List all the Baskets / Bins you've used in the Expedit

[PMJ]

This might be slightly redundant, but I know it'd help me... ;)

Please list all the Baskets / Bins you've used for your Expedit !

I know these are some popular ones:

1) Container Store Sweater Boxes (http://www.containerstore.com/shop?productId=10003228&N=&Ntt=sweater+boxes)

2) Container Store Shoe Boxes (http://www.containerstore.com/shop?productId=10001753&N=&Ntt=shoe+boxes)

3) Sterilite Tall Ultra Basket (http://www.walmart.com/ip/Sterilite-Tall-Ultra-Basket-Set-of-6/10401032?findingMethod=Recommendation:wm:RecentlyV iewedItems)

Please add yours.

thanks for indulging me!!!

[Kymberley]

Here is a really great thread if you haven't seen it: http://windsorpeak.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=338539

I've been using the fabric bins from Target (sorry, I can't remember the name!) for a couple of years, and I'm really happy with them.

[kristac]

I got a bunch of small boxes at the dollar tree with hinged lids. I can fit 4 to a cubby (2 stacks of 2)

They look similar to this but much smaller:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Sterilite-15qt-Hinged-Lid-Storage-Box-White/17011394

I have also seen the small ones at walmart but can't find them online. I think they are more like $2 each there.

[PMJ]

I got a bunch of small boxes at the dollar tree with hinged lids. I can fit 4 to a cubby (2 stacks of 2)

They look similar to this but much smaller:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Sterilite-15qt-Hinged-Lid-Storage-Box-White/17011394

I have also seen the small ones at walmart but can't find them online. I think they are more like $2 each there.

Thanks! I did not realize these fit in there too. If there the same ones I'm thinking of, I did see those and yes, they are 96cents!

[PMJ]

Here is a really great thread if you haven't seen it: http://windsorpeak.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=338539

I've been using the fabric bins from Target (sorry, I can't remember the name!) for a couple of years, and I'm really happy with them.

Yes I have seen that first thread you mentioned, which is where I got the ideas for the 3 I mentioned. I still am yet to actually own the expedit myself. (Getting it this weekend)!

I think the bins from Target are called ITSO.

I also know the Drona bins from IKEA work too.

But the CS thread got me thinking - and it would be great to find some smaller, sweater-like bins (CS) that have lids and can be double-stacked.

[JTsMom]

Are Drona the cheap fabric ones? I've used those, but don't like them. They are in my closet now. I have the Branas baskets in one, some CS sweater ones, CS multi-purpose bins, CS accessory boxes, some cheapy Sterlite or Rubbermade latching ones from Target, some wood ones that DH made, some random baskets from BBB, whatever the metal boxes from Ikea are called, and the green cardboard ones from Ikea.

The Branas baskets and CS sweater boxes are used for toys, games and puzzles. I like the baskets, but sometimes the bottoms fall out on DS1 which is frustrating. I like the sweater boxes, but you have to pull both out-you can't slide the top one off b/c of the lip. That can be tricky for DS1, and they've fallen more than once. They're also kind of thin. They've mostly held up well, but one lid did crack a little on us.

LOVE the Multi-purpose bins. They really are perfect for workbooks and paper, and I can't criticize them at all. I could even see using them for small toys. The accessory ones are also nice- they are like a 1/2 size shoe box.

The metal and cardboard are crap- they can't handle anything but the most gentle treatment.

The wooden ones I have in my craft room for heavy, bulky stuff. I didn't think a basket could handle some of it. They are fine, but extremely heavy, even though the wood is thin.

The best advice I can give anyone who is figuring out what to buy is to collect all of the stuff you plan on storing, and sort it out the way you want to have it in the Expedit, then figure out which containers will work the best. Think about who is going to use the stuff, how easy the containers will be for the person to use, and what kind of durability you'll need.

