There are many styles of organizing containers available: cardboard, wood, leather, fabric, wicker/rattan, plastic.
Which you choose depends on where you are going to keep it, what will be stored in it, and how you want it to look.
If you are using it outside, or in any damp or dirty conditions, plastic is really the only choice. Inside the home, there is a lot more to think about. Consider:
- Do you need to keep out dust, dirt, or insects?
- How delicate are the things going into the container? Will it matter if they get crumpled, squished, or fall over?
- Is it possible that the things being stored will leak or spill? How much damage will they cause if that happens?
- How often will you open the container? Does it need a lid, and if so, does it need to be air-tight or lockable?
- How long will you be keeping the container? Are you hoping to use it for years?
- Who will be lifting or opening the container? Cautious adults or rambunctious children?
- Will the weight matter? Does it need to be lifted, or is it stored overhead?
- How easy will it be to attach labels, if necessary?
- Is it visible or put away? Who will see it? Does it need to match the decor of a room?
Always sort out what you are keeping first. Then decide what sort of container you need. Then measure your both your stuff and your storage space, so that you know what size of container to get.
(Images: Rubbermaid & Sears)
