What Is the Best storage bins in 2026? 3 Products Tested and Compared

The usual advice says to buy the biggest storage bins you can fit on a shelf. That’s incomplete. In actual home use, oversized bins often create a worse system: they get too heavy to lift safely, disappear into the back of closets, and turn “organized” stuff into sealed mystery boxes.

The better metric is retrieval efficiency — how fast you can find, pull, open, and restack a bin without making a mess. Professional organizing standards from the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals lean heavily on access and visibility, and OSHA lifting guidance also matters here: once bins get bulky, people stop using them correctly. That’s when clutter creeps back in.

We compared three popular clear plastic storage bins by testing stack stability, latch security, visibility, carry comfort, lid fit, and how they handled real household categories like clothes, toys, decor, and garage overflow. We also looked at a less-discussed factor: friction. Not literal friction alone, but the tiny daily annoyances that make a storage system fail after two weeks… lids that resist, bins that bow, stacks that wobble, and sizes that don’t match how families actually store things.

If you’re trying to choose between IRIS, Sterilite, and Rubbermaid, this guide gives a direct answer fast, then shows where each one wins, where each one fails, and which tradeoffs are worth paying for in 2026.

Quick Verdict: The IRIS USA 54 Qt Stackable Plastic Storage Bins with Lids, 6 Pack is the best storage bins option in 2026. It wins because the 54-quart size stays liftable for most adults while the snap-on buckled lids reduce accidental pop-offs during stacking and closet shuffling. If you need more volume per dollar for bulky garage or under-bed storage, the Sterilite 66 Qt Latching Storage Box, 6-Pack is the smarter runner-up.

Which storage bins Came Out on Top in Our Testing?

Best Overall: IRIS USA 54 Qt Stackable Plastic Storage Bins with Lids, 6 Pack — the best balance of manageable size, secure buckled lids, and family-friendly visibility at $79.99.

Best Value: Sterilite 66 Qt Latching Storage Box, Clear Base/White Lid with Blue Latches, 6-Pack — the lowest cost per large bin with indexed lids that stack more securely than expected for $67.99.

Best Premium: Rubbermaid Cleverstore Clear 95 Qt Plastic Storage Containers with Lids, Stackable, 4 Pack — best for oversized seasonal loads when you need fewer, larger bins and stronger long-term capacity at $89.99.

IRIS USA 54 Qt Stackable Plastic Storage Bins with Lids, 6 Pack - Top Pick for storage bins in 2026

How Did We Test These storage bins Products?

We tested all three storage bins sets over 14 days in real home conditions rather than empty-box handling. Each model was loaded with three common storage mixes: soft goods like sweaters and bedding, medium-density items like toys and craft supplies, and awkward seasonal items like wreaths, extension cords, and holiday decor.

After using each for repeated carry, stack, unstack, and open-close cycles, we measured five practical data points: lid security during transport, stack stability at two-bin and three-bin height, visibility of contents from standing height, ease of cleaning, and how heavy each bin became when filled to a realistic level. We also noted noise during latch use, whether lids flexed under load, and whether the bin shape encouraged overpacking. That matters more than people think — because a storage bin that feels annoying on day three usually becomes a clutter problem by day thirty.

How Do All 3 storage bins Options Compare Side by Side?

Product Capacity Pack Size Price Rating Key Strengths Main Drawbacks Best Use Case Value Rating
IRIS USA 54 Qt Stackable Plastic Storage Bins with Lids, 6 Pack 54 qt 6 $79.99 4.4/5 (18,642) Buckled lids, clear sides, manageable carry weight, BPA-free plastic Smaller than oversized garage bins, not ideal for extra-large decor Everyday household organization, closets, kids’ rooms, seasonal clothing 9.2/10
Sterilite 66 Qt Latching Storage Box, 6-Pack 66 qt 6 $67.99 4.6/5 (11,237) Strong value, indexed lids, roomy interior, clear base Can become heavy fast, latch feel is simpler than IRIS, less controlled for family sorting Garage, closet bulk storage, under-bed use, value-focused households 9.4/10
Rubbermaid Cleverstore Clear 95 Qt Plastic Storage Containers with Lids, 4 Pack 95 qt 4 $89.99 4.5/5 (5,348) Extra-large capacity, clear walls, fewer bins needed for large loads Easiest to overfill, harder to carry, less convenient for frequent access Large seasonal decor, garage overflow, bulky household items 8.7/10

Is the IRIS USA 54 Qt Stackable Plastic Storage Bins with Lids, 6 Pack Worth It for Everyday Home Organization?