[missliss55]

I'm using the Itso Large fabric storage bins from Target. Fit perfectly.

http://sites.target.com/site/en/spot/mobile_product_detail.jsp?tcin=10817640&keywords=Itso%20khaki

[missliss55]

Sorry double post.

[WatchingThemGrow]

These are definitely our favorites

multipurpose bins (http://www.containerstore.com/shop?productId=10022942&N=&Ntt=%22multi+purpose%22+bins) in various sizes

[kristac]

These are definitely our favorites

multipurpose bins (http://www.containerstore.com/shop?productId=10022942&N=&Ntt=%22multi+purpose%22+bins) in various sizes

Talk to me about the multipurpose bins for toys- what exactly do you use them for? I can't picture anything but art supplies, coloring books, etc.....

[lhafer]

Currently I have
4 sweater boxes
1 deep sweater box (for heavy wooden blocks)
12 mesh bins (http://www.containerstore.com/shop?productId=10009901&N=&Ntt=mesh+bins).

I couldn't find the multipurpose bins when I was at the Container Store. I will be going back soon and will look for them again. I plan on putting construction paper, workbooks, coloring books,etc in them.

[Minnifer]

Currently I have
4 sweater boxes
1 deep sweater box (for heavy wooden blocks)
12 mesh bins (http://www.containerstore.com/shop?productId=10009901&N=&Ntt=mesh+bins).

For the mesh bins, do you use the 16" size? Are they pretty sturdy to hold toys, like when you pull them out of the unit do they hold their shape etc, or do you use them just for light stuff? Thanks!

[DebbieJ]

We have the Target ITSO bins and the LEKMAN boxes from IKEA. I had the BRANAS baskets and they broke. I was not impressed.

[WatchingThemGrow]

Talk to me about the multipurpose bins for toys- what exactly do you use them for? I can't picture anything but art supplies, coloring books, etc.....
Someone else said they couldn't find them. I found them once on the left side of the store on an endcap (during the sale) and the other time in the back right, near CD storage.

Currently, we have them labeled like this:
small - "lost parts" (things that go to toys out of rotation) - in the mudroom expedit, each DC has a mittens/hat/sunglasses/scarf bin next to their shoes (looooove this!)
medium- imaginext vehicles, little people, wooden trains
large - musical instruments, imaginext parts, little people vehicles, train track

oh, and adult stuff in them:
medium- christmas cards I've yet to send out (!), my craft

[hellokitty]

For the mesh bins, do you use the 16" size? Are they pretty sturdy to hold toys, like when you pull them out of the unit do they hold their shape etc, or do you use them just for light stuff? Thanks!

That's the problem with the mesh bins. I got one to try (from target) and it's ok for something like stuffed animals. However, heavier stuff, esp on the higher shelves, forget it. The box gets all warped when you try to move it and since there is no lip on the edge, it is difficult to take it down w/o practically dropping it, since the other hand opening is on the other side of the shelf (ie: one handle on the outside of the shelf, one on the inside when you push it in). We like the 27 inch sterilite containers with the two locks for the lid. We don't use the lid, except when we are storing (rotate) containers in the basement, since my kids are abusive to the lids (like to stand and jump on them). However, they fit perfect, AND my kids can see what is in them. You can't see through the mesh ones, so unless you get rainbow colors and your kids can remember which color are for what toys or some other system, then you find yourself having to peek into each bin each time to see which one it is.

[Minnifer]

That's the problem with the mesh bins. I got one to try (from target) and it's ok for something like stuffed animals. However, heavier stuff, esp on the higher shelves, forget it. The box gets all warped when you try to move it and since there is no lip on the edge, it is difficult to take it down w/o practically dropping it, since the other hand opening is on the other side of the shelf (ie: one handle on the outside of the shelf, one on the inside when you push it in). We like the 27 inch sterilite containers with the two locks for the lid.

Thanks, that's what I was afraid of. Wait, sorry to be dense, 27 inch, isn't that too big for the cubbies on Expedit? Maybe you mean quart, or something else - do you have a link? Thanks!

