Home storage: baskets, boxes, chests, organisers and storage bags

Home storage: find the right storage solution

An organised home starts with a fixed place for the belongings you use every day. The right storage solutions help keep clothing, toys, kitchenware, documents, food supplies, bedding and loose accessories together. At Discountershop, you can compare storage products for the living room, bedroom, children’s room, kitchen, bathroom, hallway, home office, attic, garage and shed.

The best solution depends on what you need to store, how much space is available and how often you need the contents. An open storage basket provides quick access to everyday items, while a box or chest with a lid offers more protection against dust. A storage bag may be more practical for clothing, duvets and other soft items.

“Measure the available space first and then decide what you want to store. This will help you choose a storage product that fits.”

View all storage solutions

Which storage solution do you need?

Not every storage product serves the same purpose. Start by considering which belongings need a fixed place.

• Choose a storage basket for items you use frequently and want to keep within reach.

• Choose a storage container to sort smaller belongings by category.

• Choose a storage box for larger quantities or items you want to stack.

• Choose a storage chest for spacious, enclosed storage.

• Choose a bedroom organiser for clothing, shoes, accessories and bedding.

• Choose a kitchen organiserto divide cupboards, drawers, worktops and the area around the sink.

• Choose a storage bag for clothing, blankets, duvets and other soft items.

Before ordering, check the external dimensions, internal dimensions and capacity in litres. Also consider the material, closure, handles, wheels, stackability and maximum load.

Different ways to store your belongings

Storage baskets for frequently used items

Storage baskets provide open and accessible storage. You can immediately see what is inside and easily remove the basket from a cupboard, shelving unit or storage rack. Models with handles are useful when you regularly move the contents.

A storage basket can be used for:

• toys and soft toys;

• towels and toiletries;

• clothing accessories;

• cleaning cloths;

• personal-care products;

• small kitchen items;

• office and craft supplies.

Choose the size according to the cupboard shelf, drawer or recess where you intend to place the basket.

Storage containers for small items and clear categories

Storage containers help you sort smaller belongings by subject or purpose. Examples include documents, cables, photographs, craft supplies, sewing accessories, cosmetics, stationery and small parts.

A storage container with a lid protects the contents against dust. A transparent container lets you identify the contents without opening it, while a compartment box keeps small parts separate.

If you want to place several containers on top of one another, check whether they are designed for stacking and whether their lids provide sufficient support.

Storage boxes for larger quantities

Storage boxes offer more capacity and are often used for toys, clothing, seasonal items, tools and household supplies. Plastic storage boxes are easy to wipe clean. Transparent models make it easier to identify the contents without opening each box.

When choosing a storage box, check:

• capacity in litres;

• internal and external dimensions;

• whether it has a suitable lid;

• the strength of the handles;

• whether it is stackable;

• whether it has wheels;

• its weight when completely filled.

A low storage box with wheels may fit underneath a bed. A larger stackable box may be more suitable for a cupboard, attic, garage or shed.

Storage chests for spacious, enclosed storage

Storage chests are intended for keeping larger items together. Depending on the model, a chest may be used for toys, blankets, cushions, seasonal items or accessories in the living room and hallway.

Check whether the material is suitable for the location where you intend to place the chest. A storage chest designed for indoor use is not automatically suitable for a damp shed or outdoor area.

You should also check whether the lid can open completely and how much clearance it requires. Only use a storage chest as a seat when the product specifications explicitly state that it is suitable for sitting.

Bedroom organisers for clothing and bedding

Bedroom organisers help you use the space inside wardrobes, drawers and underneath the bed. They divide clothing and accessories into categories, making items easier to find and improving the use of available wardrobe space.

Possible applications include:

• sorting underwear and socks;

• keeping shoes together in pairs;

• organising belts, scarves and other accessories;

• separating seasonal clothing;

• storing blankets and bedding;

• using the space underneath the bed.

For storage underneath a bed, you can also view our underbed storage boxes. Measure the clearance between the floor and bed frame first. Account for projecting edges, bed legs and central supports.

Kitchen organisers for cupboards, drawers and worktops

Kitchen organisers help keep crockery, cutlery, utensils, herbs, cleaning products and food supplies organised. Giving each product group a fixed place makes cupboards and drawers easier to access.

You can compare solutions for:

• kitchen cupboards and pantries;

• narrow or deep drawers;

• kitchen worktops;

• pan lids and chopping boards;

• spice jars and bottles;

• cleaning products;

• the area around the sink.

View our hanging kitchen organisers for items that can be stored on a rack, rail or hook. For magnetic mounting, visit hanging magnets. For sponges, washing-up brushes and soap near the sink, see our sink organisers.

Storage bags for textiles

A storage bag takes up little space when empty and is particularly suitable for soft items. Examples include clothing, blankets, duvets, pillows, soft toys and seasonal textiles.

When choosing a storage bag, consider:

• its dimensions and capacity;

• a zip or drawstring closure;

• handles for carrying;

• a transparent viewing window;

• the strength of its seams and zip;

• ventilation;

• suitability for long-term storage.

Only place clean and completely dry textiles in a closed bag. This reduces the risk of musty odours and moisture-related problems.

Storage solutions for every room

Living room

In the living room, you may want to put everyday belongings away quickly without losing track of them. Storage baskets fit well in open cupboards and cube shelving. A storage chest can hold larger items such as blankets or toys, provided its size and placement are suitable.

