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Best storage boxes for keeping your home organised and tidy

Organising your home and making the ugly bits more attractive is a rewarding way to spend a rainy day. Here are our favourite storage boxes to solve all your decluttering needs.

By Gemma Lumley | Last updated Feb 6, 2024

Collection of storage boxes

Mess is annoying and studies have shown that it can increase our stress levels. If you’re wanting to tackle the problem, the correct storage solution will make the initial decluttering process and general tidying up more manageable and, in some cases, enjoyable.

In the garage, large capacity, clear plastic boxes with secure lids are fantastic for stacking up neatly in the corner. BBQ utensils, DIY tools and car cleaning equipment will be separated and easy to see.

In the kitchen, small BPA-free plastic tubs are perfect for all kinds of foodstuffs, from batch-cooked freezer meals and leftovers to porridge oats and baking ingredients.

You can have the most fun with choosing whimsical toy boxes and sophisticated designs that will keep living room essentials such as candles and blankets hidden but close at hand. Storage doesn’t have to be boring.

With the help of recommendations vetted by users on our forums, interior design best buy lists and real consumer reviews, we’ve extensively researched and selected practical, durable and stylish solutions for every part of your home.

Here are the best storage boxes to keep your home organised and tidy in 2022.

1. Best overall storage boxes: Really Useful Clear Plastic Boxes

Really Useful Storage Boxes

Price: £16.23 | Buy now from Amazon

“If you want them to be useful later (Christmas decorations etc) Really Useful Boxes are really durable but they would be a bit of an investment.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user NotMeNoNo) 

Really Useful Boxes are available in a vast range of sizes. There is a capacity option for every imaginable need, from LEGO in the playroom to sports equipment in the garage.

Made from rigid clear plastic, they will keep your treasures safe from dust and moisture and keep everything neat while allowing you to see the contents easily, even in a dim loft space. In addition, they are stackable, and smaller boxes can be stored inside when storage needs are reduced.

The lids are sturdy and clip into place with ease. The bright blue clips can also be used as carrying handles, though the box's design makes them easy to grab and lift from most angles.

Pros

  • Stackable

  • Lots of size options

  • Easy to see the contents

Cons

  • Heavy

  • Pricey if you're buying a few

Key specs

  • Dimensions: 71 x 44 x 23 cm

  • Weight: 2.7 kg

  • Capacity: 50 litre

  • Material: Plastic

Read next: The best vacuum storage bags for saving space

2. Best budget storage boxes: Songmics Set Of 12 Storage Boxes

Songmics storage boxes

Price: £39.99 | Buy now from Amazon

"I bought the Songmics ones which are plastic boxes and about £40 now, although it was cheaper then. It's sturdy though and will last years." (Recommended by Mumsnet user HappyPunky)

This Songmics set of 12 boxes is terrific value; you could organise multiple cupboards and rooms with one purchase. Stackable, with an anti-slip design, they would work beautifully anywhere from the pantry to the kids' bedrooms.

The designer’s intention for these boxes was for shoes, which means they have a functional capacity and dimensions for many other domestic uses. The ventilation holes, originally for sweaty trainers, also ensure the contents of your boxes won’t have that unpleasant musty cupboard smell, even after long-term storage.

The robust lids can be fixed in place and resist dust and moisture, keeping your valuables safe from damage. We loved how easy it is to clean these boxes too. They don’t have any ridges or curves to collect grime so that they can be washed and dried in moments.

While £40 may seem pricey initially, they work out at just £3.33 per box, making them the ideal budget solution.

