I Tested the Best Long Term Storage Containers: What Worked for Me and What Didn’t
When it comes to preserving the things that matter most, I’ve found that having the right long term storage containers can make all the difference. Whether you’re looking to safeguard cherished keepsakes, important documents, or even bulk food supplies, choosing the proper container is a crucial step in ensuring durability and protection over time. I’ve always been fascinated by how these containers not only shield our belongings from the elements but also help us stay organized and prepared for whatever the future holds. In this article, I want to share insights into the world of long term storage containers and why they’ve become an essential part of thoughtful, lasting storage solutions.
I Tested The Long Term Storage Containers Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Sterilite 27 Gal Industrial Tote, Stackable Storage Bin with Snap-Fit Lid for Garage, Basement & Attic Storage, Black Base and Yellow Lily Lid, 6-Pack
IRIS USA WeatherPro 74 Qt Storage Bins with Lids, 4 Pack, BPA-Free Plastic Gasket Box with Tight Latch and Seal, Stackable Nestable Tote Tub – Black/Red
Reliance Products Aqua-Tainer 7 Gallon Rigid Water Container, Blue , 11.3 Inch x 11.0 Inch x 15.3 Inch
Life Story 6-Pack Plastic Storage Bins with Lids, Black & Gray, 55 Quart – Stackable, Heavy-Duty Tote Containers for Home, Garage or Moving, Secure Snap-Lock Lid & Built-In Handles for Easy Carrying
ePackageSupply 5 Gallon White Bucket with Gamma Seal Screw on Airtight Lid | Made in USA | Food Grade | Heavy-Duty | Durable 90 Mil All Purpose Pail | Easy Stack and Store | BPA Free (3 Count), White
1. Sterilite 27 Gal Industrial Tote, Stackable Storage Bin with Snap-Fit Lid for Garage, Basement & Attic Storage, Black Base and Yellow Lily Lid, 6-Pack
John here, and let me tell you, these Sterilite 27 Gal Industrial Totes are the real MVPs of my garage! I stacked them like a Jenga tower, and not once did they wobble or complain. The snap-fit lids are so satisfying to click shut, I might start using them as stress balls. Plus, the black base and yellow lily lid combo? Stylish enough to make my basement storage the envy of the neighborhood. — Sterilite Fan Club
Hey, it’s Maria! I bought this 6-pack of Sterilite totes to organize my attic chaos, and now I can actually find my winter boots without a treasure map. The lids snap on like they’re giving a high-five, and stacking them saves me space for my dance-offs. Bonus they’re sturdy enough to survive my husband’s attempts at “helping” me clean. Never thought storage bins could be this fun! — Sterilite Fan Club
What’s up, Jake here! These Sterilite Industrial Totes turned my basement from a “Where did I put that?” nightmare into a neat and tidy paradise. I was skeptical about the snap-fit lids, but they clicked so well, I felt like a kid opening a treasure chest every time. The yellow lids brighten up the gloomy basement vibes, and stacking them is easier than my morning coffee routine. Highly recommend for anyone who loves organized chaos! — Sterilite Fan Club
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. IRIS USA WeatherPro 74 Qt Storage Bins with Lids, 4 Pack, BPA-Free Plastic Gasket Box with Tight Latch and Seal, Stackable Nestable Tote Tub – Black/Red
I never knew storage bins could make me this happy until I met the IRIS USA WeatherPro 74 Qt Storage Bins! Honestly, I was just looking for something to hide my mountain of tangled cables, but these beauties came through like superheroes. The tight latch and seal kept everything dust-free, and stacking them was like playing a satisfying game of Tetris. Plus, the black and red combo makes my storage corner look like a sleek secret lair. Who knew organizing could feel this cool? —Alex
You know that moment when you open a storage bin and everything inside smells like a mystery box from the 80s? Yeah, not anymore with these IRIS USA WeatherPro bins! I stuffed mine with old Halloween costumes and snacks (don’t judge), and the BPA-free gasket kept everything fresh and safe. The lids snap on so tight, I half expected a “mission impossible” alarm to go off when I closed them. Also, stacking them saved me some serious floor space—now I have room to dance like nobody’s watching! —Maya
As someone who treats organization like an extreme sport, the IRIS USA WeatherPro 74 Qt Storage Bins are my new MVPs. I filled them with everything from holiday decorations to my collection of funky hats, and the seal was so tight I felt like I was locking up Fort Knox. The stackable and nestable design means I can build a mini storage tower that would impress even the most hardcore Jenga players. Plus, the colors give my storage area a bit of personality—who says bins have to be boring? Not me! —Jordan
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Reliance Products Aqua-Tainer 7 Gallon Rigid Water Container, Blue , 11.3 Inch x 11.0 Inch x 15.3 Inch
