Improved hotmelt seal provides a hermetic closure that is ideal for storing keepsakes, important documents or anything with sentimental value. In the quest to tidy, storage containers can make the difference between an organized home and one heaped with mismatched boxes in the closets and garage. For this guide I spoke to professional organizer Beth Penn, owner of Bneato Bar and author of The Little Book of Tidying: Decluttering Your Home and Your Life. In addition, the Iris bins maximize interior space because they have straighter sides than several other bins we’ve tested.

One reviewer uses them to stow Legos, and we saw several mentions of people keeping craft supplies in the boxes.Holds a lot: We considered bins that would neatly and securely hold a variety of items and stack without wobbling. Why it’s great: Take the Rubbermaid 24 Gallon ActionPacker camping or throw it in the back of your truck—it’s the best storage container we found for outdoor use. Over the years we’ve simulated flooding and water leaks by hosing the bins down, submerging them in a kiddie pool, and leaving them out in the rain overnight.

She can manage the lid more easily than one with latches, which helps avoid litter spills on the carpet. The Irises also stack more securely—each bin’s base sits snugly into a groove on the lid of the one below. They fit neatly on my closet shelves, but they’re not firm enough to stack if I fill them with anything bulky or heavy.quart boxes securely on top of the 19 quart Iris tote, or stack two 19 quart totes on top of the 41, 62, 74, or 103 quart totes to create a customized storage solution. Durable: All bins should have closures that work consistently and materials that won’t break or tear with everyday use. This jumbo-sized, wheeled bin is the easiest for transporting large loads or storing long, oddly shaped items that won’t fit in other bins.

We tried to attach a few sticky labels but they fell off immediately, so we think a marker or a good memory is the best way to keep track of what’s inside. If the ActionPacker is sitting outside for long periods, water will run off, so the lid won’t turn into a putrid pool (where bacteria and bugs can fester). Polypropylene can become brittle at just below freezing, which is why we don’t recommend PP bins for storage in an unheated basement or garage. Long-term test notes: I’ve used the test samples for three years, and they do a solid job of keeping everything inside clean.

For everyday use inside the house, these tightly latching, clear containers are the most versatile we’ve found for storing clothes and other gear. We also like the iWill for items like scarves and belts—accessories you don’t use every day but still want ready access to. The clear material allows for easy viewing of contents while the durable plastic construction keeps contents protected from moisture and other damage. Finance is provided by PayPal Credit (a trading name of PayPal UK Ltd, Whittaker House, Whittaker Avenue, Richmond-Upon-Thames, Surrey, United Kingdom, TW9 1EH).

It’s the only bin we’ve found with wheels and a big, comfortable handle that folds down when it’s not in use. They won’t withstand freezing temperatures but should work well for storing gear in temperate climates. Nothing we tested, including the smaller and larger ActionPacker sizes, beat the 24-gallon size for its combination of durability, security, and portability.

The latch still works perfectly, and if I had padlocked the bin (the lock was purchased but sitting in the house forgotten), I’m pretty confident the bear would have failed in its quest for food. Read more about the condition New: A brand-new, unused, unopened and undamaged item in original retail packaging (where packaging is applicable).