Pros

  • Great value

  • Ventilation holes reduce musty smells

  • Non slip stacking mechanism

Cons

  • All the same size

  • Not large enough for storing bigger items like duvets

Key specs

  • Dimensions: 29.5 x 12.5 x 16.5 cm

  • Weight: 0.235 kg per box

  • Capacity: Not specified

  • Material: Plastic

3. Best household storage containers: Lock & Lock Rectangular Storage Box

Lock & Lock storage box

Price: £19.94 | Buy now from Amazon 

“I like Lock & Lock for storage. They are expensive at first but they last a long, long time and remain properly airtight. I've got some that are over 20 years old.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user Confusedandshaken)

Lock & Lock are another favourite on the Mumsnet forums. Their brilliantly designed boxes are available in square, rectangular and circular shapes and come in many practical capacities. There is a box for all kitchen and house storage situations.

Our favourite feature is the 100% airtight and leakproof lid which gives confidence with four satisfying clicks of the silicone clips. Lock & Lock storage boxes are made from durable BPA-free plastic and are both dishwasher and microwave safe.

Lock & Lock boxes are stackable but can be slippy as there is no ridge around the edge. They also carry lots of weight, on top and inside, without bending out of shape.

Pros

  • Transparent so contents are easy to see

  • Easy to clip in place

  • Multi-use

Cons

  • Expensive

Key specs

  • Dimensions: 29.5 x 23 x 18.5 cm

  • Weight: 0.6 kg

  • Capacity: 9 litres

  • Material: Plastic

4. Best small plastic storage boxes: Lakeland Storage Boxes

Lakeland storage boxes

Price: £11.99 for five | Buy now from Lakeland

“I use Lakeland Tupperware. Practical, stackable. Not Insta-pretty but does the job.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user DorisLessingsCat)

Lakeland’s 2.5 litre Stack-a-Boxes are airtight and perfect for leftovers, picnics and lunch boxes. However, they would also be fantastic for lots of storage needs, from jewellery and makeup to crayons or craft bits and pieces.

These cute boxes have brightly coloured lids and are made from dishwasher and microwave-safe BPA-free plastic. They can be stacked up high when filled or nested and stored neatly together.

This set of Stack-a-Boxes is a useful size, but they also come in different shapes and sizes.

Pros

  • Coloured lids are fun and aid content identification

  • Great value

  • They nest inside each other so good for occasional use

Cons

  • Slightly opaque so tricky to see contents

Key specs

  • Dimensions: 21 x 15 x 10 cm

  • Weight: Not specified

  • Capacity: 2.5 litre each

  • Material: BPA-free plastic

5. Best garden storage box: Keter City Outdoor Rectangle Plastic Storage Box with Lid

Keter storage box

Price: £28 | Buy now from Amazon

"Keter garden storage boxes are good and waterproof." (Recommended by Mumsnet user Monkeybunkey)

The Keter Outdoor Storage Box comes with a lid and is an excellent option for people who need extra storage in an outside space such as a garden or balcony. It is made from plastic, yet has a wood panelled effect, and comes in a stylish dark grey colour.

At 113 litres capacity and with the choice to lock it (you will need to buy a lock separately), it will keep all your garden equipment and outdoor furniture cushions safe and free from dust and moisture. Thanks to the clever slot system, it’s a cinch to assemble with reviewers commenting that it only took them minutes to piece it together.

The only downside is that it doesn't have handles to manoeuvre the box around but users loved how sturdy and solid it felt, making this a great value buy for all your garden storage needs.

Pros

  • Large capacity

  • Can be padlocked (sold separately)

  • Super easy to assemble

Cons

  • No handles

  • One reviewer did comment that it blew away in the wind, so be sure to weigh it down if it's empty

Key specs

  • Dimensions: 7.8 x 44 x 55 cm

  • Weight: Not specified

  • Capacity: 113 litre

  • Material: Plastic

6. Best storage box for bits and pieces: Really Useful Organiser

Really Useful Organiser

Price: £13.42 | Buy now from Amazon

The Really Useful Organiser Storage Unit is a fantastic collection of 14 small boxes that would be perfect for anything tiny such as craft supplies or LEGO figures. Each box has two clips to close the lid securely.

These organiser boxes are made from clear plastic, which allows you to see what is in each box clearly, and they can be either slotted into a robust mini shelving unit or stacked on top of each other.

