7 Best Storage Containers and Bins to Get Your Home Organized

This article highlights the top storage containers recommended by Better Homes & Gardens editors, emphasizing their role in organizing homes and battling clutter. It features nine distinct categories of storage solutions, each chosen for its unique functionality and design, ranging from heavy-duty options to decorative baskets and specialized holiday storage. The recommendations are based on extensive research and, in many cases, personal testing by the editorial team. The article begins by stressing the importance of proper storage containers in tackling home organization. It quotes organizing expert Julie Morgenstern, author of "Organizing From the Inside Out," who advises consumers to first sort, purge, and group their belongings before purchasing containers to ensure they select the most suitable products for their needs. This preparatory step is crucial for an effective organizing project. Among the top picks is the Rubbermaid Storage Tote with Lid, lauded as the best overall for its sturdy construction and 14-gallon capacity, ideal for various items like sweaters, seasonal bedding, or decor. While functional and stackable, its industrial aesthetic suggests use in less visible areas like garages. For visibility, the IRIS USA Plastic Storage Container set is recommended, offering clear bins with secure lids for light to medium-weight items, ensuring easy identification of contents and protection from dust. For heavier items, the CX Storage Containers are presented as the best heavy-duty option. These 27-gallon plastic totes are designed for rugged use, featuring ergonomic handles and snap-lock lids that are weather- and water-resistant. Although not aesthetically pleasing, their durability and ability to be secured with zip ties make them perfect for workshops or garages. The article also addresses space-saving solutions with the storageLAB Underbed Storage Containers, a set of two zippered polyester-blend bags with a transparent top for easy viewing. These are ideal for seasonal clothing and bedding, offering smooth zippers and durable handles, and designed to fit under most beds. Decorative storage is covered by the Pottery Barn Savannah Handwoven Seagrass Lidded Baskets. These attractive baskets, available in various sizes, offer a stylish solution for visible storage, such as toys, books, or linens. While their lids are not airtight, they provide easy access and feature cut-out handles for portability. Further specialized options include Gongshi Vacuum Storage Bags for compressing out-of-season clothes and linens, a Keter Solana Storage Bench that doubles as outdoor seating and storage for gardening tools or outdoor accessories, and specialized containers for holiday items like the Treekeeper Gift Wrap Craft Station for wrapping paper and the Santa’s Bags Christmas Tree Storage Bag for artificial trees, the latter featuring wheels for easy transport. The article concludes by offering essential shopping tips, focusing on material, lid type, and size/capacity. It advises against clear containers for visible storage and highlights the pros and cons of different lid types (snap-tight vs. latching). Morgenstern's advice on measuring space and knowing exactly what needs to be stored before buying is reiterated to prevent common storage mistakes. Additionally, it addresses common questions regarding airtight containers, methods for keeping bugs out of storage bins, and preventing mold growth on clothes, emphasizing the importance of airtight containers, avoiding cardboard, and ensuring items are clean and dry before storage, ideally in climate-controlled environments. #HomeOrganization #StorageSolutions #HomeDecor #SpaceSaving #Decluttering #ProductReviews #HouseholdEssentials #StorageTips

This article highlights the utility of storage baskets in maintaining a tidy and functional home environment, offering expert advice on selection and usage. It delves into a curated list of 21 top-rated storage baskets, emphasizing their stylish designs, practical features, durable materials, and space-saving capabilities. The selection process involved extensive research, prioritizing options that stack, nest, or collapse, and included insights from Liz Dahmen, an organization consultant. The article showcases a diverse range of baskets to suit various needs and aesthetic preferences. The GooBloo Blanket Basket, made from a blend of hogla plant fiber and plastic, is presented as an ideal solution for storing blankets and throws, notable for its natural look and durability. For those seeking to hide clutter on shelves, the West Elm Woven Seagrass Basket, handcrafted from sustainable natural seagrass, is recommended, available in multiple sizes and offering a neutral aesthetic with added texture. The Like-It Stacking Baskets with Lids are featured for their modular and stackable design, perfect for optimizing closet space, especially in both deep and shallow configurations, and made from plastic with ventilation. For a coordinated approach to home organization, the Birch Lane 3-Piece Seagrass Basket Set provides three varying sizes, each capable of holding significant weight, suitable for general storage or as decorative planters, though variations in handmade items are noted. The HAY Recycled Colour Crate is highlighted for small item storage, crafted from 100% recycled plastic, stackable, and available in multiple sizes and vibrant colors. Decorative options include the Anthropologie Tulip Baskets, which offer a handcrafted rattan design with a unique flower-shaped rim, and are suggested for towels, linens, or discreet clutter concealment, with a caution against moisture exposure. The StorageWorks Storage Baskets, made from breathable cotton with a metal frame, are presented as an excellent