Learn which types of Storage Boxes suit your situation with this comprehensive BiGDUG Buying Guide. Discover how to keep your space and storage best organised for improved efficiency. With a variety of options offering different materials, sizes, capacities, and application uses, choosing the best storage boxes for your space can be challenging. Read this Storage Box Buying Guide to make a better-informed decision and find the perfect storage solutions for your needs.
Choosing the right storage box is important for maintaining organisation, protecting items, and optimising your storage space effectively. But how do you know which one is ideal for your needs?
How Do I Choose a Storage Box?
First things first, you will need to understand your storage needs. Are you storing documents, clothing, tools, or fragile items? Do you need to prioritise the protection and safety of the stored items? Thankfully, no matter your needs, there is a storage box solution that we stock! Each provides its unique pros and cons. So with these in mind, consider the following factors to ensure you choose the best storage solution…
Materials
Cardboard Boxes: Ideal for short-term storage, moving, and storing lightweight items. Best used in dry environments as moisture can damage the packaging and contents inside. They are susceptible to dampness so are not a good choice for areas prone to humidity and wet conditions. Cardboard boxes are also suitable for long-term storage but do not provide the same reliability as plastic boxes. At BiGDUG, we make a concentrated effort to provide sustainable storage solutions. Our cardboard storage boxes are recyclable so they can be repurposed and remain environmentally friendly by reducing waste and supporting a circular economy.
Plastic Boxes: Suitable for a wide range of uses, including both short-term and long-term storage. Perfect for storing items in damp or humid conditions due to their water-resistant properties. They are also available in various sizes and styles to fit different storage needs. The plastic material also provides better protection to the stored items compared to cardboard boxes. With recent developments in plastic recycling, many plastic boxes are recyclable, making them a more sustainable storage choice. This supports a circular economy by reducing waste and extending the lifecycle of materials. Although the initial cost may be higher than cardboard boxes, their durability and eco-friendly attributes often make them a worthwhile investment in the long run.
Choosing between cardboard and plastic storage boxes ultimately depends on the conditions of your storage environment. They both are lightweight, affordable, and recyclable. While cardboard boxes are a popular choice for shipping and short-term storage due to their cost-effectiveness and eco-friendliness, plastic boxes are increasingly growing in popularity for their durability and longevity. If you are planning to store in a space where there is a risk of humidity and dampness, plastic boxes provide better protection and won’t rot or become weakened by moisture.
Popular Ranges at BiGDUG
BiGDUG Essentials Economy Cardboard Boxes
Really Useful Plastic Boxes
What Size Storage Box Do I Need?
Available Storage Space: When shopping for a storage box, the first thing to consider is the space available. You can opt for bigger and bulkier boxes to hold bigger items for larger spaces. However when space isn’t a luxury you can still optimise the use of the available area. Solutions such as compact, stackable boxes are a great choice for maximising storage capacity. These stackable storage boxes provide an organised, vertical solution that saves you floor space – suitable for all types of room sizes!
Size and Weights of Items: The second thing to think about is the actual contents and items you will need to store. Consider their sizes and weights, and measure the dimensions to make sure you buy a storage box big enough that can also hold the weight it needs to! If you’re storing fragile items, it is worth ensuring spare space within the box to pack with extra padding protection to minimise the risk of any damage.
Accessibility: Lastly, will it be accessed often? If so, opting for boxes that are easy to open and close will do wonders at keeping hassle to a minimum. When you have many boxes, clear plastic boxes can be particularly useful as they allow you to see the contents without having to open each one. Alternatively, using a labelling system can help you quickly identify the contents of each box, saving time and effort in finding what you need.
Which Boxes are Best for Storage?
Cardboard boxes are cost-effective, lightweight, and recyclable. These make them great for short, temporary storage and moving. However, they are only suitable for dry environments and any amount of moisture can damage them and the contents within.
Plastic boxes, on the other hand, are more moisture resistant while remaining affordable, lightweight, and recyclable. Plastic is designed to last – even in environments prone to moisture and dampness! They can also be used for moving items to and from a place. However, they don’t offer the same flexibility in the material for adjusting to irregularly shaped items and spaces.
Other Types of Storage Boxes
Picking Bins
These stackable storage boxes/part bins make the most of potentially wasted vertical space, allowing for maximum storage without taking up a lot of floor space. Choose from a selection of sizes and colours to find the right fit for your needs and workplace. They feature wide front openings making them ideal for picking operations by making it easy to identify and retrieve the stored contents.
Archive Boxes
Archive boxes are specifically designed for document storage. They are typically made from durable cardboard or acid-free materials to protect important papers from deterioration. Archive boxes are ideal for organising and preserving documents, files, and records. They often feature a design that allows for easy labelling and retrieval, making them essential for maintaining an organised filing system, whether for personal records, legal documents, or business archives.
Wooden Boxes
Wooden boxes provide a classic and aesthetically pleasing option for storage. They are often used for decorative purposes, such as organising kitchen utensils, and craft supplies, or serving as storage solutions for home décor items. Wooden boxes are sturdy and can be customised with different finishes, making them a stylish choice for both functional and decorative storage needs. They are not as light as more popular storage boxes such as cardboard and plastic and can be challenging to move due to their weight. Wooden boxes can also require more maintenance to protect against moisture and pests.
Aluminium Eurobox Containers
These robust boxes are designed for storage and transporting goods across various Euro-regulated sizes and capacities. Engineered for durability and security, this container features a fully welded lid, edge, and base profiles, coupled with impact-resistant plastic corners to support higher stacking heights. The container is equipped with stainless steel hinges and aluminium flap closures that resist corrosion, ensuring longevity even in challenging environments. These boxes provide a highly reliable and robust solution for both storage and transportation.
