Moving calls for the use of several storage boxes and containers. However, did you know that using plastic containers instead of cardboard boxes could make all the difference in the world? We are talking about realizing that all your belongings are spoilt and moldy as opposed to finding them in the perfect conditions.
Storage bins have revolutionized the moving and storage industry because of all the attractive perks they offer to their users. These bins are durable and weatherproof. To add to that, they keep your stuff dry and do not open easily because they can be locked or latched.
What wouldn’t you give to get that added bit of protection to your items? Now, all you have to do is choose the right storage bins for your move. Want to have a look at some of the best ones in the market? Here is our detailed list of the best storage bins for a move.
Top 7 Storage Bins For a Move
- Iris Weathertight Totes
- Sterilite Latching Storage Box
- Rubbermaid Brute Tote
- Sterilite 40 Gallon Wheeled Industrial Tote
- Rubbermaid 24 Gallon ActionPacker
- Ziploc WeatherShield Storage Box
- Home Depot HDX Tough Storage Totes
1. Iris Weathertight Totes
Iris Weathertight Totes are polypropylene bins that can be used to organize and store your everyday items for years. Iris Weathertight tote is the best friend of your belongings from the closet. You can stuff in anything ranging from clothes, sweaters, and hats to linens, bedsheets, and pet supplies in this sturdy container. It is available in 12 sizes and you can buy them online on Home Depot or the Container Store website.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 23.63 in. L x 17.75 in. W x 18.75 in. H
- Lid: Detached
- Storage Capacity: 103 QT-Quart
- Weight Capacity: 50 lbs.
- Color: Clear, Transparent
Advantages of Choosing Iris Weathertight Totes:
These airtight containers have lids that have strong latches that prevent dirt, moisture, and pests from coming in contact with your belongings. The lid forms an airtight and water-resistant seal which makes it an ideal container to store clothes, especially if they are expensive. These boxes are available in 12 sizes (that’s a lot right?) and stack well. To add to that, the interior space is maximized as the container is designed to have straighter sides.
Disadvantages of Choosing Iris Weathertight Totes:
These containers don’t do well in harsh temperatures, especially in extremely cold surroundings. Also, Iris Weathertight Totes shouldn’t be submerged in water at any point as well.
2. Sterilite Latching Storage Box
When you are moving, you won’t need only one container right? Even moving to a studio apartment requires you to have multiple bins to store all your stuff. The issue here is that storage bins aren’t that cheap. What do you do in such a situation? Enter, Sterilite Latching Storage Box! This simple plastic bin is not only a perfect storage solution for your household items, but you can also buy them at affordable costs. Have a look at these bins on the Home Depot website.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 23.75 in. L x 16 in. W x 13.5 in. H
- Lid: Detached
- Storage Capacity: 64 QT-Quart
- Color: Clear, Transparent
Advantages of Choosing Sterilite Latching Storage Box:
These bins can be used to store just about anything. You can simply stash all your clothes, towels, toys, linens, heavy household items, seasonal décor, shoes, etc., inside them, and rest assured that your stuff will remain.
The see-through containers make it easy for you to locate your stuff. The best part about them is that you don’t have to pay an arm and a leg to use these bins. If you are looking for a budget-friendly solution for your packing and storage needs, we recommend that you purchase Sterilite’s 64-quart Latching Storage Box.
Disadvantages of Choosing Sterilite Latching Storage Box:
Although these bins are lightweight, they become quite heavy when they are full. The bin also has no provision for interior organization.
See Also: How to Store Clothes in a Storage Unit
3. Rubbermaid Brute Tote
If you want some really sturdy storage bins that can be used to store all your stuff like hardware tools, dishes, etc., from the attic and the basement, the Rubbermaid Brute tote is the bin for you. The containers are designed using high-density polypropylene which makes them super strong and capable of enduring rough usage. These bins come in 2 sizes and you can have a look at them on the Amazon website.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 27.9 in. L x 16.5 in. W x 10.7 in. H
- Item Weight: 3 lbs.
- Storage Capacity: 14 Gallons
- Color: Grey, Opaque
Advantages of Choosing Rubbermaid Brute tote:
Rubbermaid Brute Tote is one of the best bins in the market because of its weather-resistant nature. It doesn’t get damaged in extreme weather and keeps your stuff protected and dry at all times. Its ergonomically designed handles ensure that the users don’t strain their fingers while picking the bin up.
