What Needs To Be Stored? In order to determine the right type of storage container, youll need to know what and how much storage you need to fit in the container. So gather it up. Stack it all in one spot to help determine exactly what your needs are. You may be surprised to find that you have a lot more to pack away than you thought. This is also a good time to sort through and pull out items that can be thrown away, given away,or returned to the people they were borrowed from. Dont be afraid to let go of items you may not really want in favor of the things you really need to store. Colored or Clear? Plastic storage containers come in a variety of colors. Many people like to pick a different color depending on what they are storing. For example, seasonal clothing goes in a blue container, Christmas decorations in a red one, sports equipment in a green container, etc. Other people opt for only clear plastic storage containers for all of their storage. One of the benefits of choosing a clear container, is that its easy to see if a needed item is actually in the box without emptying it. Choosing clear only, can also make your storage appear more uniform. Extra clear containers are usually easy to find. Will The Filled Weight Be Too Much? Its easy to forget how quickly the empty plastic storage containers will become heavy burdensome boxes when we add our stuff. In order to keep your storage mobile, opt for the biggest box that will still allow you to move the filled container without the need for special equipment. Consider what will be placed in the storage container. If youre storing books, choose smaller containers, than if you are storing stuffed animals. Having many smaller containers that can easily be lifted will be better than one giant container that requires you to rent a forklift to move it. Will the Box Fit Where It Needs to Be Stored? Okay, so you know the size and type of container you need, but dont forget that the box itself will have to fit in a designated space in your home. It wont do you any good to find the perfect box if it doesnt sit where you need it to. Measure your space, write down the measurements, and take them with you when you go shopping. Will The Handles Work? Handles may seem like the least of your concerns when you are considering which storage containers to purchase, but they make a big difference when you want to move things around. Sturdy handles that wont break or crack are what I look for before purchasing plastic storage containers. I avoid any containers that have handles that are built in at the lid only instead of the actual container. If the lid only supports the entire weight of the container, when it is carried, youll have a recipe for trouble. Lids are flimsy and can crack easily. Check out the handles and make sure they will work for you. Is the Lid Right? When purchasing a storage container, dont forget to examine the lid. Make sure the lid fits properly, and isnt damaged. If you will be stacking boxes, will the lid support that? Stackable boxes often have an extra lip on the lid that corresponds to an opposite lip on the bottom of the box, preventing stacked boxes from slipping off of one another. Go ahead and stack the boxes together and make sure they will work, and hold up to the weight of your storage. housekeeping.about/od/productreviews/bb/plasticstorage.htm
Posted on: Fri, 22 Nov 2013 11:27:01 +0000