Bedroom and wardrobe

Use bedroom organisers, storage containers and storage bags to separate clothing, shoes, bedding and accessories by category. Low boxes and underbed storage containers help utilise space that might otherwise remain empty.

Children’s room

Accessibility, size and safe placement are important when storing toys. A basket makes everyday tidying easier, while a container helps separate smaller components. A larger box or chest may be suitable for toy sets, soft toys and dressing-up clothes.

Place heavy storage products close to the floor and prevent children from climbing on unstable stacks.

Kitchen and pantry

A kitchen organiser must fit the available cupboard or drawer space. Measure the height of bottles, food containers and other products as well. Drainage and easy cleaning are particularly important around the sink.

Bathroom

Choose materials that are easy to wipe clean and suitable for a humid environment. Open baskets can improve airflow. Do not store products that must remain dry directly next to the shower or bath.

Home office

Storage containers and small baskets are suitable for documents, chargers, cables and office supplies. Use labels when several containers have the same size or colour.

Attic, garage and shed

Enclosed storage boxes can be practical for belongings that are used less frequently. However, check whether the contents can withstand temperature changes and moisture. Paper, textiles, electronic devices and photographs require more protection than tools or plastic items.

Open or enclosed storage?

Open and enclosed storage solutions each have their own advantages.

Open storage

Open baskets and organisers are useful when you:

• use the contents every day;

• want to see everything immediately;

• need quick access;

• require airflow;

• want to divide a cupboard or shelf.

Enclosed storage

Containers, boxes, chests and bags with a lid or closure are useful when you:

• want to protect the contents against dust;

• are storing items for longer periods;

• want to stack several storage products;

• prefer to keep the contents out of sight;

• need to separate seasonal items.

When storing items in a humid environment, always check whether the product and closure are suitable. A lid does not automatically make a storage product airtight or watertight.

What should you consider when buying storage products?

Dimensions

Measure the available width, depth and height. Leave enough additional space to pull a basket from a cupboard, open a lid or roll a box out from underneath the bed.

Capacity in litres

Capacity in litres helps you compare how much different products can hold. Also consider their shape. A tall, narrow box and a low, wide box may have a similar capacity but suit different belongings and locations.

Material

Plastic is easy to wipe clean and is commonly used for boxes, containers and baskets. Fabric is lightweight and can often be folded. Wood, metal and woven materials each have different properties relating to load, maintenance and placement.

Lid and closure

A lid helps protect the contents against dust and keeps loose items together. Check whether the lid is removable, hinged or secured with clips. With a storage bag, the strength of the zip and seams is particularly important.

Handles and wheels

Handles make a storage product easier to move. Wheels are especially useful for low boxes and heavier contents. Check that the flooring is suitable and that the wheels have enough space to turn freely.

Stackability

Only stack products that are designed for this purpose. Place heavy boxes at the bottom and lighter boxes on top. Consider the load capacity of each lid and make sure the stack cannot tip over.

Practical tips for organising your home

• First separate what should stay, be discarded or be stored elsewhere.

• Group belongings by use, room or owner.

• Measure cupboards, drawers, shelves and recesses before ordering storage products.

• Choose several products in the same size when creating a fixed layout.

• Label closed or non-transparent containers.

• Keep frequently used belongings within easy reach.

• Store heavy items low and lighter items higher.

• Do not fill boxes and bags beyond the capacity of their closures.

• Check stored clothing and textiles several times a year.

• Keep walkways, doors and ventilation openings clear.

Watch instructions and practical examples

Would you like to see how storage products can be arranged and used? Visit the Discountershop YouTube channel for product videos, practical tips and examples. A video can make it easier to assess a product’s size, closure and intended use before ordering.

Watch our videos on YouTube

Frequently asked questions about storage

Which storage solution do I need?

Choose according to the belongings and how frequently you use them. A basket provides quick access, a container sorts small items, a box holds larger quantities, a chest provides spacious storage and a bag is practical for textiles.

What is the difference between a storage basket, container and box?

A storage basket is usually open and easy to carry. A storage container is generally smaller and intended for sorting individual items. A storage box usually has more capacity and may include a lid, wheels or a stackable design.

Which storage products are suitable for small spaces?

Use the height inside cupboards with stackable containers or boxes. Drawer dividers, hanging organisers and low underbed boxes help utilise otherwise unused areas. Always measure the available space first.

How do I calculate how much storage space I need?

First group the belongings that should be stored together. Estimate their total volume and choose a storage product with some additional room so that its lid or zip can close without being forced.

Is open or enclosed storage better?

Open storage is useful for belongings you need frequently. Enclosed storage offers more protection against dust and keeps the contents out of sight. The best choice depends on the belongings and the room.

How can I organise several rooms without losing track of everything?

Assign each room and product group a fixed category. Use similar storage products and clear labels. Keep belongings as close as possible to where they are normally used.

Which storage solution offers the best protection against dust?

A container, box, chest or bag with a closely fitting closure provides more protection than an open basket. Check the product information because a lid does not necessarily mean that the product is completely dustproof.

How can I combine practical storage with my interior?

Choose dimensions that fit the cupboard, shelf or recess. Limit the number of different colours and shapes used within one room. Keep less frequently used belongings in enclosed storage and make everyday items easy to reach.

Give every item a fixed place

The right storage solution reduces the time spent searching and makes better use of the available space. Decide what you want to store, measure the intended location and then compare the material, capacity and design.

“The right storage product should fit both your belongings and the place where you use them.”

Choose your storage solution