These bins are easily stackable and you don’t have to worry about them breaking into pieces even if it falls down from a great height. If you wish to store your delicate and valuable items, Rubbermaid Brute Tote is the way to go!
Disadvantages of Choosing Rubbermaid Brute Tote:
It is difficult to open the lid of this bin, especially when it is empty. However, you will face no such issue whenever it is full of your stuff. To add to that, it is opaque, which gives you no visual access to the stuff that is stored inside it.
4. Sterilite 40 Gallon Wheeled Industrial Tote
Worried about storing and then carrying bigger and oddly shaped objects from your homes? Sterilite 40 Gallon Wheeled Industrial Tote makes it easy for absolutely anyone to store and transport such objects over long distances. Most people struggle to keep things in one place. This container can not only carry heavy stuff but can also help you to keep yourself organized by keeping all the smaller stuff in one place. You can easily find one of these bins on the Walmart website.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 36.75 in. L x 21.375 in W x 18 in. H
- Item Weight: 10.06 lbs.
- Storage Capacity: 40 Gallons
- Color: Black, Opaque
Advantages of Choosing Sterilite 40 Gallon Wheeled Industrial Tote:
This container really helps those who don’t wish to make several trips back and forth to carry stuff. You can simply dump a lot of your stuff in the bin and transport it at once. Additionally, the bin also saves you from the backache that comes from lifting heavy stuff. All you have to do is place your stuff in the bin and then drag it to wherever you wish to take it.
The large wheels and the rotating handles make hauling these bins easier. If this wasn’t enough, the wheels are equipped with a metal axle which helps the bin to roll over rugged surfaces easily. These stackable bins have a drip-resistant lid that ensures that water or moisture does not enter the bins in any way.
Disadvantages of Choosing Sterilite 40 Gallon Wheeled Industrial Tote:
These bins are mostly sold in a pack of two. The issue here is that you might not need two bins (as they are so big), but have to buy two regardless of your preference. These bins also tend to be a little bit heavy (heavier when filled up) because of which it is difficult to carry them up and down the stairs.
5. Rubbermaid 24 Gallon ActionPacker
Rubbermaid 24 Gallon ActionPacker is one of the toughest bins out there which can survive a lot of outdoor abuse. A lot of times, movers aren’t careful with your boxes, but by using this bin, you can eliminate the fear of your belongings getting damaged. Although it is available in two more different sizes, the 24 gallon is a perfect size and easier to haul during your move. You can have a look at this bin on the Home Depot or the REI website.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 26 in. L x 18.50 in W x 17 in. H
- Lid: Hinged
- Storage Capacity: 24 Gallons
- Weight Capacity: 50 lbs.
- Color: Black construction with a grey lid, Opaque
Advantages of Choosing Rubbermaid 24 Gallon ActionPacker:
Whether you want to toss this bin into your car or a moving truck, this is one of the best bins for outdoor use. The best part about this bin is that it has a padlock. Even if this bin falls off from a great height, you can rest assured that your stuff will stay safe inside as the lid remains firmly shut because of the latches and the lock. The bin is designed to have deep round handles which makes it possible for you to have a good strain-free grip when you pick it up.
A great quality of this bin is that in addition to being weather resistant, its lid is designed to avoid any collection of water in it. This means that if any water falls on its lid, it will run off and not collect on it (pools of water breed bugs and other bacteria). Made from a very durable HDPE, this bin does really well in extreme climates.
Disadvantages of Choosing Rubbermaid 24 Gallon ActionPacker:
The material used to make this bin is quite thick because of which the interior space does not get used efficiently. Because of this, you might not be able to fit a lot of things inside the bin.
6. Ziploc WeatherShield Storage Box
When it comes to buying storage bins, you are naturally on the lookout for bins that don’t cost you a fortune. Ziploc WeatherShield Storage Box is a durable and well-designed container that can be used to store a variety of household items like books, clothes, shoes, bags, etc. The design of the box allows the users to maximize the available space and store as much stuff as they can. These can be used not only during a move, but also for storing stuff in your basement, garages, or storage units as well. You can buy a single bin or a pack of 4 from the Walmart website.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 23.6 in. L x 17.75 in. W x 11.22 in. H
- Item Weight: 4.5 lbs.
