The Super Easy Solution to Keeping Clutter at Bay (2024)

Whether it’s a pile of throw blankets or kids’ toys, we know it's easy to accumulate a lot of things in the home. When these everyday items don’t have a dedicated place to live, it can leave your space looking cluttered. That’s where storage cubes come in handy—not only will they keep things looking neat and tidy, but they will also look stylish, too!

Storage cubes are a versatile solution to solving your space-saving problems with many different types to consider. “The best material for storage cubes really depends on what you are storing and then personal preference,” says professional organizer Nicole Gabai, who is the founder and professional organizer at B. Organized. “If you’re storing heavy things, storage cubes with handles work best. Be sure to do a handle check before filling them, and make sure the handles are comfortable when lifting.”

Keeping Gabai's tips in mind, we researched the best storage cubbies based on material, size, and color.

What We Like

  • Modular and stackable

  • High weight capacity

  • Five finishes available

  • Enclosed to hide messes

What We Don't Like

  • Sold individually

Our winner for best overall storage cube is the Way Basics Eco Stackable Connect Cube Organizer with Door. This multi-functional box storage cube is the ideal size for storing shoes, clothes, blankets, books, and more. It’s sleek and stylish enough to work as a standalone cube that can double as a side table or a nightstand. Plus, it’s part of the brand’s modular range, so the stackable design allows you to create your own custom storage unit depending on your space and needs. Keep in mind that each cube is sold separately, so it may be an investment if you’re looking to create a bigger storage unit.

The 50-pound weight limit makes it the ideal piece for stashing away heavy-duty items, and the easy-to-close door conceals any unsightliness you’d like to keep hidden. Each of the five color ways—white, black, espresso, gray, and natural—blends seamlessly with any aesthetic, which is why we think it's the perfect choice!

Dimensions: 13.5 x 12.5 x 11 inches | Cubes: 1 | Material: Recycled paperboard, veneer | Color: Natural, espresso, black, white, gray | Assembly Required: Yes

The Super Easy Solution to Keeping Clutter at Bay (2)

What We Like

  • Collapsible

  • Removable insert

  • Easy to clean

What We Don’t Like

  • Limited color options

  • May have chemical smell when first opened

If you’re looking for the best value, consider the FabTotes Storage Bins. Each set comes in a pack of six and has been designed to hold just about anything, including towels, blankets, toys, and books.The cubes are made with lightweight, easy-to-clean fabric material and come with removable cardboard inserts for reinforcement. Ideal for smaller spaces, the cubes are collapsible when not in use and easily take shape once they have been popped open. They're equipped with tear-resistant handles on two sides of the cube, making it easy to lift or slide the units when full.

While the geometrical pattern adds charm and personality to any space, the limited color options may not suit some design preferences. They are also available in dark gray with a geometric design, light gray with a geometric design, or plain gray without a pattern. Just note, there may be a slight chemical smell when the boxes are first opened, but this quickly goes away once they have been taken out of the packaging and left to air out.

Dimensions: 11 x 10.5 x 10.5 inches | Cubes: 6 | Material: Cardboard, non-woven fabric | Color: Gray, light gray, dark gray | Assembly Required: No

What We Like

  • Comes with lids and removable compartments

  • Easy to clean

  • Attractive color combos

What We Don’t Like

  • May be too large

Versatile and pleasing on the eye, these foldable and collapsible linen fabric storage cubes are a great investment. Made from a soft and lightweight linen-polyester blend, these cubes come with a removable cardboard insert so you can divide your box up into two sections. So, you can efficiently divide up clothes or separate sets of bed sheets. The VELCRO lid makes for easy access, but be aware that it can lose its stickiness over time if it gets built up with dust and fibers.

The black color way is a classic choice for those looking for a sleek set of storage cubes that can be a decor piece in their own right. For playrooms and kids’ bedrooms, the blue/beige, green/blue/pink, gray/beige/pink, and royal blue/light beige color combinations will add a pop of personality to the space.

We love that these are super easy to assemble and can be collapsed when they’re not being used, meaning they’re a wonderful option for those who live in a small space. The reinforced handles make carrying them a breeze, no matter what you decide to store, and the leather detailing adds a luxurious finish. Just note, these units are 16.5 x 11.8 x 9.8 inches, so they are fairly sizable.