The unit itself can be wall-mounted, an excellent idea for bits and bobs in either the shed or the garage.

Pros

  • Unit can also be wall-mounted

  • Cute miniature design – kids will love it

  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Not airtight, so not ideal for food stuffs such as spices

Key specs

  • Dimensions: ‎24 x 15 x 3 cm

  • Weight: 0.9 kg

  • Capacity: 4 litres

  • Material: Plastic

7. Best decorative storage box: Home Harmony Folding Storage Ottoman Seat

Ottoman storage seat

Price: £24.95 | Buy now from Amazon 

“I have a nice storage box that fits next to our chair out of sight, it's a 'current activities' box so depending on what DC are into that week it's full of that stuff.” (Storage idea recommended by Mumsnet user Awkwardd)

Tidying up the kids' clutter at the end of the day is easy with this practical but stylish ottoman. It comes in five neutral colours and is perfect for the lounge or dining room. Once built, it is robust and comfortable enough to be used as a seat when guests visit.

The Home Harmony seat is fantastic quality for the price and can easily be folded up and down when not needed. The durable polyester fabric is soft with a rustic texture and is easy to spot clean with water and mild detergent.

It will grow with your children too; once your little ones are old enough to keep their toys in their own rooms. You could even use it to hide away blankets or clothes in a bedroom.

Pros

  • Stylish storage solution

  • Can also be used as a seat

  • Suitable for all rooms and contents

  • Great value

Cons

  • Only for indoor use

  • A few reviewers found the colours were darker than in the photos

Key specs

  • Dimensions: 38 x 76 x 38 cm

  • Weight: 4.5 kg

  • Capacity: Not specified

  • Material: Polyester, linen

8. Best LEGO storage boxes: Room Copenhagen LEGO Brick Storage Box

LEGO storage box

Price: £18.86 | Buy now from Amazon 

“We have a few LEGO storage bricks.” (Storage idea recommended by Mumsnet user 10brokengreenbottles)

This giant LEGO Storage Brick will keep your collection together and may even inspire your children to tidy up. Available in various bold primary colours and different sizes, these stackable boxes can become part of the play.

Made from tough plastic, this fun storage idea is durable and ideal for daily use by your smaller family members. The lid slides on and off easily; simply squeeze the sides and let the weight of contents of the box do the work.

When these boxes are closed, the contents are entirely enclosed so that they would work perfectly as a cheerful storage system in your shed or garage.

Pros

  • Will look cool in retro styled rooms

  • Stack just like a LEGO brick for sturdy storage

  • Great gift

  • Large range of colours

Cons

  • Can be tricky for small children to get the lid off when it’s empty

Key specs

  • Dimensions: 25 x 25 x 18 cm

  • Weight: 0.97 kg

  • Capacity: 5.7 litre

  • Material: Plastic

9. Best storage box for garages: Strata Heavy Duty 75 Litre Storage Box

Strata storage box

Price: £19.19 | Buy now from Amazon

The Strata Heavy Duty 75 Litre Storage Box is waterproof, so it would be a valuable piece of outdoor, garage or shed storage. The bright yellow clips that close the lid are hard-wearing and click into place securely, and there are spaces to put a padlock for extra security too.

This box has a large capacity and is designed to carry lots of weight. However, the wheels will make sure it is always possible to move it around, no matter how full.

At under £20, these boxes are excellent value. They are high quality, and buying just a couple could transform your messy garage.

Pros

  • Lockable

  • Holes can be drilled in to create ventilation

  • Stackable

Cons

  • The wheels take up storage room

Key specs

  • Dimensions: ‎77 x 42 x 40 cm

  • Weight: 3.5 kg

  • Capacity: 75 litres

  • Material: Plastic

10. Best toy storage boxes: New Style Foldable Canvas Cubes

Newstyle storage baskets

Price: £10.99 | Buy now from Amazon

“We just have fabric boxes and baskets and all the small parts and stuff can just get chucked into those at the end of the day. Makes tidying up a breeze!” (Idea from Mumsnet user Starcaller)

New Style’s Foldable Canvas Cubes are a beautiful, neutral design that would look lovely anywhere in the home. They hold an impressive 30 litres, have a waterproof lining and fold flat when not needed.