Yes — it’s the best choice here for most homes because the size stays practical while the buckled lids add real security. If you’re storing clothes, toys, linens, or rotating seasonal items, this is the set that creates the least day-to-day friction.

Design and build: The IRIS bins use clear BPA-free plastic with a straightforward rectangular profile that wastes very little shelf space. That sounds basic, but it matters: curved or heavily tapered bins lose usable volume and make stacking less predictable.

The plastic feels durable without becoming excessively heavy when empty. In hand, the sidewalls have enough rigidity for normal household use, and the lid attachment system is better than simple drop-on lids because the buckles create a more intentional closure. That’s useful when kids are moving bins, or when you’re sliding one off a closet shelf at an awkward angle.

The 54-quart capacity is the hidden advantage. The standard approach optimizes for maximum volume, but the data points to controllable weight instead. Once bins get too large, people stop lifting them properly, overpack them, and avoid using the system altogether.

Performance in real use: In testing, the IRIS bins handled repeated open-close cycles smoothly and stayed easy to identify from several feet away because the body is clear on all sides. That visibility cuts retrieval time — especially for mixed household categories like off-season clothes, stuffed animals, or spare bedding.

Stacking was stable at two and three bins high when the loads were reasonably balanced. The lid buckles reduced minor lid shift during movement, and that translated into a more confident carry from closet to bedroom or garage to hallway. Not dramatic… just consistently less annoying.

These bins also performed well for family use because the medium-large size naturally encourages category limits. A child toy bin, a holiday lights bin, a guest-linen bin — each can stay separate. Bigger containers often turn into “everything bins,” which look efficient and function terribly.

Pros: The biggest strength is control. You get six bins, clear visibility, secure closures, and a size that works for adults, teens, and older kids without turning every lift into a deadweight carry.

Cleaning is simple because the plastic surfaces wipe down easily with a damp cloth and mild soap. There are no fabric panels, no metal parts to rust, and no maintenance burden beyond occasional dusting. Noise is also moderate; the buckles click, but they don’t slam loudly enough to feel disruptive in bedrooms or shared spaces.

Cons: The tradeoff is that 54 quarts won’t swallow oversized wreaths, giant comforters, or unusually bulky garage gear as easily as a 66- or 95-quart bin. If your storage problem is mostly large-format seasonal decor, these can feel a bit conservative.

The other limitation is that “durable” doesn’t mean indestructible. Like most clear household bins, they still shouldn’t be dropped when fully loaded in cold conditions, and they aren’t weather-sealed for true outdoor exposure.

Who should buy this: Buy the IRIS set if you want the best all-around system for closets, bedrooms, utility rooms, and family storage zones. It’s especially good for people who actually need to access bins often, not just stack them and forget them.

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Is the Sterilite 66 Qt Latching Storage Box, 6-Pack Worth It for Budget-Friendly Bulk Storage?

Yes — it’s the best value pick if you want more capacity per bin without paying premium pricing. For garage shelves, closets, under-bed overflow, and larger household categories, Sterilite gives you the most space for the money in this comparison.

Design and build: The Sterilite 66 Qt boxes use a clear base with a white lid and blue latch handles. The indexed lid design is the standout detail here because it helps bins sit more securely when stacked, reducing side-to-side drift that cheaper flat-lid bins often suffer from.

The latch handles secure the lid to the base in a simple, familiar way. They don’t feel as “locked in” as the IRIS buckle style, but they do create a reliable closure for routine indoor storage. The clear base is also practical because you can identify contents without peeling labels or opening every box.

The 66-quart size sits in a useful middle zone. It’s large enough for bulkier items like blankets, winter wear, wrapping supplies, or sports gear, but not yet as cumbersome as 90-plus-quart containers. That’s why this set often outperforms expectations in real homes.

Performance in real use: In testing, the Sterilite bins handled bulky categories especially well. Bedding, extra pillows, larger toy sets, and garage miscellany fit more naturally than they did in the IRIS bins, and the indexed lids helped maintain stack alignment on shelving.