I'm *finally* getting an Expedit this weekend - hoping it will change my life :rotflmao:

OP, I love the idea of this thread so it's all (mostly) referenced in one place!

[lhafer]

For the mesh bins, do you use the 16" size? Are they pretty sturdy to hold toys, like when you pull them out of the unit do they hold their shape etc, or do you use them just for light stuff? Thanks!

No, the medium 13" tall ones fit perfectly in the cubbies. They hold up pretty well. They are flexible though. It just depends on what you want to store in them. I got the sweater boxes for heavier items like blocks.

The blue one on the left with the dolls is the 13" one. There is a Bitty Twin, 5 Littly Mommy-type dolls, a Stella doll, a Disney Princess baby doll, a Woody doll, a Jessie Doll and several bottles, bibs, clothes in that 1 bin. The pink one on the right is the large one and I use it to hold the bigger stuffed animals.
2231


Here is the mesh bin out of the cubby - it stands up well enough on it's own.
2232


But you can easily bend it if you pull on it. It pops back into shape when you let go. I find them sturdy enough for most of our stuff.
2233


I keep the mesh bins on the bottom row (I have a 5x5) and everything on the bottom row is for my 2 year old. The next row up I have 2 mesh bins (one on each end), 1 deep sweater box in the middle for the wooden blocks, and 2 sweater boxes (1 per cubby with no lid) - one holds puzzles/puzzle pieces, one holds magnatiles. This row my 2 year old can also reach. The next shelf up I have 3 mesh bins (these are for my almost 6 year old - littlest pet shop, zoobles, etc) and 2 sweater boxes (1 per cubby with no lid) that hold bristle blocks and duplos. Further up I keep more books, work books, toys that don't get played with or are out of rotation, etc. These are rows I can only reach.

I like the mesh bins. You can see through them to see what's in them so my kids actually get them out to play with whatever's in them. I had them before i got my expedit, so I am really happy they work in the cubbies. If I didn't already have 12 bins, I might have gotten more sweater boxes instead, as I really like those as well.

[PMJ]

Thanks, that's what I was afraid of. Wait, sorry to be dense, 27 inch, isn't that too big for the cubbies on Expedit? Maybe you mean quart, or something else - do you have a link? Thanks!

I'm *finally* getting an Expedit this weekend - hoping it will change my life :rotflmao:

OP, I love the idea of this thread so it's all (mostly) referenced in one place!

I have tried to figure out a way to upload a picture, and I can't....

Hellokitty was talking about a 27 qt Sterilite container. She sent me a pic and can't figure out how to share it w/you all. :( Sorry. Maybe she can upload again.

[Minnifer]

I have tried to figure out a way to upload a picture, and I can't....

Hellokitty was talking about a 27 qt Sterilite container. She sent me a pic and can't figure out how to share it w/you all. :( Sorry. Maybe she can upload again.
Thanks - guessing these or these?

http://www.sterilite.com/SelectProduct.html?id=683&ProductCategory=252&section=1

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Sterilite-27-Qt-Latch-Box-Blue-Lapis-Set-of-10/15528560?findingMethod=rr

Sounds like you can use the Sterilite ones in lieu of the Container Store deep sweater box: http://www.containerstore.com/shop/closet/storageBoxes?productId=10003228 although it looks like the CS ones are a bit bigger so more efficient use of space (more expensive though too, I assume, but haven't compared closely yet).

[PMJ]

Thanks - guessing these or these?


Sounds like you can use the Sterilite ones in lieu of the Container Store deep sweater box: http://www.containerstore.com/shop/closet/storageBoxes?productId=10003228 although it looks like the CS ones are a bit bigger so more efficient use of space (more expensive though too, I assume, but haven't compared closely yet).

Yes, those are it.

