than a hat and small enough to carry easily.

The size also guarantees you won't be weighing the container down to where it's unsafe to ease it off a high shelf.

Crafts and Scrapbooking

Perfect for storing scrapbooking papers and other crafting materials, flat, shorter boxes will fit in any closet or storage space. Use them for gift-wrapping materials, craft materials, and school supplies.

Another option for storing craft supplies is open-top boxes (with attached lids that appear to overlap). These boxes are handy for items you need to put in storage but also need to access often.

Sweaters and Bulky Clothing

Sweater storage is a delicate art. Sweaters, typically made of cotton, wool, or cashmere, aren't content to sit around in any old box during the hot summer months. They need to breathe and be protected from the elements. Deep, plastic storage boxes ensure you won't cram sweaters or coats on top of each other to fit them all in, and the plastic construction will protect​ the fabric from dust and humidity.

Food in the Pantry

Tupperware and its ilk revolutionized food storage in the 1950s. Plastic storage containers were reusable, snap-tight, and sturdy. Being airtight, they helped prevent food spoilage in the fridge. They also help keep bugs and other pests from eating dry pantry goods. Although they're made of plastic, they're still environmentally friendly by reducing the use of single-use plastics.

Computer Supplies

Computers are not new, but the gadgets or peripherals that come with them and other mobile devices and tablets are constantly growing. Some like to hold on to spare parts or have backups like when a mouse dies, a cord fails, or an extra charger is needed. Plastic storage bins are perfect for holding onto these items in an organized way.

Archiving Important Papers

Some people prefer file cabinets, and others prefer plastic storage containers. These bins are an easy way to store old tax records, business papers, or old correspondence. Date the outside of these containers, and you may even be able to toss bin contents over time.

Gardening Supplies

If you maintain a garden, plastic storage containers have many uses. First, you need a trusty, sealed container to file and store unused seeds. Next, if you have fertilizer, bone meal, or other soil supplements, store them in a bin to keep critters out of them. Since gardening is seasonal, you likely need a spot for your hand tools, gloves, timers, gauges, hose attachments, and more.

Children's Toys

Families with children rely on plastic bins—especially apartment dwellers–for keeping toys sorted. Toy cars, Legos, playing cards, crayons, dolls—the list is limitless for organizing children's things, from infant through the teenage years and beyond.