4 Drawer Tower

General storage covers containers for organising the home, garage, shed and garden: plastic storage boxes with lids, baskets, laundry hampers, drawer towers and trolleys, crates, flexible tubs, insulated bags and small boxes for food and household items.

Choosing a container

• Capacity: boxes are sized in litres, from small 1.5 litre boxes up to 65 litres and more. Check the outside dimensions against the storage unit, cupboard or under-bed space you plan to use.
• Lids and visibility: lidded boxes keep out dust, and clear boxes let you see the contents without opening them. If you plan to stack boxes, check that they are designed to stack.
• Drawer towers and trolleys: give quick access to small items, and versions on wheels move easily between rooms.
• Baskets and hampers: open baskets suit open storage and everyday items; hampers hold laundry and often have a lid.
• Flexible tubs and crates: tough containers for heavier loads in the garden, garage or on building jobs.

Storing food

If a container will hold food, check that it is marked as suitable for food contact, either in words or with the glass and fork symbol, unless it is obviously made for food. Containers sold for general storage, garden or building use may not be suitable for food.

Practical points

Measure the space before choosing, and keep heavy items in smaller boxes so they stay easy to lift. Label boxes so you can find things later, and choose a consistent range if you want boxes and lids to be interchangeable.

For washing and drying, see laundry, or browse kitchen and dining for food storage.