When you consider what makes a beautiful home, furniture and decor are probably the first things that come to mind. But the real unsung heroes of a beautiful design are clever storage solutions, which can have an even more significant impact on how your home looks and feels than your furniture.
Storage containers, bins, and totes provide safe, secure places for all of your home's miscellaneous odds and ends, allowing your interior design to shine brightly and you to rest easy knowing everything has its place.
The best storage bins and containers also make cleaning and decluttering easy. Toss any clutter inside to safely store it out of sight.
What to look for in storage solutions
Not all storage solutions are created equal; some containers are better suited to specific spaces than others.
Dai'Jah Wroten, an interior designer at Mackenzie Collier Interiors, advises, "For areas like bedrooms, bathrooms, offices, and kitchens, you should go for aesthetically pleasing storage bins that complement the room design if they are seen. If these storage bins are under a cabinet or on a closet shelf, you can go for a more standard plastic container, but ensure they all match to maintain consistency and reduce visual clutter."
Additionally, it would be best to consider whether your needs require closed or open storage. For instance, if you use storage containers for skin care products you plan to use daily, you might want a lidless container that lets you quickly grab whatever you need. On the other hand, if you're storing winter sweaters until next year, a durable, nestable container with a tight lid that protects your clothes from moths and dust is ideal.
Since storage needs are vast and varied, we highlight the best solutions for every room (and need!) in your home. Whether you want your storage containers to double as living room decor or seek heavy-duty totes for the garage, the following storage solutions can help you create the tidy, organized home you've always wanted.
Our 19 Top Storage Bins and Containers Picks
Are you looking to elevate your home organization? These picks are perfect for everyday use, and we highly recommend them for their versatility and durability. With various items catered to different needs, you'll find the ideal solutions to keep your spaces tidy and clutter-free.
The Best Storage Bins for Kitchens
Multi-Purpose Bins
Simple and effective, these clear bin storage solutions come in different sizes, making organizing everything from cookbooks to refrigerator contents easy. The straightforward plastic design means you don't need labels to know what's inside instantly.
Their nearly universal utility has also made them a favorite among professional organizers. "I have been organizing for years and have seen everything, but I can't imagine heading to a client's home without these bins," says Karen Sullivan, a professional home organizer at Organizing Genies.
Open Spaces Wire Baskets
These storage options are equal parts functional and sustainable. The zero-plastic baskets feature a durable steel base and scratch-resistant matte finish.
They also come in two sizes and five sophisticated hues, and they will look great on any shelf, cabinet, or countertop, no matter your kitchen aesthetic.
3-Tier Stainless Steel Expanding Spice Shelf
This three-tier organizer is made from Stainless Steel and offers a more eco-friendly alternative to its plastic counterparts. Marie Kondo, the unofficial queen of organizing:
"Expandable Shelf Organizer is a kitchen must-have. I love this piece because it can go on your countertop or in your cabinet, so it works in various kitchen designs," Marie Kondo told Living Cozy.
Stackable Storage Baskets
These affordable storage solutions feature a stackable design that allows them to fit seamlessly in various spaces.
Featuring four different sizes, the three smallest bins can sit sideways and tuck perfectly on the top of the largest size, potentially saving a ton of space.
It is an excellent choice for a home office setup, helping you maintain an organized workspace.
Metal Bread Bin with Bamboo Lid
This vintage-inspired bread box keeps warm, thick-crusted, home-baked bread fresh and delicious. With its classic enameled metal body and bamboo lid, it adds a charming touch to any countertop.
The bamboo lid isn't just stylish—it's also eco-friendly and helps maintain the freshness of your bread. It's a beautiful blend of form and function, making it a must-have for anyone who loves baking or enjoys a bit of rustic charm in their kitchen. Plus, it's easy to clean with a quick hand wash.
The Best Storage Bins for Bedrooms
Open Spaces Underbed Storage
The space underneath your bed is perfect for storage, allowing you to hide items out of sight while keeping them within arm's reach. And these under-bed storage solutions maximize this space to the fullest.
Made from recycled felt, the eco-friendly storage containers feature heavy-duty leather handles and more than two square feet of storage space, making them ideal for bulkier items, like sweaters, seasonal clothing, and blankets.
White Nordic Storage Baskets with Handles
Made from 100% recycled plastic sourced from post-consumer materials, these tubs are also perfect for closet storage and come in all kinds of different sizes for optimum storage versatility. They also feature a thoughtful, ventilated design.
"The Container Store's White Nordic Storage Basket features holes along the sides for ventilation—a useful addition if you're storing clothes, which can get musty," says Dai'Jah Wroten.