I just bought them yesterday at Wal - they were $6.50. At CS, the deep sweater are $10, so that is a $3.50 savings per cubby! pretty huge, esp if you need a lot of lg boxes, which I'm pretty sure I will. I think by saving on these, I might be able to splurge and still get the small sweater boxes ( 2 per cubby) -- b/c those truly are a great fit and less waste of space. These are $6 each.

FWIW - from hellokitty's pic, the 27 qt did not look like A huge WASTE of space, when in the cubby... you could probably fit 2 thin, hard back books on one side.

It all depends on your budget, and how you want the things to look.

For me, a little savings and not a perfect fit is ok!

[PMJ]

forgot to mention ------someone else said that 2 15 qt Sterilite bins fit in the cubby too. (Stacked). Similar to the sweater boxes, but not as great of a fit.

Of course cheaper though.

something else to consider.

[GvilleGirl]

We don't have a container store nearby, and I already had the Sterlite 15's in the house. I love them. Sorry it is sideways, I can't figure out how to rotate it right now.

http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL730/13440181/23989537/400578153.jpg

[hellokitty]

Sorry everyone, I meant 27 qt. I really suck a posting pics, my DH had to help me last night to sent them to PMJ, so let me see if I can get them to post...

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m138/brminpin/sterilte2.jpg

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m138/brminpin/sterilite3.jpg

(note that in the top right corner of the above pic on the shelf is one of those fabric target boxes, I got one to try it out that I feel is too flimsy for anything more than a few stuffed animals)

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m138/brminpin/sterilite1.jpg

(This is a close up and I personally feel that these containers are pretty perfect. I don't want them to be an exact fit, since I think it's harder for the kids to get them back into the shelf. A little wiggle room is ok for me. They are also extremely sturdy. My boys have broken MANY plastic toy bins, it is ridiculous, and so far I have had these for 2 yrs and none of them have been broken).

Oh and yeah, as you can tell, I do not have a blog worthy playroom, lol. Sorry for the mess!

[PMJ]

We don't have a container store nearby, and I already had the Sterlite 15's in the house. I love them. Sorry it is sideways, I can't figure out how to rotate it right now.

http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL730/13440181/23989537/400578153.jpg

Ooh, I like that container w/ 3 drawers on top. Do you have Puzzles inside them?

What size is that?

Love the 15 qt Sterilite - they fit great!!

[PMJ]

Picture below (I hope) of 24 qt Sterilite in an Expedit.

[PMJ]

Two pictures:

1) Small sweater boxes (from CS) in the Expedit

2) Large sweater boxes (from CS) in the Expedit


*** Reposting here, so all the pictures are in one thread. ! Hope it helps someone.

[PMJ]

Picture of Multi-purpose bins in the Expedit.

LHafer - already posted her pictures of the mesh Bins.

[kristac]

nevermind

[kristac]

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/613ydarTMrL.jpg
Here are the Sterilite Ultra baskets (image found on amazon)

[GvilleGirl]

The three drawers are used for puzzles. The large alphabet/number puzzles from m&d don't fit so I put them on top.

[kristac]

I've had my heart set on sweater boxes but the Container Store is 45 minutes + away and I never get down that way. Shipping is $8.xx for the 4 boxes I need. Finally went to Walmart and picked up the 15 qt Sterilite- so glad I did. They look fine and my shelves are finally organized the way I want them at half the cost. Thanks for the pic GvilleGirl!!

Now I want another expedit.....

[boolady]

We use these from Land of Nod, in the 3.5" height, the 5" height, and the 10" height. I like them because three of the 3.5" fit in one cube, or a 5" and two 3.5" fit together, or a 10" and a 3.5". DD has so many little toys and pieces, like My Little Pony, Polly Pockets, Strawberry Shortcake, etc., that some of the smaller sizes work really well to keep those things under control. We have 5 of the colors, and I like how they look mixed together.

http://www.landofnod.com/kids-storage-collections/kids-storage-and-shelving/top-box-storage-collection/f5142

[kristac]

