4 Storage Containers That Won’t Kill Your Budget

Finding storage containers that are durable and functional—as well as affordable—can be a pain for apartment dwellers because they have limited space to work with. When looking for ways to store your items that won’t kill your budget, consider the following:

1. Plastic Shoe Bins

Plastic shoe bins are often underrated storage containers that you’ll find are extremely affordable. They’re durable and can keep the items stored within safe from liquids and dust. There are also a variety of these shoes bins in multiple shapes and sizes, meaning you can purchase thin and wide plastic shoe bins to tuck under furniture and tall, stackable shoe bins to stack away in a closet. Some also come with dividers inside the shoes bins, which can help you store smaller items in an organized fashion.

2. Wooden Cabinet

Perhaps the biggest splurge on this list—but not one that will set you back a lot—is the simple wooden cabinet; a classic, attractive way to store your goods. Unlike a plastic shoe bin, a wooden cabinet can attractively become part of the decor, so you won’t have to tuck it away, you can store it in a hallway, in your bedroom, in your bathroom or in your living room. A wooden cabinet should have multiple shelves and perhaps a space for hanging items for multi-purpose function.

3. Vacuum Storage Bags

An apartment dweller who doesn’t invest in vacuum storage bags isn’t taking full advantage of one of the cheapest types of storage containers out there. While not overly durable, with proper care, vacuum storage bags can last several years and keep dust and liquids away from soft cloth items, such as:

• blankets
• pillows
• clothes
• jackets
• winter gear
• ponchos
• stuffed animals

Plus, they cost roughly $10 for a multi-pack, so you can easily replace them. Best of all, once you fill a vacuum storage bag and use a vacuum hose to suck out the excess air, the bag will shrink to a small percentage of its original size, meaning you can easily tuck it away in the smallest corners.

4. Baskets

While they may not be able to hold as much as the other storage containers on this list, baskets make for an attractive way to add additional storage to your apartment. You can stick a basket anywhere in your apartment and fill it with items you somewhat frequently use, such as:

• books
• magazines
• newspapers
• cooking utensils
• bathroom accessories
• mail
• jewelry
• office supplies

and whatever else you can think of. If you don’t like a basket full of items on display, just invest in a basket with a lid or place a small cloth atop the items when not in use.

Make sure when you buy your storage containers that you’ve identified ideal spots to place them. Under furniture and in closets make ideal locations, so you have to make sure you have enough space to store your containers there before you buy them. Measure your spots ahead of time to save you the possibility of wasting your money on containers that are too large.