Modern Weave Underbed Storage Basket
This beautiful storage basket from West Elm is as attractive as it is functional. "The compact design is handwoven with sturdy rattan and includes a hinged lid to keep all your items secure," says Dai'Jah Wroten.
"This storage bin is 6.5 inches tall, perfect for sliding under your bed, and comes with a built-in handle, so you won't have to worry about wear and tear."
Leather Baskets
Made from vegan leather, these heavy-duty storage baskets can be folded up and tucked away when not in use, and they come in four neutral hues that will align with virtually any aesthetic.
You can also choose from several different sizes and shapes to find the right fit for your storage needs.
The Best Storage Bins for Living Rooms
Blocks Basket
This stunning storage basket is made using a hybrid weaving technique in Peru. It is composed of recycled yarn made from plastic bottles, and the flexible yet durable design comes in two sizes to fit diverse needs.
And thanks to its beautiful design, you can treat this basket as a piece of decor, putting it on full display while using it to store living room essentials like extra throw blankets and pillows.
They're also ideal for a playroom or laundry room, helping keep items neatly stored away.
Mercado Storage Basket
Handcrafted with Mexican palm leaves, this storage basket combines function and aesthetics in three roomy sizes, ranging from medium to oversized. It's an excellent option for any decluttering needs.
Each size is also sold separately, or you can save money by choosing a set of two or three. No matter how many you get, these storage baskets will help you organize your home in style.
Shoji Bamboo Bin
Designed by Marie Kondo, this storage solution is handmade from bamboo with a design inspired by the Shoji room dividers ubiquitous in Japan.
The catchall is perfect for wrangling clutter. It features translucent sheets set within a lattice bamboo frame. The interior is finished with a coated fabric liner that makes wiping clean and restoring its original beauty easy.
The Best Storage Bins for Bathrooms
Hay Color Crates
These colorful storage crates are sold in various sets of colors and sizes. The smallest size works well as a drawer organizer, while the larger sizes can help you organize your bathroom shelves, cupboards, and counters.
Made from polypropylene, the storage containers can be easily wiped down with a damp cloth, making them a practical storage solution that will work and look great for years.
Open Spaces Storage Bins
This lovely storage set will create the perfect home for your bathroom essentials and look great. It comes in five pretty hues, and you can purchase bamboo lids to keep your items extra secure.
"The containers are made of durable plastic and are worth investing in to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing bathroom. In my opinion, " the perfect bathroom storage for above or below the cabinet is worth the splurge," says Dai'Jah Wroten.
Wood Storage Box
Every bathroom can benefit from a good caddy, and this one from West Elm perfectly fits the bill. Designed in Japan, the caddy comes in white and mint hues, with a solid ash wood handle that makes it easy to take from point A to point B.
You can stick it in your shower to create an attractive way to display soap, razors, and shampoo, or put it on your counter top for things like skincare products and makeup brushes.
The Best Storage Bins for Garages
Sterilite Industrial Totes
These heavy-duty storage totes are a disorganized garage's best friend. Large and stackable, their 27-gallon size can store items big and small, and you can safely stack them on top of one another to save space. Well-designed for ease of use, they are not hard to carry, making garage organization a simple task!
"I love using Sterilite Industrial Totes for the garage. They have latches to keep the lid secure and a keyhole design in the lid, allowing you to tie them down if you are transporting them. You can even get some with wheels, making it easier to move around," raves Dai'Jah Wroten. They're perfect for storing heavy items like tools or holiday decorations.
Rubbermaid Bpa-free Food Storage Container
These clear storage bins are made from commercial-grade material, another heavy-duty option perfect for keeping kitchen items safe, secure, and organized.
The containers are stackable, offer space-saving capabilities, and are break- and stain-resistant.
Clear Weathertight Totes Cases
Sometimes, you want to see the contents of your storage containers at a glance, so clear plastic storage bins are the way to go.
These polypropylene storage totes are perfect for long-term storage. They allow you to see what's inside easily while ensuring your belongings are well-protected. With their air—and water-tight seal, you can have peace of mind knowing that your items will stay safe even in bad weather conditions.
The super-strong latch lid secures the lid to the base, creating an airtight and watertight seal. This makes them ideal for indoor and outdoor use, including camping and boating. They're also stackable storage bin solutions that stack securely and come in various sizes, so you can use them to meet virtually any storage need.
Final Thoughts on The Best Storage Bins and Containers
The proper storage bins and containers are essential for maintaining an organized and aesthetically pleasing home. Whether dealing with seasonal items, holiday decor, or everyday clutter, the correct cloth or stackable storage bin can make all the difference.
Invest in quality, durable containers that fit your needs, and enjoy the benefits of a tidy, well-organized home.