Buying guide

Storage and organisation buying guide

When you need to sort your belongings, you must decide between firm containers, flexible moving bags and vacuum storage. Firm plastic containers suit everyday items you need to stack and access often. Flexible bags help you carry heavy loads when moving house or taking things to the loft. Vacuum bags squeeze the air out of soft items so they take less room in your cupboards. Your choice depends on what you need to store, how often you move it, and where it will sit.

Choosing the right format

A key choice is the shape and material of your storage. Hard plastic containers stack easily and protect items from crushing. They work well for files, stationery and media collections that sit on shelves. Flexible moving bags bend around bulky items and fold flat to take less room when you empty them.

Vacuum bags squeeze the air out of clothes and bedding. These suit soft items that you want to pack tightly into a small space. Think about whether you need rigid protection, carrying straps for stairs, or simple compression before you pick a format.

Picking a container size

Clear plastic containers from Really Useful Box come in a wide range of volumes. The compact sizes, like the 1.5 litre or 3 litre boxes, hold small crafts, stationery or media. The 3 litre box holds 10 DVDs or 18 CDs.

Medium containers around 4 to 9 litres suit shoes, kitchen supplies and magazines. For larger loads, you can choose boxes from 19 to 35 litres. A 19 litre container holds large documents and vinyl records. Always check what you need to pack so you can match it to the correct volume.

Moving and packing bags

Homeslates moving bags hold 90 litres of belongings. They use a water resistant polypropylene material that shields your things from moisture and scratches in the garage. Each bag features a double top zip and a side tag pocket so you can label the contents.

Unlike standard totes, these bags include reinforced backpack straps alongside regular handles. You can carry them on your back when you climb stairs or walk long distances. The transparent material lets you see what is inside. When empty, a bag folds flat to 20 by 26 by 3 centimetres.

Multipacks and nesting

Many storage items come in multipacks so you can sort an entire room. You can find moving bags in packs of 2, 4, 8 or 12. Clear containers often come in sets of 3, 4 or 5. Buying a set helps you build a stable stack of matching shapes.

The vacuum storage pack includes 12 bags, split into 6 medium and 6 large sizes. Some large plastic boxes feature a nestable design. This means they take up less room by sitting inside one another when they are empty. Check how many items you need to pack before you decide on a pack size.

Looking after your storage

To keep your plastic boxes secure, snap the clip lock handles firmly over the lid. This creates a tight seal against dust. Stack your boxes straight up to use your vertical space well. Heavy duty moving bags wipe clean easily if they get dusty in the loft or car.

When using compression bags, follow the label directions for the airtight sealer. Make sure you close the bags fully before you draw the air out. Store all filled bags and boxes away from sharp edges that might pierce the material or crack the plastic shell.

Compare storage containers and bags by format and size.
Product	Capacity	Format	Handles
90L Heavy Duty Moving Bags	90 litres	Flexible moving bag	Backpack straps and handles
Really Useful Box 9 Litre Clear Plastic Storage	9 litres	Hard plastic container	Clip lock handles
Really Useful Plastic Storage Box 19 Litre Clear	19 litres	Hard plastic container	Clip lock handles
Really Useful Box 35L Clear Plastic Storage Box	35 litres	Hard plastic container	Blue handles
MEIQIHOME Vacuum Storage Bags 12 Pack Compression	Medium and large	Vacuum compression bag	No handles

Updated 9 October 2026.

Common questions

What sizes do clear plastic storage containers come in?

You can find clear plastic containers in many different volumes. Small boxes hold between 1.5 and 3 litres, which suits items like stationery and media. Medium containers hold 4 to 9 litres. The largest boxes hold up to 35 litres and work well for bulky household items and thick folders.

How do the heavy duty moving bags work?

The heavy duty moving bags hold 90 litres and use a strong, water resistant polypropylene. They have double top zips to keep your belongings secure. They feature reinforced backpack straps, so you can carry them hands free when moving house. When you finish, they fold flat for compact storage.

What fits inside a vacuum storage bag?

A vacuum storage bag holds soft items like clothing, bedding, blankets and pillows. The 12 pack includes 6 medium and 6 large bags. The airtight sealer technology reduces the physical size of bulky duvets by squeezing out the air. This helps you pack things neatly into small cupboards.

Are the clear storage boxes stackable?

Yes, the clear plastic storage containers feature a stackable design. You can combine multiple boxes vertically to free up floor space in your home or office. The clip lock handles keep the lids secure so the stack remains stable. Some sizes also nest inside one another when they are completely empty.

What items can I store in a 19 litre box?

A 19 litre box provides plenty of room for larger personal items. It easily holds paperwork, A4 files and office supplies. You can also use it to store 12 inch vinyl records and art materials. The clear shell lets you see your collections at a glance without opening the lid.