Heavy-Duty Storage Boxes
Although cardboard boxes don’t provide the same level of durability and moisture resistance as plastic boxes, they can still be a robust option for heavy-duty storage when chosen wisely. When you seek a middle ground between lightweight cardboard and the resilience of plastic, heavy-duty cardboard boxes are an excellent choice. These boxes are designed to handle more weight and stress compared to standard cardboard options, offering improved strength and stability for more demanding storage needs. With their durable construction featuring three layers of ‘C’ fluting, these boxes are crush-resistant and capable of supporting a stable palletised load capacity of up to 50kg, making them a reliable choice for various heavy-duty storage requirements!
The Best Storage Boxes at BiGDUG
Really Useful Boxes
Made from clear virgin polypropylene, these boxes are ultra-strong with a rigid base and reinforced corners, ensuring long-lasting strength and protection. Our selection includes sizes from 9 to 84 litres, catering to all your storage needs, whether you’re organising files in the office or sorting items in the garage. The stackable design saves space, while the translucent material allows you to easily see what’s inside. For added convenience, the ergonomic carry handles make transport effortless. Upgrade your storage efficiency right now!
BiGDUG Essentials Large Plastic Stacking Pick Bins
Designed for industrial and commercial applications, these bins are also perfect for general home and garage storage. Available in blue, black, and grey, these bins are made from durable polypropylene, with the black and grey options crafted from recycled plastic for an eco-friendly choice. Featuring wide front openings, they provide easy access to contents, and can be stacked with openings at the front or rear for dual-sided access. When empty, they nest neatly to save space. With a 50-litre capacity and a load capacity of 15kg, these bins can be stacked up to five units high, making them an efficient storage solution.
Double Wall Cardboard Boxes
Crafted from superior-grade, crush-resistant corrugated board, these boxes are designed to handle up to 30kg with ease, making them ideal for storing and transporting heavy or fragile items. The double-wall construction, featuring ‘B’ and ‘C’ flutes lined with 125gsm brown kraft paper, ensures exceptional strength and protection against bumps and knocks. With hundreds of sizes available, you can find the perfect fit for your specific needs, whether you’re moving house or managing large-scale shipping and storage. Plus, take advantage of BiGDUG’s bulk purchase prices and enjoy significant savings!
BiGDUG Essentials Recycled Plastic Parts Bins
Perfect for storing and organising small components, tools, and supplies. Ideal for professional tradespeople, small businesses, or anyone looking to declutter their workshop. Made from recycled polypropylene, they are resistant to acids, alkalis, solvents, and oils, ensuring long-lasting performance even in demanding environments. Similar to other part/picking bins, they feature wide front openings for easy access. When you need frequent access to what you are storing, picking bins are a great solution!
BiGDUG Euro Stacking Boxes
These stackable boxes offer high-quality, reusable storage solutions that optimise space and streamline operations. These Euro Stacking Boxes are great for organising small items, while ensuring easy access to stored goods, so you don’t waste time searching.
BiGDUG Plastic Parts Bins
Crafted from impact-resistant thermoplastic, our small plastic parts bins feature a robust structure with reinforced sides and bases, ensuring durability. Each bin includes an integral label holder for easy organisation, and labels are available separately. Made from food-grade plastic, these bins are suitable for handling and storing food items, adding versatility to their use. These are great for storing smaller items while giving you easy access.
Can I Stack Storage Boxes?
Yes, you can stack storage boxes. Here at BiGDUG, we stock many different types of stackable storage boxes for you to choose from. They are designed help you maximise vertical storage space effectively and safely. Stackable boxes usually consist of Stackable boxes usually consist of durable materials and feature reinforced corners or interlocking lids to ensure stability when stacked. These design elements help prevent the boxes from slipping or collapsing, providing a secure and organised storage solution.
If you plan to stack storage boxes that aren’t specifically designed to be stacked, the safest way is to follow some key guidelines. First, use sturdy, well-constructed boxes, like heavy-duty cardboard or plastic ones. Place larger, heavier boxes at the bottom and lighter, smaller boxes on top to maintain stability and reduce the risk of toppling. Ensure boxes are aligned properly to distribute weight evenly, and secure the stack with straps or bungee cords if necessary.
Organising Storage Boxes
Here are some effective ways you can further organise your storage boxes and make the most of your space…
Labelling: Clearly label each box with its contents to make identification quick and easy, reducing time spent searching for items.
Stacking: Follow safe stacking practices to maximise vertical space while maintaining stability and preventing accidents.
Shelving Units: Use shelving units to elevate boxes off the floor, keeping them organised and easily accessible while optimising your storage area.
Zoning: Group similar items together and store them in designated zones to streamline access and keep related items organised.
How Do I Prevent Mould in Storage Boxes?
Mould forms because of excess moisture and poor ventilation, which create an ideal environment for fungal growth. In order to prevent this growth, you need to ensure the box remains dry before and throughout use. Use wipes and cloths to thoroughly clean the interior of the boxes. Use moisture-absorbing products like silica gel packs or desiccants inside the boxes to keep the environment dry. These products help absorb excess moisture that could lead to mould growth.
Contact Us
When selecting storage boxes, consider your specific storage needs, the weight and type of items you plan to store, the available space and environment, and the durability requirements. Here at BiGDUG, we are experts in all things storage. When you need competitively-priced, reliable, high-quality storage boxes, we are here to help! When you need help saving time, space, and money, browse our range of 8,000+ products! Contact us and our friendly customer service team when you need further assistance with your storage boxes or are planning to upgrade your workplace organisation even more!