IKEA's $3.99 Storage Boxes Are Quietly Solving Clutter All Over My Home – 'I Went Back and Bought Three More'
Shoppers love their 'small but mighty' design
Is there anything as versatile as an open-top storage box? From corralling your cosmetics, lotions, and potions in the bathroom to organizing shelves and dividing drawers, they're a convenient one-size-fits-all solution that suits any space.
When it comes to open-top storage boxes, you can't get more classic than IKEA's UPPDATERA Box, which costs just $3.99 for the smaller size and $4.99 for the larger.
It proves that the simplest storage ideas are often the very best.
Versatile, affordable, and with integrated handles, this storage box can be used for storing and organizing, absolutely wherever you need it. Our Kitchen Appliances Editor, Chiana Dickson, for instance, swears by these for keeping her overflowing cabinets in check. coralling half-empty packets and small containers when she is in the midst of her cookware reviews.
As we all know, organizing trends come and go − but the IKEA UPPDATERA Box is an enduring classic that never gets old. I've spotted it in countless homes and spaces, from dorm rooms back at college to bathrooms, bedrooms, and beyond, so it's no surprise that it's one of the essential things that professional organizers swear by to keep their rooms organized.
Perfect for storing and streamlining smaller items, like organizing spices, organizing cables, and organizing a desk, it's easy to access items and carry with two grip-friendly handles, while the lowered front offers a good overview of the contents at a glance.
As it's made of naturally BPA-free, recycled polypropylene plastic, it's also effortlessly easy to wipe clean whenever needed, using a damp cloth and mild cleaner, such as the Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner, available at Walmart.
The IKEA UPPDATERA Box is perfect for organizing kitchen drawers.
The versatility of these boxes has led shoppers to buy multiple at a time, and even use them for organizing their freezer. 'I bought two of these to see how I liked them for organizing in my bathroom, but when I got home, I realized they were the perfect size to organize my freezer!' says Ashleigh, alongside her five-star review. 'So I went back and bought three more! Very sturdy, perfect size, fun color!' They're also available in Gray-blue, Red-brown, and Anthracite, or black.
Other shoppers dub them 'small but mighty,' and detail how they've used them for organizing toys, sorting snacks, and organizing a pantry.
'Great for organizing,' adds Tammy. 'These bins are sturdy and look nice. I originally bought the larger bin to keep on top of my washing basket machine to put used kitchen towels in until the next wash. Then I got another to organize first aid supplies in my bathroom closet. The smaller bins are perfect for organizing skin care and nail care products.'
More to Shop
As IKEA has a minimum order amount of $35, you can either add nine or more UPPDATERA Boxes, or add some more organizing essentials from my hand-picked selection below, all of which are suitable for use all around the home.
All prices were correct at the time of publication.
The IKEA Trofast mesh storage box is spacious, lightweight, and perfect for the tidy toss closet organizing method. The see-through design also makes it easy to spot what's in each basket at a glance, without having to dig through.
If you're using the UPPDATERA storage boxes in a drawer, this drawer liner will prevent them from sliding around as you open and close them. It also protects drawers and shelves from scratches.
Prefer the natural look of bamboo? This decorative yet functional storage box is durable and strong, and multiple boxes can conveniently be stacked one on top of the other. It's perfect for storing utensils, spice jars, magazines, and papers.
Storing flatware and organizing kitchen utensils is famously a tricky task. This bamboo drawer divider features non-slip feet, lends a warm and natural look to your kitchen, and will work just as well to organize makeup, for example, too.
Sometimes, a storage box with a lid is necessary for a cleaner, sleeker look. This option from IKEA protects the contents from dust and is suitable for use in bathrooms and other damp indoor areas.
This set of five boxes with lids is ideal for smaller items, like cotton swabs and hair accessories, so they're ideal for organizing a bathroom vanity or organizing bathroom countertops.
While storage definitely isn't one of them, there are a few things to avoid buying at IKEA, such as artwork.
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