We use these from Land of Nod, in the 3.5" height, the 5" height, and the 10" height. I like them because three of the 3.5" fit in one cube, or a 5" and two 3.5" fit together, or a 10" and a 3.5". DD has so many little toys and pieces, like My Little Pony, Polly Pockets, Strawberry Shortcake, etc., that some of the smaller sizes work really well to keep those things under control. We have 5 of the colors, and I like how they look mixed together.

http://www.landofnod.com/kids-storage-collections/kids-storage-and-shelving/top-box-storage-collection/f5142

Oh! Those look nice! Do you have a pic of them in the expedit?? :loveeyes:

[boolady]

Oh! Those look nice! Do you have a pic of them in the expedit?? :loveeyes:

I don't, but I can try and take one tonight.

[Minnifer]

Does anyone know, is there any kind of lidded box out there that's like exactly half the size of the CS small sweater box (or like half of the Sterilite 15 qt)? So that 4 would fit and fill the cube, 2 stacked next to 2 stacked? I found a Sterilite 7 qt but looks like it's too wide for that to work.

Also, re the Sterilite 15 qts, aren't they too long (front to back)? I measure the Expedit space as 15.25" deep front to back, and from the Walmart site it looks like the Sterilite 15 qts are 16.38", so almost an inch deeper?

My Expedits were delivered and assembled yesterday, now I have to get some containers b/c if I don't get these toys organized I will definitely lose my mind :bouncy:

[lchang25000]

Does anyone know, is there any kind of lidded box out there that's like exactly half the size of the CS small sweater box (or like half of the Sterilite 15 qt)? So that 4 would fit and fill the cube, 2 stacked next to 2 stacked? I found a Sterilite 7 qt but looks like it's too wide for that to work.

Also, re the Sterilite 15 qts, aren't they too long (front to back)? I measure the Expedit space as 15.25" deep front to back, and from the Walmart site it looks like the Sterilite 15 qts are 16.38", so almost an inch deeper?

My Expedits were delivered and assembled yesterday, now I have to get some containers b/c if I don't get these toys organized I will definitely lose my mind :bouncy:

Target no longer sells the Sterilite 15quart clear storage containers with the green latches as pictured in previous poster's picture (maybe walmart does). They now have ones with purple latches. I bought a couple today, but they stick out about 1-2 inches and there's some extra space on both sides of the cube. I wanted to maximize my storage space so I returned them and bought the Rubbermaid brand 15quart clear storage containers with the green handles and they fit perfectly in the expedit with hardly any extra room on both sides. The handle does stick out a little bit, but not as much as the Sterilite containers did. Here are the dimensions, 16.7 x 13.3 x 5.3 inches. You can easily stack 2 on top of each other. I didn't look for smaller containers that could fit 4 in each cube.

[kristac]

Target no longer sells the Sterilite 15quart clear storage containers with the green latches as pictured in previous poster's picture (maybe walmart does). They now have ones with purple latches. I bought a couple today, but they stick out about 1-2 inches and there's some extra space on both sides of the cube. I wanted to maximize my storage space so I returned them and bought the Rubbermaid brand 15quart clear storage containers with the green handles and they fit perfectly in the expedit with hardly any extra room on both sides. The handle does stick out a little bit, but not as much as the Sterilite containers did. Here are the dimensions, 16.7 x 13.3 x 5.3 inches. You can easily stack 2 on top of each other. I didn't look for smaller containers that could fit 4 in each cube.

The sterilite 15 quart I bought at walmart this week had blue handles and were $3.97 a piece. How much are the rubbermaids at Target? A pic would be great as well. :loveeyes:

[lchang25000]

The sterilite 15 quart I bought at walmart this week had blue handles and were $3.xx a piece. How much are the rubbermaids at Target? A pic would be great as well. :loveeyes:

Wow! That's cheap! The one I bought at Target is $6.49. Does your expedit cube have extra room on both sides after the storage container is put in?