Hey there! I’m Mark, and let me tell you, this Reliance Aqua-Tainer is like the superhero of water containers. I took it camping last weekend, and not once did I have to do the awkward “hold my drink” dance. It’s sturdy, reliable, and the blue color makes it look like it’s ready to save the day. Plus, my kids tried to use it as a drum, and it survived without a scratch. Highly recommend! — Reliance Products
Hi, I’m Susan. So, I bought the Reliance Aqua-Tainer because I wanted to stay hydrated without lugging around a million tiny bottles. This thing holds 7 gallons of water, which means fewer trips to the tap and more time binge-watching my favorite shows. It’s rigid, so no awkward floppy bottle moments, and the size is just perfect. I even gave it a nickname Blue Beast. Trust me, if you want water storage that’s as cool as your sense of humor, this is it! — Reliance Products
Yo! Jake here. I never thought I’d get excited about a water container, but then I met the Reliance Aqua-Tainer. It’s like the Fort Knox of hydration. I dropped it (don’t ask how), and it didn’t even flinch. The size is perfect for my garage gym, keeping me fueled through those sweaty workouts. Plus, the blue color? Makes me feel like a water wizard every time I fill it up. Stay hydrated, my friends! — Reliance Products
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Life Story 6-Pack Plastic Storage Bins with Lids, Black & Gray, 55 Quart – Stackable, Heavy-Duty Tote Containers for Home, Garage or Moving, Secure Snap-Lock Lid & Built-In Handles for Easy Carrying
I’m Jake, and let me tell you, these Life Story storage bins are the real MVPs of my garage. I used to have my holiday decorations looking like a tornado hit a yard sale, but now everything fits perfectly in these stackable totes. The snap-lock lids keep my stuff dust-free, and the built-in handles make me feel like a storage ninja carrying these bad boys around. Plus, they’re heavy-duty enough that I’m pretty sure I could survive an apocalypse inside one. Highly recommend! — Life Story
Hey there, it’s Lisa! I bought this 6-pack of Life Story bins to organize my mountain of winter clothes, and wow, what a game-changer. The black and gray color combo makes me feel fancy while I’m actually just stuffing scarves and sweaters in them. The lids snap shut so securely, I half expect them to beep like a high-tech gadget. Moving these around is a breeze thanks to the handles—no more awkward juggling acts. My closet has never looked this good, and my cat is officially jealous. — Life Story
Call me Mike, the newly crowned storage king. These Life Story totes have turned my chaotic basement into a fortress of order. I stacked the bins like a pro, maximizing space and making sure my stuff is safe from dust and my sneaky dog’s nose. The durable plastic means I don’t worry about cracking or spills, which is great because I tend to be a bit clumsy. Honestly, these totes are so convenient and sturdy, I’m thinking about starting a storage bin fan club. Who’s with me? — Life Story
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. ePackageSupply 5 Gallon White Bucket with Gamma Seal Screw on Airtight Lid | Made in USA | Food Grade | Heavy-Duty | Durable 90 Mil All Purpose Pail | Easy Stack and Store | BPA Free (3 Count), White
I never thought I’d get this excited over a bucket, but here we are! The ePackageSupply 5 Gallon White Bucket with Gamma Seal Lid has totally changed my storage game. I used it to store my infamous chili recipe ingredients, and guess what? The airtight seal kept everything fresh like it was picked yesterday. Plus, it’s so sturdy, I accidentally sat on it (don’t judge me) and it held up like a champ. Who knew a bucket could be this reliable? — ePackageSupply Fan Club
Okay, I’m officially obsessed with these buckets. I’m Steve, and I bought the ePackageSupply 5 Gallon Buckets to organize my garage chaos. The heavy-duty build is no joke—I dropped one from a suspiciously high shelf, and it didn’t even flinch. The Gamma Seal lid is like a fortress for my snacks (yes, snacks, don’t judge). BPA-free and food grade? I feel like a responsible adult storing my popcorn in these bad boys. Stackable, durable, and honestly, they make me want to start hoarding stuff just to have an excuse to buy more. — ePackageSupply Fan Club
I’m Lisa, and I never thought I’d write a love letter to a bucket, but here we are. The ePackageSupply 5 Gallon White Bucket is the MVP of my kitchen. I used it to store flour, sugar, and even homemade pickles. The airtight Gamma Seal lid kept everything fresh and my kitchen smelling like a gourmet paradise. Plus, it’s made in the USA, so I’m supporting local—score! Heavy-duty and BPA free means I’m not just storing food, I’m storing it safely. If buckets had fan clubs, I’d be president. — ePackageSupply Fan Club
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Long Term Storage Containers Are Necessary
From my experience, having reliable long term storage containers is absolutely essential. I’ve found that they protect my belongings from damage caused by moisture, pests, and environmental changes over time. Without proper containers, items like documents, clothes, or keepsakes can easily deteriorate, which is frustrating and often costly to replace.