choice for closets due to their ability to prevent mustiness and their collapsibility. Space-saving solutions feature the Horpait Hanging Fruit Basket, a three-tiered jute basket ideal for produce storage, with detachable tiers for flexible use. The La Jolie Muse Locronan Chocolate Brown Storage Baskets are recognized for their elegant, fluted design in hard cardboard, mimicking leather, and are suitable for delicate items due to their padded interiors. For larger storage needs, the Goodpick Large Rope Basket, made from soft, non-scratchy cotton, offers durability for heavy bedding and clothes and is machine washable. The Esme L&H; Small Rope Basket with Lid, adorned with rainbow pom-poms, provides a decorative and functional way to hide clutter, suitable as a gift basket. The Hosroome Macrame Storage Basket Set introduces a boho aesthetic, using wood and cotton rope, for organizing toiletries. Specialized organizational tools include the Spectrum Diversified 2-Tier Organizer, a wall-mounted metal basket for mail and keys, and the Pottery Barn Tava Rattan Lidded Box, designed for bathroom toiletries with a discreet latched lid. The West Elm Lidded Basket, a statement piece crafted by Senegalese artists, is available in large and oversized options for hampers or decorative storage. The SmartStore Nordic Basket, made from post-consumer recycled plastic, is a budget-friendly option with ventilated holes and optional lids for stacking. The Terrain Leather Basket offers a luxurious, handcrafted leather design for books and magazines. Lastly, the Inci Home Decor Jute Wall-Hanging Storage Basket is presented as an alternative for limited counter space, made from moisture-absorbing jute and available in multiple sizes, while the Seville Classics Laundry Hamper Bin, made of water hyacinth wicker, offers a stylish way to conceal dirty laundry. The Container Store Long Underbed Bin, a rattan basket with a cotton liner, is recommended for under-bed storage to maintain a clutter-free look while allowing clothes to breathe, unlike plastic bins. The article concludes with a guide on how to shop for storage baskets like a professional, focusing on material suitability for different environments (e.g., woven for living rooms, wire/metal/plastic for damp areas, soft materials for children's rooms), style considerations to match home decor, and shape optimization for stacking or freestanding display. Expert advice from Liz Dahmen is incorporated, suggesting baskets for grouping similar, rather than identical, items to avoid excessive containers. It also clarifies that while baskets are excellent for linens and toys, solid containers are better for liquids and cords to prevent spills and snagging. Recommended retailers range from large online marketplaces to specialized stores offering unique, handcrafted options. #HomeOrganization #StorageSolutions #StorageBaskets #InteriorDesign #Decluttering #SustainableMaterials #SpaceSaving #HomeDecor #OrganizingTips

Clear storage bins are widely regarded by professional organizers as a highly effective method for maintaining organization and easy identification of items within a home. These see-through plastic containers not only help sort belongings but also protect them from external factors such as moisture, dirt, dust, and pests. Unlike cardboard boxes, which are often considered an inferior storage solution due to their vulnerability to damage and inability to offer visibility, modern clear bins are typically made from non-toxic, BPA-free, and often recyclable materials, boasting impressive durability. Maximizing the utility of clear bins involves understanding which household items are best suited for this storage method. Seasonal and holiday decorations are ideal for clear bin storage. While color-coded bins might seem appealing for specific holidays, clear bins offer better visibility. It's recommended to use separate clear bins for individual holidays or seasons and label them accordingly. If there aren't enough items to fill a bin for a single holiday, combining decor from closely scheduled holidays, such as Halloween and Thanksgiving, is a practical approach. Fragile or sentimental items should be wrapped in protective materials like paper or bubble wrap or stored in smaller, compartmented organizers before being placed in bins. Off-season clothing and shoes can also benefit significantly from clear bin storage. To free up closet space, items like sweaters can be stored in the summer, and swimsuits in the winter. Utilizing vacuum-sealed bags before layering clothes horizontally in bins can reduce the number of bins needed. Clothes that children have yet to grow into or hand-me-downs can be organized and labeled by age, size range, and season. For shoes, ensuring they are clean and completely dry is crucial before placing them in bins, optionally using shoe bags for extra protection. However, delicate fabrics like leather and suede are not recommended for this storage method. Keeping toys tidy, especially small ones or those with multiple parts, becomes easier with clear bins. These containers allow for logical organization, such as dedicating separate bins for LEGOs, action figures, or large sets, and facilitate effortless clean-up. Labeled bins can be stacked on shelves in playrooms or bedrooms. For toy rotation, reserved toys can be stored out of sight in bins. Outdoor toys, often kept in garages or sheds, are prone to dirt and mildew; clear, lidded bins are perfect for keeping them clean and dry, provided they are thoroughly dried before storage. Similarly, gardening and yard supplies, particularly smaller items like seed packets, gloves, and hand tools, can be neatly stored in clear bins to prevent rust and make them easily accessible. Larger tools should be hung or stored vertically. Office, craft, or