[Minnifer]

The sterilite 15 quart I bought at walmart this week had blue handles and were $3.xx a piece.

kristac, do yours look like these?
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Sterilite-15-Qt-Latch-Box-Blue-Lapis-Set-of-10/15528562


Target no longer sells the Sterilite 15quart clear storage containers with the green latches as pictured in previous poster's picture (maybe walmart does). They now have ones with purple latches. I bought a couple today, but they stick out about 1-2 inches and there's some extra space on both sides of the cube. I wanted to maximize my storage space so I returned them and bought the Rubbermaid brand 15quart clear storage containers with the green handles and they fit perfectly in the expedit with hardly any extra room on both sides. The handle does stick out a little bit, but not as much as the Sterilite containers did. Here are the dimensions, 16.7 x 13.3 x 5.3 inches. You can easily stack 2 on top of each other. I didn't look for smaller containers that could fit 4 in each cube.

Thanks lchang! I can't find them online at Target but guessing they're similar to these? http://www.walmart.com/ip/Rubbermaid-15-Quart-Clever-Store-Container-Clear-Comfort-Blue-Set-of-8/16539899

[kristac]

kristac, do yours look like these?
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Sterilite-15-Qt-Latch-Box-Blue-Lapis-Set-of-10/15528562

Yes those are the ones I bought. There is a small bit of space on each side like the pic that GvillGirl posted (but my handles are blue).

[lchang25000]

kristac, do yours look like these?
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Sterilite-15-Qt-Latch-Box-Blue-Lapis-Set-of-10/15528562



Thanks lchang! I can't find them online at Target but guessing they're similar to these? http://www.walmart.com/ip/Rubbermaid-15-Quart-Clever-Store-Container-Clear-Comfort-Blue-Set-of-8/16539899

Mine has the 2 latches that you pull down to open the lid like this one:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Sterilite-15-Qt-Latch-Box-Blue-Lapis-Set-of-10/15528562?findingMethod=rr

They are easier for DS to open unlike the ones where you have to snap off the entire lid.

[boolady]

I'm later getting these posted than I thought, and they're from my phone, but this is the Expedit with the Land of Nod bins inside.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a2df07b3127cceff6168755cf000000030O00AYuGbNszbN2 YPbz4c/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/





http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a2df07b3127cceff61ab879dcb00000030O00AYuGbNszbN2 YPbz4c/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

[kristac]

I'm later getting these posted than I thought, and they're from my phone, but this is the Expedit with the Land of Nod bins inside.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a2df07b3127cceff6168755cf000000030O00AYuGbNszbN2 YPbz4c/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/





http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a2df07b3127cceff61ab879dcb00000030O00AYuGbNszbN2 YPbz4c/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Love it! Thanks for sharing!!

[kristac]

http://simplemom.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/toy-buckets-e1289797730745.jpg

Here's an image with Ikea's trofast buckets that I found on the web.

[kristac]

http://g-cdn.apartmenttherapy.com/2547860/ohdeedohgirlsroomx_rect540.jpg
Here's a pic of land of nod strapping cubes as found on the web.
http://www.landofnod.com/kids-storage-collections/kids-storage-and-shelving/strapping-storage/f854

[kristac]

https://encrypted-tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ8LIVE53a86I4q2BA2L84EAwe6LYEvV aG2pelSWmMuIOtAbzF9fg

I started using these sterilite 6.2 quart boxes from Walmart. Mine have green handles and were $3.9x at Walmart. Target carries one as well but they were more expensive. I can fit four tall in one cube. Or two of these and one 15qt, or one of these and four of the Dollar Tree hinged lid boxes. (They look similar to this but much smaller:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Sterilite-15qt-Hinged-Lid-Storage-Box-White/17011394 )

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Sterilite-6.2-Quart-Modular-Latch-Box-Set-of-6/11014789

I'm using them for connectagons (trees), lauri stacking pegs, etc but they would be good for puzzles or tag books too.