Most efficient storage container

[Climb On!]

So I have a lot of shelving in my garage, but I feel like the Rubbermaid bins aren't maximizing how much junk I can store. The dimensions along with the slightly angled sides yield gaps between the bins which is less than efficient. Besides the dimensions, it seems to me if I could find a perfectly square or rectangle bin/tote there would be not wasted space. But all I see are bins/totes made to stack inside each other or with handles and lips that keep them from snugly fittIng beside each other.

Does any one have any recommendations for boxes/bins/totes with lids for long term storage that is perfectly square?

 

[Zeke]

Of course. Bankers boxes.

 

[Jack Olsen]

Exactly. You can get them pretty cheap in bulk at your local office supply warehouse store.

I used to use them two-deep on a set of shelves made out of old hollow core doors. It was hard to beat the efficiency of that setup.

 

[Climb On!]

I'm worried about the longevity and durability of a cardboard box. I'm looking to replace those 20 something gallon tubs you can get at HD and the like.

 

[nutjob]

I think the trouble is the shape of the container. If it was straight sides to max the storage, you can't stack them for shipping! They make all these plastic containers with angled sides just so they can stack them for storage and shipping, we lose LOTS of storage room. I hate the rounded inside corners also!

Wish I could find square strong plastic storage containers.


Kevin

 

[Climb On!]

Exactly!!!!

 

[WhiteTrash]

You could enclose your shelves and use milk crates and bread trays.

 

[formek]

Of course. Bankers boxes.

Not that anyone cares When I was in my 20s I worked @ stone container we made Bankers Boxes With the wood looking print. They held up for years. I have switched to plastic to keep out rodents. I am sure there are one or two Bankers Boxes still here after 20 years.

 

[Zeke]

Google "collapsible plastic box" and "stackable plastic box"

 

[nate379]

 

[Strouty]

I have switched to plastic to keep out rodents. I am sure there are one or two Bankers Boxes still here after 20 years.

I have the rodent issue, so I too store things in plastic containers. The covers have to be tight fitting or the mice still get in.

But when I take stuff back out it smells funny.

 

[Chloe Taylor]

Of course. Bankers boxes.

Well i would disagree slightly, why not to go with a cupboard or a closet..... ?

 

[rockchucker]

I use these.

http://www.graciousliving.com/organization_solutions.php?id=86


You can stack them up high and they hold quite a load even when stacked high.

 

[TOOL MASTER]

Rubbermaid and rolling shelves........a perfect combination

 

[MGMatt]

http://www.mcmaster.com/#tote-boxes/=cazg4s

I like the "Plastic Tote Boxes with Hinged Lids". Durable and they stack well.

 

[mdbeck1]

...
They make all these plastic containers with angled sides just so they can stack them for storage and shipping, we lose LOTS of storage room.
...
Kevin

Actually they make the sides angled for a couple of reasons (in no particular order)...
1. Storage of the empty containers (as noted)
2. Shipping the empty containers (as noted)
3. Its easier to make a "stacking lug" if the bottom is smaller than the lid
4. Ease of manufacturing. The angled sides makes it easier to pull the solidified plastic from the mold (I did a short stint in an injection plastic molding shop. Without the angle to the sides you would not be able to pull the tub from the mold.).

 

[5lima30]

How about ammo cans? I've got several different sizes. The 20mm cans are pretty large and stack well. YMMV.

 

[Jack Olsen]

You can get Bankers Boxes that are made from corrugated plastic. I've got no idea on the cost, though.

 

[GirlnAgarage]

We use bankers boxes as well. Got a package at Office Max or the like. Not the prettiest but they do alright for being dimensional.


They will eventually wear out but they'll do for a while. Personally they're not my favorite but DH brought them into the house so we'll use them until they die.

 

[Climb On!]

So here's what I'm working with, you can see the unused space between the boxes.

I like the idea of those collapsible plastic boxes if they had lids to seal them up and were solid and not mesh.

 

[Victorymike18]

Of course. Bankers boxes.

You know what's odd: When you said this, the first thing that popped into my head was a safety deposit box in a bank vault... Which kinda makes sense, as they are completely "boxy" and pretty efficient use of space... Downside is that they probably don't stack too well without the wall rack (Oh, and they'd probably be VERY expensive to purchase new).

Googled Pic for reference:

Without the locking framework, and if the boxes were a variety of sizes, this would actually be a very cool and efficient storage solution

 

[daveroy]

I have been using paper boxes (think copier/printer paper) from my company for quite a while, they are pretty heavy duty, have removable lids.. best of all.... FREEE!!!!!!!!!

 

[JC23]

Paper or cardboard is ok if you don't have any mold problems.

 

[Climb On!]

Paper or cardboard is ok if you don't have any mold problems.

My experience is cardboard and paper bring bugs and spiders into the mix more so. I'd rather find some plastic container solution.

 

[HOTFR8]

Simple answer a shipping container. Can be put in place easily and as it is not built in need no permits from city council. I have two.

 

[rsa]

Not that anyone cares When I was in my 20s I worked @ stone container we made Bankers Boxes With the wood looking print. They held up for years. I have switched to plastic to keep out rodents. I am sure there are one or two Bankers Boxes still here after 20 years.

I still have the ones that I bought at Fisher Hawaii in 1978-79. They've seen more moves than I can count and weren't treated with kid gloves. Still solid. Just make sure to get heavy duty ones, double end, double side, double bottom construction. Stacking weight: 850 pounds. Example. Not inexpensive though.

I have dozens of the Rubbermaid Roughneck Storage Boxes too. The gaps are convenient. When I'm in a hurry—always—I temporarily put things in the gaps.

For long term storage, I like 18" x 18" x 28", 350 lb double-wall, corrugated dish packs.

 

[Climb On!]

Simple answer a shipping container.

Yeah, for me that's not an option. I'm going to continue to research options for a shelved system of plastic containers.