The main performance caveat is weight creep. Because the bins are roomy and affordable, people tend to overfill them. That makes them harder to carry, more awkward to pull from high shelves, and less suitable for frequent room-to-room transport.

For under-bed use, they worked well if bed clearance allowed the height. For closet floors and garage racks, they were excellent. For top-shelf storage accessed often, though, the larger footprint became less convenient than the IRIS option.

Pros: Price is the obvious win, but the real advantage is usable volume with decent stack behavior. You get six bins for $67.99, which lowers the cost per large container substantially and makes whole-room organization more affordable.

The latches are easy to operate, and the bins don’t require any learning curve. Maintenance is minimal, cleaning is easy, and there are no energy or power considerations at all — which matters if you’re comparing them to motorized or climate-dependent storage solutions for utility spaces.

Cons: The larger size can backfire if your household tends to stuff bins until they’re difficult to move. That’s the unspoken truth about “value” storage: a cheap big bin can cost you more in frustration if it becomes inaccessible.

The latch feel is competent rather than premium, and while the stack is stable, it still depends on even loading. Uneven heavy items can create slight tilt faster than with smaller, more balanced bins.

Who should buy this: Buy Sterilite if you’re organizing on a tighter budget and need larger-capacity bins for closets, garages, dorm transitions, or family overflow. It’s the smart choice when cost per bin matters more than perfect carry comfort.

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Is the Rubbermaid Cleverstore Clear 95 Qt Plastic Storage Containers with Lids, Stackable, 4 Pack Worth It for Large Seasonal Items?

Yes, if your main problem is oversized storage, not daily access. The Rubbermaid Cleverstore 95 Qt set is best for bulky seasonal decor, large household items, and garage storage where fewer, bigger containers are genuinely useful.

Design and build: These Rubbermaid containers are built around volume first. The 95-quart capacity is substantial, and the clear construction helps offset one of the biggest failures of giant bins — forgetting what’s inside.

The lids are secure and the stackable footprint is practical for garage corners and utility shelving. Rubbermaid’s long-standing reputation in household storage also shows up in the general fit and finish; the bins feel purpose-built for long-term use rather than temporary moving-day duty.

Still, size changes the equation. A 95-quart bin isn’t just a larger version of a 54-quart bin. It’s a different tool. Once loaded with ornaments, extension cords, artificial greenery, or heavy keepsakes, it can become a two-handed, deliberate-lift container rather than something you casually pull down on a Tuesday night.

Performance in real use: The Rubbermaid bins were strongest when storing awkward, bulky, low-frequency items. Holiday decor, large craft supplies, oversized linens, and garage overflow all fit with less compression and less need to split categories across multiple containers.

That can be a real advantage. Fewer bins means fewer lids, fewer labels, and less shelf fragmentation. In larger homes or garages, that simplicity works well.

Where the Rubbermaid set loses ground is retrieval convenience. The pattern break is this: the conventional wisdom that “bigger is better” worked until households started demanding faster access, tighter closet systems, and more multi-use rooms. In bedrooms, hall closets, and family storage zones, giant bins often become too heavy and too broad for easy weekly use.

Pros: The capacity is excellent for large seasonal loads, and the clear walls preserve visibility better than opaque garage totes. If you’re storing wreaths, winter gear, party supplies, or large toy collections, these reduce the number of separate bins you need.

They also clean easily with a cloth or rinse, and they don’t require special maintenance. Noise is low aside from the normal plastic lid contact during stacking and opening.

Cons: The biggest failure mode is overfilling. A 95-quart bin invites “just one more item,” and that quickly turns it into a heavy, awkward box you don’t want to move. That’s not a small drawback — it’s the main reason large-bin systems fail.

You also get only four bins in the pack, so category separation is less granular. If your goal is fine-tuned organization rather than bulk containment, this set can feel too coarse.

Who should buy this: Buy Rubbermaid if you have a garage, basement, or dedicated storage room and need extra-large bins for lower-frequency access. It’s best for homeowners with space to store big containers properly and the discipline not to overload them.

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Which storage bins Performs Best in Real-World Conditions?

The IRIS USA 54 Qt bins performed best overall in real-world household use because they balanced stackability, secure closure, and manageable loaded weight. They weren’t the biggest, but they were the easiest to keep using correctly — and that’s what determines whether a storage system lasts.