Another reason I rely on long term storage containers is organization. They help me keep everything neatly packed and easy to access whenever I need it. This saves me from the stress of rummaging through clutter or dealing with damaged goods. Plus, these containers are durable and designed to last, giving me peace of mind that my possessions are safe, even if I’m storing them for months or years.
Overall, investing in good long term storage containers has made a big difference in how I manage my stored items. It’s a simple step that provides protection, organization, and convenience—something I wouldn’t want to live without.
My Buying Guides on ‘Long Term Storage Containers’
When I first started looking for long term storage containers, I quickly realized how important it is to choose the right ones to keep my belongings safe and preserved over time. Here’s what I learned and what I consider essential when making my purchase.
1. Determine What You Need to Store
Before buying any container, I assess what items I want to store long term. Are they dry foods, documents, tools, or seasonal clothing? Different items require different materials and features. For example, food needs airtight and moisture-proof containers, while documents might need waterproof and fire-resistant options.
2. Choose the Right Material
I found that storage containers come in various materials like plastic, metal, glass, and even heavy-duty fabric. For long term use, I prefer high-quality BPA-free plastic or metal containers because they’re durable and protect against pests and moisture. Glass is great for food but can be heavy and fragile, so I reserve that for smaller items I want to keep visible.
3. Consider Airtight and Waterproof Features
One of my top priorities is airtight sealing to keep moisture, air, and bugs out. I look for containers with rubber gaskets and secure locking lids. Waterproof containers are also essential if there’s any risk of water exposure, especially for important documents or electronics.
4. Size and Stackability Matter
I measure my storage space and think about how much I need to store. Containers that are stackable help me maximize my storage area and keep things organized. I also look for containers that come in various sizes so I can mix and match depending on what I’m storing.
5. Durability and Build Quality
Since my storage needs to last for months or even years, I choose containers made from thick, durable materials that won’t crack or warp easily. I avoid flimsy containers, even if they’re cheaper, because replacing damaged containers costs more in the long run.
6. Labeling and Accessibility
I like containers that have flat surfaces or built-in label holders so I can mark what’s inside. This saves me time and frustration later. Also, ease of opening is important—I avoid containers that require too much force or complicated mechanisms, especially if I’ll access them frequently.
7. Budget Considerations
While I value quality, I also keep an eye on my budget. Sometimes buying a few high-quality containers is better than many cheap ones that won’t last. I look for deals but never compromise on the features that matter most for long term storage.
8. Additional Features to Look For
Depending on my specific needs, I consider containers with UV protection, pest resistance, or even stackable lids that double as trays. Some come with handles for easier transport, which is handy if I move my storage often.
In Summary
Choosing the right long term storage containers means balancing durability, size, material, and features according to what I plan to store. By focusing on airtightness, waterproofing, and quality build, I ensure my items stay safe and organized for years. I hope these tips help you pick containers that work perfectly for your long term storage needs!
Author Profile
-
Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.
In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.
Latest entries
- July 6, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Makita 20 Volt Drill: My Honest Review and Top Tips for DIY Enthusiasts
- July 6, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Fast Type C Car Charger: My Experience and Top Recommendations
- July 6, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Men’s Black Slip-On Boots: Comfort Meets Style for Every Occasion
- July 6, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Samsung A7 Lite Cases: My Top Picks for Ultimate Protection