7 Best Storage Bins For Bulky Project Supplies
Tackle clutter with our top 7 storage bin picks for bulky supplies. Discover durable, space-saving solutions designed to keep your workspace organized and tidy.
Every knitter eventually reaches a point where their stash outgrows a single basket or decorative shelf. Bulky, oversized projects like chunky wool blankets or multi-skein sweater quantities require storage that keeps fibers safe from environmental hazards. Choosing the right bin is about balancing visibility, accessibility, and long-term protection for your precious materials. Here are the best storage solutions to keep your fiber arts supplies organized and pristine.
Sterilite 66-Quart Latching Box: Best Overall
When you have a stash that spans multiple weights, from lace-weight mohair to super-bulky roving, you need a versatile workhorse. The Sterilite 66-quart latching box hits the sweet spot for most knitters because it is large enough to hold several finished sweaters or bulky yarn cakes without crushing them.
The latching mechanism is the real star here, providing just enough security to keep curious pets or dust out without requiring a struggle to open. Because the plastic is clear, you can identify your stash at a glance, which saves you from digging through multiple bins when you finally decide to start that cabled cardigan.
However, keep in mind that these are not airtight. They are perfect for general storage in a closet, but if you live in a humid climate, they won’t provide a complete seal against moisture.
Iris USA 44-Quart Weathertight: Best Protection
If you are storing expensive hand-dyed fibers or rare breed wools, you cannot afford to gamble with environmental damage. The Iris USA Weathertight bin features a silicone seal that creates a barrier against moisture, dust, and even the occasional silverfish.
For knitters who hoard luxury fibers like cashmere or alpaca, this level of protection is an investment in your stash’s longevity. These bins are excellent for long-term storage of seasonal items, like heavy wool winter accessories that need to be tucked away during the summer months.
The trade-off is the bulkier latching system, which can be a bit stiff. It is a small price to pay for the peace of mind that your investment won’t be ruined by a damp basement or attic.
The Container Store Weathertight: Best Durability
Sometimes you need a bin that can handle being stacked three or four high without bowing or cracking under the pressure. The Container Store’s version of the weathertight bin is noticeably sturdier than standard big-box store options.
This rigidity is crucial when you are storing heavy supplies like large cones of cotton or bulky weaving yarns. When a bin flexes under weight, the lid seal often breaks, rendering the "weathertight" feature useless. These bins hold their shape, ensuring your stash remains protected regardless of how high you stack them.
Expect to pay a premium for this durability, but consider it an insurance policy for your materials. It is far cheaper to buy a quality bin than to replace a yarn stash ruined by a compromised seal.
Rubbermaid Roughneck Tote: Best Heavy-Duty Pick
If your storage space is a garage or a workshop, you need a bin that can withstand physical impact and temperature fluctuations. The Rubbermaid Roughneck is virtually indestructible, designed to handle the kind of rough handling that would shatter a standard clear plastic bin.
These are opaque, which means you lose the "at-a-glance" visibility of clear bins. However, they are perfect for storing bulky equipment like ball winders, swift stands, or large sets of interchangeable needles that you don’t need to see every day.
I recommend labeling these clearly with duct tape or heavy-duty tags. Since you can’t see inside, a well-organized inventory list taped to the front will save you from opening every bin in the stack.
ArtBin Super Satchel Box: Best for Organization
Not every bulky project involves just yarn; you often have notions, pattern binders, and circular needle cases to manage. The ArtBin Super Satchel is designed specifically for crafters who need to keep small accessories from getting lost in the shuffle of larger supplies.
The dividers allow you to customize the space, which is perfect for keeping your stitch markers, measuring tapes, and gauge swatches separate from your bulky yarn. It brings a sense of order to the chaos of a large project.
While these aren’t meant for massive quantities of yarn, they are the best way to keep your "project kit" together. I often use one of these to hold the specific tools for a sweater, keeping everything I need for that project in one portable, organized box.
Whitmor Clear Storage Bin: Best Budget Option
When you are just starting your knitting journey, you might not want to spend a fortune on storage. The Whitmor clear bins are a functional, no-frills solution that gets the job done for a fraction of the cost of premium brands.
They offer decent visibility and are lightweight, making them easy to move around if you are working in a small apartment. They are perfectly adequate for storing acrylics or synthetic blends that are less prone to pest damage than natural fibers.
Be aware that the plastic is thinner and the lids are prone to cracking if handled roughly. If you are storing high-end wool, these might not provide the long-term security you need, but for general organization, they are a solid starting point.
Honey-Can-Do Rolling Bin: Best for Portability
If you are a knitter who likes to move your project around—perhaps from the living room to the sunroom—the Honey-Can-Do rolling bin is a game changer. It takes the weight off your back and makes it easy to transport your bulky supplies.
This is particularly useful for knitters who suffer from wrist or back strain. Instead of lugging a heavy bin of wool across the house, you simply roll it to your favorite chair.
The wheels add a bit of height, so make sure you measure your storage area carefully before committing. It is a fantastic convenience, provided you have the floor space to accommodate the footprint.
How to Protect Bulky Yarn from Pests and Dust
Protecting your yarn is about creating an environment where moths and carpet beetles cannot thrive. Always ensure your yarn is clean before storing it, as skin oils and food residue are magnets for pests.
Avoid storing your yarn in cardboard boxes, as they provide a perfect habitat for insects and can attract moisture. Plastic bins with gaskets are the gold standard for keeping your stash safe.
If you are worried about pests, consider adding cedar balls or sachets of dried lavender to your bins. These natural repellents are much safer for your fibers than harsh chemicals and keep your stash smelling fresh.
Measuring Your Closet Space for Project Totes
Before you buy, you must measure your storage area, including the vertical clearance between shelves. Many knitters make the mistake of buying bins that are just an inch too tall, wasting valuable vertical space.
Always account for the lid’s height, as some latching mechanisms add significant bulk to the top of the bin. If you are stacking, measure the total height of the stack to ensure it clears the ceiling or the shelf above.
It is also helpful to measure the depth of your closet to ensure the bins don’t prevent the door from closing. A little bit of planning here will prevent the frustration of returning bins that simply don’t fit.
Essential Tips for Labeling Your Yarn Stashes
A label is only useful if it tells you exactly what is inside without you having to open the box. Use a system that includes the yarn weight, fiber content, and yardage for each stash.
If you are storing yarn for specific projects, label the box with the project name and the pattern requirements. This prevents you from accidentally using yarn you had earmarked for a sweater on a smaller accessory.
I find that using binder clips to attach a small swatch of the yarn to the outside of the bin is the ultimate way to track your stash. It gives you a tactile reference for the color and texture without needing to unpack a single skein.
Investing in the right storage bins is a commitment to the longevity of your craft. By choosing containers that match your specific needs—whether that is airtight protection for luxury wool or heavy-duty durability for your tools—you are safeguarding your hard work. Take the time to measure your space, label your bins, and organize your stash with intention. With the right system in place, you can spend less time searching for supplies and more time enjoying the meditative rhythm of your needles.