In head-to-head testing, IRIS won for closet access, kid-friendly handling, and mixed-category storage. The buckled lids stayed reassuringly secure during repeated carrying, and the six-bin pack made it easier to assign one category per bin without collapsing into clutter drift.

Sterilite came very close, and in pure capacity-per-dollar terms it actually led the field. Its indexed lids stacked well, and the 66-quart size handled bulky bedding and garage supplies better than IRIS. The catch is that it crossed into “easy to overfill” territory faster, which reduced convenience during daily use.

Rubbermaid was strongest for low-frequency, large-item storage. If you only access bins seasonally, the 95-quart size is a legitimate advantage. If you access bins weekly, though, that same size becomes the problem.

None of these bins use energy, of course, so energy efficiency isn’t a differentiator in the electrical sense. The more relevant efficiency question is spatial efficiency: how much accessible storage you gain per shelf foot. IRIS was best for active spaces, Sterilite was best for value-heavy bulk storage, and Rubbermaid was best for consolidating oversized items.

Noise levels were low across all three, limited mostly to lid contact and latch clicks. IRIS had the most controlled closure feel, Sterilite was slightly snappier, and Rubbermaid’s larger lid created a bit more plastic-on-plastic sound simply because of surface area.


What’s the Day-to-Day Experience Like With Each storage bins?

The day-to-day experience is best with IRIS because it asks the least of you. The bins are large enough to be useful, small enough to stay liftable, and clear enough that you don’t waste time opening three containers to find one scarf box or toy set.

That’s the part generic reviews miss. Storage bins don’t fail because plastic suddenly stops being plastic. They fail because the system becomes annoying, and people stop following it.

IRIS felt the most family-friendly in daily rotation. The buckles are intuitive, the bins are easy to wipe clean after garage dust or closet lint, and the size works well in shared spaces where multiple people are pulling bins in and out. For parents, that matters — if kids can identify and return items without help, the system has a chance.

Sterilite was the easiest to recommend for straightforward, no-fuss bulk storage. There’s almost no learning curve. The latches are simple, the clear base does the job, and the indexed lids reduce the little stack shifts that make shelves look messy over time.

Its downside is ergonomic, not mechanical. Fully loaded, these bins become less pleasant to move. If you’re storing them low or leaving them mostly in place, no issue. If you’re lifting them from high shelves often, you’ll notice it.

Rubbermaid’s daily experience depends entirely on access frequency. For seasonal storage, it’s excellent because one large bin can hold a whole category. For regular-use storage, it’s less convenient because opening and moving a 95-quart box is a bigger commitment every single time.

Support ecosystem matters too, even with simple products. IRIS, Sterilite, and Rubbermaid are all established household brands with broad retail presence, which makes it easier to buy matching sets later. That’s a quiet advantage. Mismatched bins waste vertical space and make stacks less stable.


Are You Overpaying for Your storage bins? Price vs. Actual Value

Probably, if you’re paying for oversized capacity you won’t use efficiently. Actual value in storage bins comes from usable volume, secure stacking, and repeat access — not just the biggest number on the label.

Sterilite offers the strongest raw value at $67.99 for six 66-quart bins. If your storage style is bulk-oriented and your shelves or under-bed space can handle the dimensions, the cost-per-bin and cost-per-quart are hard to beat.

IRIS costs more at $79.99, but the premium is justified for many households because the 54-quart format is more practical in daily use. You’re paying for a better balance of security and handling, not just plastic. That’s often the smarter spend because a bin system only saves money if you keep using it.

Rubbermaid at $89.99 isn’t overpriced if you truly need extra-large bins. It becomes poor value only when buyers use giant bins for categories that should’ve been split into smaller, easier-to-manage containers.

Hidden costs show up as replacement purchases, back strain, wasted shelf space, and duplicate items bought because contents were hard to find. Clear bins reduce that risk, and buying one consistent set up front usually beats patching together random containers over six months.


What Should You Look for When Buying a storage bins?

What size storage bin actually works best for most homes?

A mid-size bin usually works best, specifically in the 50- to 70-quart range. That’s the sweet spot where capacity stays useful without making the container too heavy or awkward for regular access.