Being lightweight and flexible with sturdy fabric handles, they make lovely toy storage baskets as it's easy for little ones to carry them around their room as they tidy.

These cubes are made from thick canvas fabric, which is strong enough to hold lots of toys, laundry or craft equipment. The outer fabric can be wiped clean too.

Pros

  • Waterproof lining

  • Stylish

  • Great if you’re reducing plastic in your home

Cons

  • No lids

Key specs

  • Dimensions: 43 x 32 x 25 cm

  • Weight: 0.28 kg

  • Capacity: 30 litres

  • Material: Canvas

11. Best storage box system: IKEA KALLAX Modular Boxed Shelving Unit

IKEA KALLAX

Price: £29 | Buy now from IKEA

“KALLAX, I think you get more life out of them. They look better and store heaps.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user Newmum102)

A set of attractive cubes and shelves is a neat and organised way to keep storage boxes off the floor and easy to access. The KALLAX system offers many ways to transform the storage in your home.

It is a simple, elegant design that will look amazing in any room. Choose from many sizes and concepts to create a personalised system of cubes and shelves that can hang on the wall, stand against the wall or act as a room divider.

We loved the flexibility of KALLAX. Either use your own storage boxes or invest in the purpose-made inserts.

Pros

  • Display your favourite items and hide the mess

  • Comes with wall fixings

  • Range of neutral colours and wood effects

Cons

  • Can become expensive

Key specs

  • Dimensions: 77 x 39 x 77 cm

  • Weight: Not specified

  • Capacity: Not specified

  • Material: Particle board; fibreboard; plastic

How to choose the best storage box for your home

If you're planning on decluttering this year and finally organising your home, your storage needs from room to room may vary wildly. Whether you're looking for heavy duty storage or want something small to pack away photos or makeup, here's what you need to consider:

  • Size: Think carefully about the items you’re storing and the capacity you need. It’s helpful to have a little room spare, but there’s no point buying a box that’s too big, especially if you don’t have a lot of space.

  • Style: It’s possible to find storage boxes that will suit any style of room or home. From elegant linen-covered ottomans for the living room to brightly coloured toy boxes, if your storage options are limited by space, make sure you check the measurements before purchasing.

  • Material: Tough plastic is a good choice for storage in the garden, sheds and garages as it will protect your stuff from dirt and the weather. Inside the home, it still has lots of uses as it’s durable and will take lots of weight, so stacking is possible. However, for food, choose BPA-free plastic. Fabric cubes are lightweight and easy to store and stretch out a little to accommodate strange shapes like toys. Wood is a classic option but can be heavy.

What is the best storage box?

Really Useful Clear Plastic Boxes are our overall best storage box range thanks to the high quality plastic, secure lids, and stackability. There’s a size and shape for a multitude of storage needs, and they will last for years and years of daily use.

We also loved that the clear plastic means you can quickly identify what's in each box. They don't come cheap, but when it comes to creating a reliable storage system, you really can't go wrong with Really Useful's range.

How we chose our recommendations

We focused on the durability, capacity and design of each of the storage boxes and systems we have recommended to ensure that they are a practical and stylish way to keep each area of your home neat and tidy.

We started by thoroughly searching the Mumsnet forums for trusted recommendations from our real users, noting the products they loved and those they advised avoiding. We then checked out their suggestions, combing through the authentic online reviews to make sure the storage boxes were up to task. In addition, we researched independent interior design websites and home-focused best buy lists for vetted opinions on the best products.

Then we evaluated which box was best for each need in the home, bringing you the ultimate list of storage boxes to invest in this year.

Why you should trust us

We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.