Dimensions: 16.5 x 11.8 x 9.8 inches | Cubes: 4 | Material: Linen, polyester | Color: Black | Assembly Required: Yes

What We Like

  • Adjustable inner shelf

  • Customizable system

  • Versatile design

What We Don't Like

  • Limited color option

For those who prefer a shelf-like system, the Simply Tidy Modular Cube is one of the best options. The adjustable shelf can be switched between three different positions depending on your storage needs, or you can stack multiple units together for a customized look.

You do need to assemble this unit at home, but it comes with everything you need to successfully build it. While we wish there were more colors available, the white colorway is sleek and sophisticated enough for most styles and aesthetics. It’ll look great in any room of the house, whether you’re using it as a bookshelf in the bedroom, a filing cabinet in the office, or as a closet-toy hybrid for the kids’ room.Overall, we love the versatility of this piece.

Dimensions: 16 x 16 x 16 inches | Cubes: 6 | Material: MDF, metal | Color: White | Assembly Required: Yes

What We Like

  • Large storage capacity

  • Transparent

  • Has handles and lid

What We Don’t Like

  • Shows dirt easily

Clear storage bins have plenty of advantages, which is why we love the Storage Organizer Plastic Bin Set from The Container Store. This pack comes with two deep storage bins that are ideal for storing clothes, toys, blankets, bedding, books, and more—the possibilities are really endless. The clear design allows you to see exactly what’s inside your storage bins, but it may require you to stack things a little neater. So, if your folding skills aren’t up to par, the clear finish may not be to your taste.

Each of the boxes has a weight capacity of 15 pounds and comes with two handles for easy carrying. The durable latched lid keeps everything secure while allowing you to stack the boxes on top of one another so you can save precious floor or closet space.

Dimensions: 8.9 x 14.2 x 10.7 inches | Cubes: 2 | Material: PET, plastic | Color: Clear | Assembly Required: No

What We Like

  • Ample storage space

  • Modular design

  • Several color options

What We Don’t Like

  • Storage baskets sold separately

For ample storage space that will act as an extension of your existing closet space, consider the Puroma Closet Organizer. The modular design makes this a versatile piece for any room of the house as you can easily customize it to best fit the available space—whether that’s vertically or horizontally. It’s ideal for storing sweaters, pants, and undergarments, plus, the open-front design allows you to easily see what is in each compartment. If you prefer to use storage baskets or bins, you'll need to buy those separately.

Choose from four versatile colors—black, gray, white, and white translucent. If you’re looking for a sleek and sophisticated option, you can’t go wrong with black, and the white translucent option is a great pick for minimalists.Made from plastic panels and metal frames, it’s a sturdy structure with each cube able to hold up to 15 pounds. Although you have to assemble it yourself, the unit includes a wooden hammer, which is all you need to put it together. It should take less than 30 minutes to assemble without any prior DIY skills.

Dimensions: 37.01 x 12 x 37.99 inches | Cubes: 6 | Material: Metal, plastic | Color: Black, grey, white, clear | Assembly Required: Yes

What We Like

  • Includes transparent cover

  • Holds up to six pairs of shoes

  • Fits under the bed

What We Don’t Like

  • Only one color

  • No handles

It can be tough to find a home for all of your shoes, particularly if you live with your family or have a penchant for the latest sneakers. Underbed Fabric Shoe Storage from Brightroom may be the solution to tidy shoes. No more tripping over sandals in the entryway.This underbed storage can hold up to six pairs of shoes thanks to the handy dividers. The transparent cover will ensure the shoes stay free from dust and dirt, and the fabric construction is easy to wipe clean.

While the storage itself is lightweight and easy to slip under the bed, there are no handles. This would have been a useful addition for easier access when pulling in and out from under the bed.