hobby supplies, which can accumulate significantly depending on the activity, are also excellent candidates for clear bin storage. Small bins are effective for tiny items like paintbrushes or binder clips, preventing them from getting lost. Assigning a bin to each hobby or craft, especially for ongoing projects, helps maintain their integrity. Art boxes can store past projects flat, and file boxes can keep paperwork sorted. Labeled bins can be stacked on accessible shelves. For electronics, while minimizing clutter by letting go of old devices is advisable, clear, lidded bins protect necessary ones from dust. Containers with individual compartments are suitable for small components like USB drives and charging ports. Household utility items, such as batteries and flashlights, can be organized into clear bins rather than being relegated to a 'junk drawer.' Categorizing these items into appropriately sized, labeled containers and stacking them on accessible shelves in closets or cabinets creates an orderly utility section. Pet gear, beyond food and treats, can also be organized in clear bins, including grooming tools, medications, outerwear, costumes, or backup toys. These should be labeled and placed in convenient locations like a mudroom or coat closet. Pantry goods benefit from decanting into clear, airtight containers, which not only looks aesthetically pleasing but also preserves food freshness and prevents spoilage. For small pantries or bulk purchases, clear bins can hold backstock until space becomes available, with items separated by type and managed using the FIFO (first in, first out) method. Party supplies like paper plates and napkins can also be organized this way. Excess toiletries, such as soap, razors, or toothbrushes, are suitable for clear bin storage, keeping them hidden yet accessible for replenishment. These can be labeled and stacked in discreet locations like under the sink or in a linen closet. Finally, bedding, towels, and linens can be efficiently organized in clear bins, possibly with vacuum bags for space-saving. Sheet sets can be sorted by size, towels by type, and dedicated bins for guest linens or seasonal sets. Obscure items like fabric tablecloths and duvet covers can also be stored to prevent misplacement among other linens. #ClearBins #HomeOrganization #Decluttering #StorageSolutions #ProfessionalOrganizerTips #SeasonalStorage #PantryOrganization #ToyStorage #OfficeOrganization

Efficient kitchen organization is essential for both aesthetics and functionality. Kitchen jars provide an effective solution for storing various food items, making the kitchen cleaner and more enjoyable to work in. When selecting kitchen jars, key specifications to consider include the material, airtight seal, and appropriate measurements and shapes. Stainless steel storage containers are highly recommended due to their inert nature, ensuring they do not react with food. An airtight seal is crucial for preserving food freshness, extending shelf life, and preventing pests like pantry moths. This feature keeps items like cereal from going stale and sugar from hardening. The capacity of canisters is another vital factor; it is important to choose sizes that can accommodate the desired food items, replacing original packaging and preventing spoilage of leftover contents. This article reviews five top-rated kitchen jar brands, highlighting their main features, specifications, and pros and cons. The Girnes Plastic 750ml Air Tight Container and Jar set, a professional feature-wise best pick, is ideal for small to medium households. It offers a 12-jar set made of BPA-free plastic with silicon seals, designed for space-saving and efficient pantry organization. However, some users have reported poor customer service. The Immerse 900ml Freshness Guaranteed Airtight Container Jar Set is a budget-friendly option, providing a 6-jar set made from recyclable, BPA-free plastic. Its wide-mouth design facilitates easy use and cleaning, making it suitable for various storage needs beyond the kitchen. Its primary drawback is its relatively smaller capacity compared to other market offerings. The Better Home Borosilicate Glass Jar for Kitchen Storage is praised for its excellent airtight function and stylish design. This 6-pack of 1000ml borosilicate glass jars comes with wooden bamboo lids and silicone seals. While durable and suitable for various kitchen supplies, the lids can be too tight, posing a risk of breakage, and the glass material is noted for being thin. The Pearlpet Plus Range Plastic Containers for Kitchen Storage offers a variety of capacities, including a pack of 18 jars (300ml, 500ml, 1700ml) with stainless steel caps. These stackable, transparent, and recyclable containers are made from 100% food-grade, BPA-free PET material, ensuring airtight storage for optimal food preservation. Customer reviews indicate concerns regarding delayed delivery and response. Lastly, the Kitchwell Kitchen Accessories Items provide a budget-friendly solution with a large capacity. This 6-jar set features transparent, BPA-free plastic containers with silicone gaskets and flip-top lids, ensuring food remains fresh and dry. Their elegant design helps organize the kitchen and maximize pantry space. A minor issue noted is the slightly weak covers. Each product review includes economic, user-friendly, and feature-richness ratings, along with common accessories provided. The article concludes with a FAQ section addressing common queries about storing items in jars, the preference between plastic and glass, long-term food preservation methods, common Indian kitchen containers, and the airtight properties of plastic jars. #KitchenJars #KitchenOrganization #FoodStorage #AirtightContainers #BPAFree #HomeStorage #PantryOrganization #KitchenAccessories #ProductReview