Does the inside of your garage have tools, cleaning supplies, and all kinds of stuff strewn everywhere? Getting organized and stashing all of your garage essentials might feel like a never-ending project, but all you really need is a good set of containers to control and store your tools, small bits and pieces, and other items — and storage bins with lids are one of the best options. Tough enough to handle bumps and bruises, and secure enough to keep the contents safe from dirt, dust, and potentially water and moisture, a good set of storage bins with lids will prevent damage and keep everything neatly stored, right where you can find it when you need it.
Best Storage Bins with Lids Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall
Homz Tough Durabilt Tote Box
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Best Value
Life Story Stackable Locking Storage Box
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Best Heavy-Duty
Iris 27 Gallon Utility Tough Tote
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Best for Outdoor Storage
Sterilite Wheeled Industrial Tote
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Most Versatile
Rubbermaid Roughneck Storage Totes
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How We Selected The Products
To come up with the best storage bins with lids we’ve listed here, we considered and compared hundreds of different bin-and-lid product pairings. The first detail we looked at? The strength of the lids and the bins together to keep what’s stored inside clean and safe. This meant comparing the different bin and lid designs, materials, and extra features like lid sealing and closure.
Additionally, to separate the best from the rest, we also looked at storage bins and lids that can stand up to wear and tear. We assessed users’ own reviews and experiences using different bins in their garages, outdoors, and in various types of weather or different environments. The bins that offered durability and well-fitted (or even water- and weatherproof lids) were those that provide the best quality and storage.
Buying Guide/What to Look For
Durability
A storage bin is only as good as its material — which is exactly why you need to look for a highly durable product. In order to do that, you’ll want to take a close look at the type of material the bin is made out of and what kinds of durability-enhancing details it includes. Impact-resistance and temperature-resistance are two key markers of good durability, as these tell you that your storage bin will be able to handle heat, cold, and even bangs, bumps, and falls. Thicker material is also a more durable choice than thinner plastics.
Lid Latching and Locking
In order to keep whatever you’re stashing inside your storage bins truly protected and secure, you’re going to want to look for lids that latch, buckle, or lock. There are a number of options — some lids feature snap-on latches, others have hinged latches, and some offer tight O-ring seals. You’ll want to decide which type of latches work best for you, and which will work best for how frequently you’ll be accessing what’s inside your bins. If you’re getting in them daily, a super secure system may not be ideal, but if you’re looking at long-term storage, it’s a good investment.
You also can look for storage bins with lids that allow you to attach your own padlocks or bungee cords. These types of bins give you a little more flexibility, and they can be particularly great choices if you’re transporting your bins often.
Stacking or Nesting
Most storage bins with lids are designed to stack when in use and nest inside one another when empty. However, not all bins are made to do so securely! If you’re planning to stack full storage bins inside your garage, you’re going to want to take a look at the lid design. Secure, stable stacking happens with indented lids, or grooved lids that feature customized placement for the bins to sit on top. Lids with a raised lip are especially great at holding stacked bins without a risk of falls.
Make sure to consider what kinds of stacking-friendly design cues different storage bins have. Some may be better options for storing on garage shelves, while others are really made to stack.
FAQs
Q: Can I store plastic bins in the garage?
Garages can see some significant temperature swings, and they tend to run both hotter and colder than the interior of your home. But that doesn’t mean you can’t use plastic storage bins with lids in your garage. Most storage bins, including those above, are designed to handle life inside a garage. They’re designed with tough plastic that can handle weather, different temperatures, and even dirt and dust.
Q: What’s the best way to store storage containers?
There’s no one way to organize or store your storage bins. It’s entirely up to you (and the available space inside your garage). If your bins are designed to stack on top of each other, you can line them up against a wall in stacks. Have wall shelving? You might be able to fit the bins on the shelves for easy access. Or, you can stash the bins on overhead storage platforms or shelving if you have it installed in your garage.
Q: What do you keep in storage bins?
You can put pretty much anything inside storage bins with lids. In the garage, these bins are great for corralling tools and their different components together for organization. You can also use them to stash shop rags and towels, cleaning supplies, or your car detailing and cleaning equipment. Whether you’re dealing with a lot of cords, odds and ends, or loose pieces of tools and equipment, you can put it all in storage bins. With secure lids, they can even store food.
Q: How do I organize my storage bins?
If you’re working with large storage bins, there’s a lot of available space. This is great for large tools and equipment, but if you have smaller bits to store, you’ll want to use little containers inside your storage bins. Boxes and self-contained small bins can help you organize what you’re putting inside a larger bin. You may, depending on the kinds of bins you choose, also be able to find organizing accessories like dividers. But it’s always easy to use other small bins or bags you already have to create your own organization.
About the Author
Heather Fishel is a writer well-versed in subject matter that’s both informative and intriguing. In her career, she’s authored articles on topics encompassing food and recipes, productivity, life hacks, history, psychology, helpful mind hacks, education, and efficiency. A contributing writer for a number of publications, Heather has written for WonderHowTo, Campus Explorer, War History Online, College Niche, Electronic Retailing Magazine, and Clean Eating Magazine.
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