- Storage Capacity: 15 Gallons
- Color: Black, Opaque
Advantages of Choosing Ziploc WeatherShield Storage Box:
This bin lock really well as it is equipped with snap-tight latches. The reinforced lid that gives great stability and the stacking grooves that lock the box from several places ensure that all your stuff stays put and doesn’t move inside the box. The lid is also equipped with foam which forms an airtight and water-resistant seal. As a result of this, you don’t really have to worry about your belongings getting spoilt due to moisture, dirt, pollen, mold, or even bugs and pests.
You can use it to store all your seasonal wear throughout the year. What attracted us the most to this bin is that it is available in a transparent as well as in a black, opaque design. If you are someone who finds having visual access to your items convenient, the transparent bin is your friend. However, if you choose to store clothes inside it and you don’t want them to fade (due to exposure to light), you can always go for a black and opaque bin.
Disadvantages of Choosing Ziploc WeatherShield Storage Box:
The bin in itself is fine but if you order it online, there have been instances of the plastic on the bin being chipped and the bin being damaged when it was delivered to the customers’ homes.
7. Home Depot HDX Tough Storage Totes
Looking to organize your stuff from the attic and the basement before you move? Go purchase the HDX Tough Storage Totes because they are one of the most affordable ones in the market. These stackable bins are made from polypropylene because of which they are rather sturdy.
They are the best option for you if you are going for a large-scale move because they are cheap and available in several different sizes. Their durability makes it useful even after your move is done, as you can use them to declutter your home and store the excessive items in it. You can find these bins on the Home Depot website.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 26.88 in. L x 18 in. W x 12.5 in. H
- Lid: Detached
- Weight Capacity: 75 lbs.
- Storage Capacity: 17 Gallons
- Color: Black with a yellow lid, Opaque
Advantages of Choosing HDX Tough Storage Totes:
You might need a variety in the sizes of the bins you purchase because some items like clothes can fit into smaller bins while bigger and oddly shaped items need a larger bin. HDX Tough Storage Tote makes a move easy by offering you a range of sizes to choose from (12-gallon, 17-gallon, 27-gallon, 38-gallon, and 55-gallon). The lid has latches and it can be locked using a lock as well. This enhances the security of your objects.
To add to that, these bins are quite strong and can take up to 600 pounds of distributed weight on top of themselves. This means that the bin can be placed at the very bottom and other items can be stacked on it. Lastly, the size range of the bins is larger than that of its competitors. At the same time, the cost is low because of which you get your money’s worth when you buy HDX Tough Storage Totes.
Disadvantages of Choosing HDX Tough Storage Totes:
These bins cannot sustain harsher temperatures, which means that they are not temperature resistant. In addition to that, these bins crack when they fall from a height greater than 6 ft.
Conclusion
What is the ultimate goal you have for your move? You want all your stuff to be safe and untouched by moisture, dirt, and most importantly, pests. You will never regret choosing storage bins over cardboard boxes. Although cardboard boxes might seem cheap, the advantages of using bins outnumber those of using a cardboard box.
Storage bins are a blessing because not only do they keep your stuff safe, they are also lightweight and sometimes equipped with wheels. Think about all the body ache you won’t have to experience from lifting heavy items. Even though we have mentioned some of the best bins on our list, there are many more bins out there that are perfect for your move. Finding the right bin for yourself isn’t that difficult. So go out there and find your perfect bin!
Also See: How To Make Packing Easier | PODS Review | Big Ben’s Moving And Storage Review
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay to store clothes in plastic bins?
Plastic bins are the best option for you when it comes to storing clothes as you will never be disappointed by the level of protection they offer to your clothes. They do a great job at keeping the moisture, dirt as well as pests away from your clothes. Never store clothes in plastic bags as these bags trap moisture and your clothes will eventually become moldy. Similarly, cardboard boxes are also a big no-no as they aren’t water-resistant.
What can you do with plastic storage bins?
Plastic storage bins are reusable because of which you can use them to store a variety of household items even after your move is done. These boxes fit into the weirdest places like under the bed or on top of your closets, as a result of which they can be used to maximize the storage space inside your house.
If you don’t want to use them, you can lend them to your family or friends. You can also drop them off at thrift stores or any other stores that are willing to take them. These stores will be more than happy to receive bins that make their life easier.
Read Also: List of Top Local Moving Companies