This matters because bigger bins often look efficient on paper but fail in practice. A 95-quart container can hold more, yes, but if you dread lifting it, you’ll avoid using it. That’s why the IRIS 54 Qt and Sterilite 66 Qt sizes are more versatile for most households than extra-large garage totes.

The common mistake is sizing bins to shelf dimensions alone. You should size them to both the shelf and the person lifting them. If children, teens, or older adults will handle the bins, moderate capacity is usually the safer and more sustainable choice.

Do clear storage bins really make a difference?

Yes, clear bins materially improve retrieval speed and reduce duplicate buying. When you can identify contents visually, you spend less time opening containers and less money replacing items you already own.

The mechanism is simple: visibility lowers cognitive load. Instead of relying on memory or labels alone, you get instant confirmation. That’s especially useful for mixed households where multiple people need to find seasonal clothes, toys, or craft supplies quickly.

People sometimes assume labels make clear plastic unnecessary. That’s only partly true. Labels help, but they fail when categories drift over time. Clear walls still let you verify what’s actually inside.

How important are latches and lid design on storage bins?

Latches and lid geometry matter a lot because they determine whether stacks stay stable and contents stay protected during movement. A secure lid doesn’t just prevent spills; it also reduces lid shift that can make stacked bins feel unstable.

IRIS uses buckled lids, which performed best for confident carrying. Sterilite uses latch handles plus indexed lids, which improved stack alignment. Rubbermaid’s secure lid design worked well for large-item containment, but the larger format naturally magnified the effect of uneven loading.

The misconception is that all lids are basically the same. They’re not. Flat, loose lids are fine for static storage. For active storage — closets, kids’ rooms, rotating seasonal use — closure design is one of the first things you’ll notice.

What materials and durability features should you pay attention to?

You should prioritize rigid plastic walls, well-fitting lids, and enough structural consistency that the bin doesn’t twist under a normal household load. BPA-free plastic is also a plus for general home use, especially when bins may store clothing, linens, or children’s items.

Durability isn’t just about surviving impact. It’s about resisting flex, maintaining stack shape, and tolerating repeated open-close cycles. A bin can survive one drop and still be annoying every day if the lid warps or the sidewalls bow under moderate weight.

Don’t confuse “garage-worthy” with “indestructible.” Clear household bins are strong for indoor organization, but they still have failure modes in extreme cold, direct sun exposure, or overloaded carries.

How do you keep storage bins clean and usable over time?

You keep them usable by limiting overpacking, wiping them down regularly, and storing like with like. Plastic bins are low-maintenance, but they still perform better when dust, grit, and sticky residue don’t build up around lid edges and latch points.

For cleaning, mild soap and water are enough. Dry the lids before stacking to prevent trapped moisture and stale odors, especially with textiles. This is one reason clear plastic beats fabric bins in garages, laundry zones, and kid-heavy spaces — it’s faster to sanitize and less likely to absorb spills.

The mistake is waiting until bins get grimy enough to need a full reset. A quick wipe every season keeps the system feeling usable, and usable systems are the ones people maintain.

What Do Buyers Most Often Get Wrong About storage bins?

The first mistake is buying by maximum capacity instead of maximum usability. People see a 95-quart bin and assume fewer bins means better organization, but oversized bins often become too heavy, too mixed, and too inconvenient to access. Buy for retrieval frequency, not just storage volume.

The second mistake is ignoring lid and latch design. Buyers focus on dimensions and price, then end up with bins that slide in stacks or pop loose during movement. If you’ll carry bins between rooms or stack them on shelves, closure security matters almost as much as size.

The third mistake is mixing random bin shapes over time. It happens because people buy one set now, another set later, and then wonder why shelves waste vertical space or stacks lean. Standardizing one footprint improves stability, visibility, and space efficiency. The fix is simple: choose a system, then add matching bins as your categories expand.

Common Questions About storage bins — Answered

What are the best storage bins for clothes and seasonal items?

The best storage bins for clothes and seasonal items are usually clear, mid-size plastic bins with secure lids, and the IRIS USA 54 Qt set fits that need best here. It gives you enough room for sweaters, jackets, spare linens, and holiday textiles without turning each bin into a heavy, overstuffed block.

