The Brute’s molded handles also made them more comfortable to carry than the less expensive garage bins we recommend, the Home Depot HDX. It’s the only bin we’ve found with wheels and a big, comfortable handle that folds down when it’s not in use. In testing the wheels did pop off of this bin—we think that’s due to the sheer weight and size of something this big taking a tumble down a flight of stairs—but we easily reattached them.

This is the only such problem we’ve had, but I’d stuffed the bin so full over the last few years that the lid bent upward, leaving an air gap for something small to crawl in. But if you live in a mild climate or aren’t worried about years-long durability we recommend them for garages and basements. These containers are made with high-density polyethylene, a sturdier and more temperature-resistant plastic than the clear polypropylene containers we’ve tested, like the Iris Weathertight Totes.After we threw it down the stairs, a few corners were a bit dented but the latches held and the lid stayed tightly closed. Improved hotmelt seal provides a hermetic closure that is ideal for storing keepsakes, important documents or anything with sentimental value. Flaws but not dealbreakers: The iWill doesn’t have a slot for a label and because the container is opaque identifying what’s inside is difficult. Some popular bins were hard to find, so we focused on containers sold by multiple retailers or sellers with reliable inventory.

The grooves in the reinforced lids means these 19 quart stackable totes with lids can be placed on top of each other to save space, stack two of the 6.I have experience maintaining entire school libraries, keeping hundreds of yards of fabric organized, and storing and cataloguing the onslaught of sheets and blankets I’ve tested for Wirecutter. One note: I noticed that while the bin was in storage over the 2020 holiday season, with only empty ornament boxes inside, a critter got in and chewed up a small box. Most purchases from business sellers are protected by the Consumer Contract Regulations 2013 which give you the right to cancel the purchase within 14 days after the day you receive the item. All of our recommended containers will stow your things safely and are easy to carry (or roll around). Grooves on the lid are designed for a stable and secure stacking storage system allowing you to maximize your storage space and creates a customized storage solution.

Why it’s great: The extra-large Sterilite 40 Gallon Wheeled Industrial Tote is helpful for anyone who struggles to carry heavy containers or for those who want to save multiple trips by filling one giant bin instead of several smaller ones.I also dug into several technical papers and articles to learn about the durability of different plastics.

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 a container survived those tests, we filled it with household goods to see how much it held, if it closed when overstuffed, if it stacked securely, and how comfortable it was to carry. Long-term test notes: I’ve used the test samples for three years, and they do a solid job of keeping everything inside clean. If you live in a temperate climate you can probably get away with using these in a garage or unheated part of the house. These inexpensive, breathable boxes are better than plastic bins for clothes storage and they were the easiest to load and unload.The Iris Weathertight Totes we recommend will also work in your clothes closet and they’re clear, so you can see what’s inside, but we prefer the iWill’s zippered closure to the Iris’s heavy latches, which can feel like overkill when you just want to grab something. 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. Though the container would probably need to be replaced after a major fall, your stuff would stay inside. If you do plan on packing one of these full to the brim, be mindful of weight (we’d recommend things like clothes and decorations over documents and dry goods).