- Size: Always measure your items and the space where the container will need to fit before purchasing your bins or baskets.
- Aesthetics: Do you need the containers to look nice? You may want them to be a certain color or material (like wicker or metal). If they don't need to look beautiful, you will have more options for both price and variety.
- Visible vs. hidden: Do you want to see the contents through a clear container, or do you want to hide the contents behind an opaque material? Clear containers are great whenever possible, as we know that visibility is an important factor in finding and managing your belongings. If the containers are not clear, labeling and indexing becomes even more important.
- Shape: Square or rectangular containers use space much more efficiently than rounded containers. Consider also whether the shape prevents you from stacking multiple containers of the same type.
- Ease of use: Do you need the container to have a lid, or is it better to have an open container? Would it be beneficial to have wheels on it? Take care that you choose something as easy as possible to use.
- Ease of care: If the container will need to be cleaned, consider its shape together with the contents in terms of the ease of cleaning it later. Does it have lots of grooves and crevices that might make that difficult? If it's fabric, is it washable?
- Subdivisions: Would it be helpful to have divisions within the container for subgroups of items? If a container you like does not have them, you can also create these divisions with drawer dividers or other small boxes placed inside, or even zippered plastic bags.
My favorite containers are small, rectangular, plastic, open bins that I use in bathrooms and pantries constantly. They are great for grouping toiletries and various types of food and office supplies, providing visibility and accessibility. What are your favorite containers? Share in the comments!
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I love to use the containers with the open style handles on one end in pantries and craft rooms. They are sold at the Container Store. They come in small sizes so they are easy to use, even for children with small hands. http://tinyurl.com/29k6mc9
Michelle, I’ve found those to be very useful, too! They are also a bit taller than some other plastic options, which comes in handy.
Velveeta boxes! They can be used for so many things in the kitchen, bathroom, office, baby’s room — just about everywhere. And they’re free!
I prefer square, clear containers with hinged lids. They stack easily in almost any space and you never lose the lid. =)
I use kleenex boxes for a lot of different things.