The best storage boxes for all your home essentials

From storing toys long-term in the garage to everyday storage options, we've shortlisted our favourite storage boxes

Three of the best storage boxes displayed on a wooden floor

by Emily Farquhar |
Updated on

Are you starting to feel cramped in your house? Are your children's toys taking over every inch of floor space? Maybe you're just looking to change up your kitchen space, add in some extra storage baskets and make your house more homely.

Storage boxes are always a great solution. Storage boxes come in a variety of designs and styles, all with the simple purpose of storing possessions so they're ‘out of sight, out of mind’.

Depending on whether you need the best garden storage box or the best outdoor storage box, it is important you purchase the right kind of storage based on size, durability, and other factors such as being water resistant.

You might want a box that matches the colour of your room, or maybe you need storage for something specific like photos or clothes.

How do you store clothes, so they don’t get mouldy?

There are a few handy tips to know if you're wondering how to store clothes in a box to ensure they don't go mouldy. Firstly, ensure your clothes are 100% dry before putting them into storage. Secondly, if these storage boxes will be kept in areas prone to water damage, ensure you use boxes that are water-resistant. Thirdly, do not mix clothes in storage with any products that could potentially leak. For extra caution, I would pack your clothes into vacuum storage bags like these Spacesaver Premium Vacuum Storage Bags first before placing them into a storage box. This will maximise space and provide 80% more storage.

Whether you need a storage box for your living room, bedroom, garage or outside, the following products are well worth the investment:

Gallery

Best storage boxes:

Iris Stack and Pull Storage Top Box1 of 10

Iris Stack and Pull Storage Top Box

The Iris Stack and Pull set of three storage boxes are great for exactly that – to stack and pull. These ones are 15 litres, however, Iris Ohyama do provide options up to 45 litres if you are looking for something bigger. Being 29cm x 39cm x 18.6cm, they have a reinforced body and lid to provide the added strength and durability.

With rave reviews and ranked Amazon's Choice for 'storage box with lid', these really are the best for easily storing away items indoors such as electric blankets and bulkier items that you don't necessarily want on display around the house 24-7.

Really Useful 35 Litre XL Storage Box, Clear, Pack of 32 of 10

Really Useful 35 Litre XL Storage Box, Clear, Pack of 3

Really Useful Box has a great set of three 35 litre XL storage boxes,. Super reasonable and great for stacking, these boxes are 48cm x 39cm x 31cm. Suitable for all areas of the house, including the garage, these really are the best storage boxes for hiding away clutter.

Coming complete with a lid and secure clip handles, the set of three can be moved around with ease. Being transparent, they are perfect if you quickly need to spot what's inside without the hassle of opening the entire box up.

Expand your storage options with The best TV cabinets: shelves, cabinets and units available this year.

BANKERS BOX Prostore Plastic Storage Box3 of 10

BANKERS BOX Prostore Plastic Storage Box

If you are needing a box that maximises capacity, then we would highly recommend these Bankers Box Pro store plastic boxes. They are 37.5cm x 57.5cm x 38cm and can hold up to 85 litres.

They are not only super strong, double reinforced on both sides and on the base and stackable, but are also BPA free (non-toxic), food approved and recyclable. Being made from Polypropylene, they are made to last and come in a variety of other sizes depending on what you are after.

Novelinks Photo Case 4" x 6" Photo Box Storage4 of 10

Novelinks Photo Case 4" x 6" Photo Box Storage

Being a photographer myself, I understand just how important it is to correctly store my photographs. This Novelinks 4-inches x 6-inches photo box storage gives you 16 inner photo compartments to store your precious photos. Giving you either a clear or multi-coloured option, this product has been rated the number one bestseller on Amazon.

If you like to colour co-ordinate or separate your photos into themes (done by years or events etc), these organisers are definitely the way to go. The snap-tight closures are super secure and have been designed with strong load bearing and longevity qualities in mind.

Our Long Under Bed Box with Wheels5 of 10

Our Long Under Bed Box with Wheels

I couldn't resist including The Container Store's great Our Long Under Bed Box with Wheels storage option. Made from the clearest, virtually unbreakable, acid-free, polypropylene, this is my absolute favourite storage box for small areas and specially to squeeze under the bed.