Dimensions: 5.5 x 29 x 23 inches | Cubes: 1 | Material: Polyester | Color: White, gray | Assembly Required: No

What We Like

  • Large capacity

  • Has handles

  • Lightweight

What We Don’t Like

  • Only one color

Misslo’s 100L Large Blanket Storage Bag is a great solution for those who need somewhere to store extra bedding or blankets. It has a double-zipper lid, reinforced handles for lifting and transportation, and a clear PVC window for easy viewing.

The cube has a 50-pound weight limit and can hold up to 100 liters worth of items. It can also store two comforters or five blankets; six pillows or 30 items of clothing.It also works good for those who are often on the go and need to transport bulkier bedding items from place to place, whether that’s a move to a college dorm or new house, or transporting things for vacations where you may need to take extra bedding.

Dimensions: 23 x 17 x 15 inches | Cubes: 1 | Material: Not specified | Color: Gray | Assembly Required: No

Final Verdict

Ways Basics takes the crown as our best overall storage cube. The brand’s Eco Stackable Connect Storage Cube Cubby Organizer with Door has a generous 50-pound weight limit for its smaller size and the no-tool assembly makes setting it up a breeze. For our best fabric option, a lightweight storage cube like the Senbowe Linen Fabric Foldable Collapsible Storage Cube Bin is your best bet. It comes in a set of four, is easy to clean, and has reinforced handles and lids for secure storage.

What to Look for in a Storage Cube

Type, Size, and Purpose

One of the first things to consider is where you’re going to place your storage cubes and how you’ll use them. Modular designs like the Puroma Closet Organizer 6 Cube Storage Organizer, our best for clothes option, can be customized to fit best with the space available, whether it’s horizontal or vertical, while pre-assembled pieces need to fit a certain space and cannot be modified.

Material and Color

The material and color not only plays into the aesthetic aspect of the storage cube, but it will also determine the functionality, and sometimes, the quality. Way Basics Eco Stackable Connect Storage Cube Cubby Organizer with Door, our best overall pick, is crafted with zBoard paperboard that has a weight limit of 50 pounds, while the cubes in the Puroma Closet Organizer 6 Cube Storage Organizer, our best for clothes pick, are made from plastic so can only withstand 15 pounds. This means you have to consider what exactly you’ll be storing when deciding which storage cube is best.

When choosing a color for your storage cube, be sure to consider any factors that may determine the overall wear and tear of the product. For example, if you live with little kids or pets, a white storage cube may be more susceptible to dirt.

Assembly Requirements

Consider your DIY skills when deciding on a pre-assembled cube or one that needs a little time and patience before it’s ready to be used.To give you a rundown of our top picks, the Way Basics Eco Stackable Connect Storage Cube Cubby Organizer with Door (best overall) requires some basic DIY upon arrival. The Puroma Closet Organizer 6 Cube Storage Organizer (best for clothes) requires assembly, but it includes a wooden hammer, which is all you need to get it up and running.

FAQ

  • What type of storage cube is the easiest to carry?

    If you’re only storing a few lightweight items, say a throw blanket and a pillow, it's simple enough to pop them into a storage cubby without handles—you can easily hug the box to your body or grip the top. But if you’re carrying around heavier or bulkier items, consider storage cubes that have handles.

    “Built-in handles are convenient for storing heavier things and placing them inside cubby shelving,” says Gabai. "If it’s something heavy, check for the sturdiness of the handles.” For our best fabric option, we like the Senbowe Linen Fabric Foldable Collapsible Storage Cube Bin, which is easy to clean and has reinforced handles and lids.

  • What’s the best way to label a storage cube?

    While it may be tempting to leave your storage cubes unlabelled for aesthetic reasons, unless they’re clear or lidless, it’s worth adding a label so you can quickly distinguish what’s what.“No matter which style cube you select, be sure to add bin clip labels on the outside to identify what’s inside and to make cleaning up and putting items away a much easier task," says Gabai.

Why Trust The Spruce?

Emma Kershaw is a freelance writer for The Spruce and has an extensive background in writing and testing homeware products. Kershaw considered dozens of storage cubes, narrowing it down to options that stood out in terms of versatility, durability, and visual appeal.

Our Experts:

  • Nicole Gabai, founder of B. Organized and author of The Art of Organizing: An Artful Guide to an Organized Life
  • Michelle Lau, editor for The Spruce

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