Organizing a home usually comes down to choosing the right container. While glass is ideal for certain things, plastic storage bins remain the undisputed champion for specific household items.
Professional organizer Jamie Hord recently told Southern Living that plastic is the perfect storage tool for dry goods or any item with multiple components that “needs corralled.” While you should never use plastic to store raw meat or candles, it remains the most versatile material for household organization.
Garages, Basements, and Attics
When storing items in untreated spaces, plastic is non-negotiable. Cardboard and fabric easily absorb dampness, leading to ruinous mildew.
“Anything stored in the garage, basement, [or] attic is best in plastic bins, because anything else can absorb moisture and create mold,” Hord explains. The ability to stack these bins safely also maximizes vertical space in cramped storage areas.
Linens and Clothing
Lacking a dedicated linen closet shouldn’t lead to household clutter. Storing extra sheets, towels, blankets, and seasonal clothing in plastic containers keeps them immaculate and protected.
Hord notes this strategy works perfectly for all dry goods. Enclosing fabrics in plastic ensures the containers—and the garments inside—remain easy to wipe down and keep pristine.
Spill-Prone Goods
Dry pantry staples like sugar and pasta, along with messy art supplies, belong in plastic. The material safely contains accidental spills and cleans up with a quick rinse.
There is one major exception to this rule: volatile chemicals and certain cleaning supplies. Hord warns that storing these in plastic bins can be dangerous, especially in areas like the South where high temperatures can trigger chemical reactions.
Heavy Tools and Books
Heavy items require heavy-duty solutions. A cluttered shed or garage workbench benefits instantly from industrial plastic storage.
“Tools are great in strong plastic bins to hold their weight,” Hord says.
Books also fare exceptionally well in plastic, provided the bins are kept in a temperature-controlled room to avoid mildewed pages. “Books are best in airtight containers to keep them free from moisture,” Hord advises.
Children’s Toys
Stepping on a rogue Lego brick is a universal household hazard. Plastic bins solve the daily chaos of multi-part toys like building sets and Barbie accessories.
Hord emphasizes that sturdy plastic containers are the smartest, most efficient choice for corralling a sprawling toy collection and keeping tiny pieces in one place.