The wheels are life-changing, making your extra jumpers and shoes easily accessible. For £19.81 each, they are on the pricier side and only come in case of six but well worth the extra penny and are very versatile. Holding a capacity of 30 pounds, the transparent storage boxes have an easy-open, locking lid and can fit all those longer items.

mDesign Stackable Shoe Box6 of 10

mDesign Stackable Shoe Box

If you have lots of shoes you'd like to store away, the mDesign stackable Shoe Box is a great investment. These storage boxes come in the size of 32.4cm x 18.4cm x 12.7cm and are multi-purpose as you can use them for loose sewing and arts and crafts items. The tall and compact storage boxes are made from durable materials (rugged plastic) and have been designed to withstand the test of time. They also protect against scuffing, scratching, and other physical damage.

Rubbermaid Commercial Products Brute Tote Storage Container, 75.5L7 of 10

Rubbermaid Commercial Products Brute Tote Storage Container, 75.5L

Need sturdy storage for the garage? The Rubbermaid Commercial Products has a great Tote storage container in grey. A little more expensive than most as it comes from the US, however, worth it as a long-term investment. Although they come in different sizes, this particular model can hold up to 75.5 litres

and is very heavy-duty

for storing and transporting items. The ergonomic handles give users a user-friendly grip, lessening any chance of an injury from happening. Holes have also been incorporated in the handles to allow them to drain, reducing any build-up of bacteria. The lid snaps tight and keeps all content secure inside. The ribbed construction on the bottom allows bin to be dragged without damage. On top of this, these boxes can easily be stacked for the efficient use of space.

Sterilite 14699002 40 Gallon/151 Liter Wheeled Industrial Tote8 of 10

Sterilite 14699002 40 Gallon/151 Liter Wheeled Industrial Tote

Also made in the USA, this Sterilite 151 litre wheeled industrial tote is another sturdy garage storage option. With a black lid and base with racer red handles and latches, this two-pack option has more than 3,500 ratings on Amazon and raving reviews. Being 36.75cm x 21.38cm x 18cm, this best storage box for the garage is has an ergonomic handle that rotates up for easy pulling. It also has a right fit drip-resistant lid which is handy if you do end up having a few roof leaks in the garage.

Make a meal fit for royalty with The best air fryers to get your fried food fix without feeling guilty, great value, great food, what more could you want?

Keter Borneo Outdoor Plastic Storage Box Garden Furniture9 of 10

Keter Borneo Outdoor Plastic Storage Box Garden Furniture

Another outstanding and larger outdoor storage option by Keter is the Borneo Outdoor Plastic Storage Box Garden Furniture. It comes in the same beautiful brown tone but also Anthracite if you can afford the hefty price tag. With nearly 1,400 ratings, the product is ideal as an outdoor storage box for garden tools and equipment, furniture cushions, garden games and accessories. Although it is made out of a very durable, weather-resistant and maintenance fade-free plastic, it has a decorative wood with a wicker style.

With a 416-litre capacity, it keeps all items ventilated and dry. With the external dimensions being 129.5 x 70 x 62.5 cm and internal dimensions being 114.7 x 59.5 x 54 cm, it is also accompanied with a piston-assisted lid for easy use and a lockable option for added security.

Give your guests the luxury of a good night's sleep with The best air beds for home guests, no more rough nights on the sofa for your friends and family.

Trueshopping Waterproof Outdoor Storage Chest Box10 of 10

Trueshopping Waterproof Outdoor Storage Chest Box

Trueshopping also has a top-quality waterproof garden storage box with a lockable lid. With a

460-litre capacity,

this storage box is great for indoor and outdoor use. It comes in black and grey, and mocha and dark brown. It's waterproof and will keep all outdoor essentials dry, safe, and protected when stored away. This is due to the box's hardwearing waterproof material with a ventilated lid to safeguard contents from damp and mould.

This outdoor storage box is easy to set up and has room to padlock the lid to keep your contents secure. The padlock, however, is not included. Because of its large size, the box also has easy-grip handles on both sides so you can easily pick it up and move it where you please. This storage box, however, cannot be used as a bench for sitting.

Stay warm this winter with The best energy-efficient electric heaters for your home.

Just so you know, we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website - read why you should trust us