Clothing storage works best when categories stay narrow. One bin for winter scarves, one for guest bedding, one for summer clothes — that structure makes retrieval faster and prevents wrinkled, compressed piles. Clear sides also help you confirm contents instantly, which is useful when seasons change quickly and you’re rotating items in a hurry.

The main mistake is using giant bins for soft goods because they seem efficient. In practice, oversized clothing bins get overpacked, become hard to lift, and make it harder to find specific items.

Are plastic storage bins better than fabric bins for home organization?

Yes, plastic storage bins are usually better than fabric bins for long-term home organization when durability, visibility, and easy cleaning matter. Plastic resists moisture better, wipes clean faster, and protects contents more effectively from dust and accidental spills.

Fabric bins still have a place in low-demand settings like open shelving for lightweight items, but they don’t stack as securely and often hide contents unless labeled carefully. For garages, closets, kids’ rooms, and seasonal storage, clear plastic bins are the more reliable choice.

The misconception is that fabric feels more stylish, so it must be equally practical. It isn’t, especially when you need lids, stackability, and long-term shape retention.

What size storage bins should I buy for a garage or basement?

For garages or basements, 66-quart to 95-quart bins are often the right range, depending on how often you’ll access them. The Sterilite 66 Qt is the safer all-purpose choice, while the Rubbermaid 95 Qt makes more sense for large, low-frequency seasonal loads.

If you access the bin monthly or weekly, stay closer to 66 quarts. If you access it a few times a year and need to consolidate bulky items, 95 quarts can be efficient. The key is matching size to frequency of use, not just available floor space.

People often assume garages automatically call for the biggest bins possible. That’s only true if the contents are bulky and the bin won’t need frequent lifting.

Do stackable storage bins actually save space?

Yes, stackable storage bins save space when the lids are designed to nest securely and the bins share the same footprint. They turn unused vertical air into usable storage volume, which is especially valuable in closets, utility rooms, and garage shelving.

The mechanism is simple but important: stable lid geometry prevents lateral movement, so stacks stay aligned. Sterilite’s indexed lids did this particularly well in testing, while IRIS combined decent stackability with better carry confidence thanks to its buckled closure.

Stacking doesn’t help if the bins are mismatched or overloaded. That’s where people get disappointed. The space savings come from system consistency, not from stacking in the abstract.

How long do plastic storage bins usually last?

Plastic storage bins can last for years in normal indoor use, especially when they aren’t overloaded or exposed to extreme temperatures. Established brands like IRIS, Sterilite, and Rubbermaid generally hold up well for household organization when used within their practical limits.

What shortens lifespan isn’t usually age alone. It’s stress: overfilling, dropping loaded bins, stacking unevenly, or storing them in freezing garages where plastic becomes more brittle. Lid warping and latch fatigue are also more likely when bins are forced shut repeatedly over stuffed contents.

If you want them to last longer, keep loads reasonable, clean lid edges occasionally, and avoid treating clear household bins like industrial totes.

Which storage bins are easiest for families with kids to use?

The IRIS USA 54 Qt bins are the easiest for families with kids to use because the size is manageable and the clear sides make self-service more realistic. Kids are far more likely to put things back when they can see where items belong and open the bin without struggling.

Family-friendly storage isn’t about absolute durability alone. It’s about reducing friction. A bin that’s too big, too heavy, or too opaque creates dependence on adults, and then the system breaks under everyday chaos.

For toy rotation, craft supplies, dress-up clothes, and school overflow, mid-size clear bins usually outperform giant containers. They support category boundaries, and category boundaries are what keep family spaces functional.

So Which storage bins Should You Actually Buy?

Picture yourself on a Saturday morning, standing in front of a closet that used to shed loose blankets, toy parts, and holiday leftovers every time the door opened. You pull down one IRIS USA 54 Qt Stackable Plastic Storage Bin, the buckles click open, and you can see the contents before the lid is fully off. No guessing. No avalanche. Just the thing you meant to store — and now can actually find.

If you’re a family trying to keep bedrooms, closets, and shared spaces under control, buy the IRIS USA 54 Qt Stackable Plastic Storage Bins with Lids, 6 Pack. If you’re organizing a garage or stretching a tighter budget across a lot of square footage, go with the Sterilite 66 Qt Latching Storage Box, 6-Pack. If your real problem is giant seasonal decor and bulky overflow, the