4 Types of Effective Storage Boxes
When you live in an apartment or home with limited space, effective storage use is absolutely required. The business of storage boxes is much more complex than just simple cardboard boxes – just look at the existence of businesses like the Container Store or IKEA, and you’ll see more creativity than you may have expected. There are a variety of storage boxes available today, and here is just a small sampling of what you can find in stores or online:
1. Plastic Storage Boxes
If you’re looking for a mix of strength and affordability, plastic storage boxes are the way to go. You can get them with lids that lock tight, or with wheels to make it easy to move them. You can get them clear or opaque, in a variety of colors and textures, and of every size, from a tiny soap dish to the size of a refrigerator. For an all-purpose storage container, this is a good way to go.
Plastic storage boxes are also available everywhere. You can find them in large department stores, smaller specialty stores, or on dozens of websites online. So for general storage, there’s nothing easier and more secure, although as you will see, there may be another kind of box that’s even more appropriate for your specific need.
2. Cardboard Storage Boxes
This is what most people think of when they imagine storing files or papers of any kind – a cardboard box that they assembled themselves, with a hole on each side to help carry it, and a space on the side to write what’s inside the box. But some thought has been put into them, and there are variations on the cardboard box available. You could purchase stackable boxes, where each box is smaller than the one before it, and add a little design to your storage. You can find slim boxes that fit posters or papers, or that hold business cards neatly.
Their main weakness is that cardboard is flimsy. It also is no protection against water or dampness in general. But for temporary storage, or moving, the price can’t be beat. It’s the cheapest form of storage box available.
3. Wooden Storage Boxes
The opposite of flimsy cardboard is a sturdy, long-lasting wooden storage box. These come in a variety of types. You can get toy chests that can withstand a child beating on them, a chest on wheels that is easily moved, a crate to hold blankets, wood, or anything else, or jewelry boxes to store your valuables. They come in stackable trays that don’t have lids or in smaller game box styles for a chess or checkers set.
These are best for either very long term storage, or to help decorate the house. You would probably consider this more of an investment than a plastic container, and you’d be right. By putting a little more thought into a wooden storage box, you can find something that you’ll have in the house for years.
4. Decorative Storage Boxes
These are a bit different from the other storage boxes, but are both useful and decorative at the same time. Decorative storage boxes usually have a design and a texture, so they both look and feel great. They come in stackable form like the cardboard boxes (they’re often paper themselves), but I’m also putting wicker boxes, bamboo crates, or round hat boxes in this list as well. These various boxes can add live to an otherwise plain room, and are quite affordable, considering the effect they have on a room. Try searching for them online, you’ll be impressed by the variety of different boxes that are available!
This Sounds Great, but Where Do I Buy Them
I hear your question. There are a lot of places to look. So let me list a few places to check.
If you’re looking for a store, then hobby stores like Hobby Lobby would be a good place to start, or more general stores like Target or Wal-Mart would have something too. There are also specialty stores like The Container Store if you live in a larger city. These places usually aren’t in small towns or rural areas.
However, everything is available online as well! All of those stores have their own websites to search, or you can search ‘storage boxes’ and find a long list of items available. Plus, with the internet you’ll get it shipped straight to your house – an added benefit!
So get creative! Boxes aren’t just around to throw into the closet and forget about. They can be decorations as well. They can be meant to last a year or decades. Your options are endless, so make sure you explore them before buying. Your wallet and home will thank you for it!
