Buying a storage box isn’t very complicated, as there are all kinds and prices available from a wide range of retailers.
However, if you want to choose a sturdy storage box that meets your needs, it’s best to think carefully before you buy. Not all models are created equal, and to avoid regretting your purchase after only a few months of use, it’s best to take your time.
Quality, size, material, volume and aesthetics are all features to be taken into account.
Enough procrastination, here’s a comprehensive article that will help any future buyer to sort through storage boxes efficiently, to arrive at the one that’s perfectly suited to his or her needs.
Defining the storage box’s location
The first step in choosing a storage chest is to define its future location. Depending on the location you choose, you won’t always have unlimited space.
More often than not, it’s best to choose a storage box that fits into the space available in the garage, in the closet, or in the space planned for its installation.
It’s always a good idea to bring along a measuring tape and take a few measurements to get a precise idea of the space available. Indeed, there’s nothing more annoying than not being able to install your equipment in the place initially planned, because of an error of assessment of a few millimetres…
What material for a storage box?
Storage boxes are available in a wide range of materials: metal, opaque or transparent PVC resin, and wood. Among all these materials, there are models in a variety of materials and styles. More often than not, the final choice depends on individual taste. The choice of material is therefore partly aesthetic.
For example, if the trunk is to be visible, you’ll want an elegant model that blends harmoniously with its surroundings. It is also possible to opt for trunks with upholstered seats, which give the impression of a piece of furniture in its own right (ideal for a bedroom, entrance hall, living room, etc.). In general, we prefer a metal model for an industrial style, or a wooden one for its warm, noble appearance.
However, plastic chests are not to be outdone. They offer the advantage of being not only lightweight, but also much less expensive than their counterparts. What’s more, transparent plastic trunks are the only ones that allow you to see what’s inside without even having to open them.
Please note: if the storage box is to be stored outdoors or on a terrace, you’ll need to pay particular attention to the material. For wood, you’ll need to opt for treated wood, and the same goes for a metal box. Plastic doesn’t stand up well to the sun, so it’s best to avoid it, unless the space is perfectly protected from the vagaries of the weather.
How much storage space is needed for an optimal storage box?
Here again, it all depends on individual needs. There are all kinds of trunks, from the most compact to the most voluminous. The choice of volume always depends on the space available and what you need to store.
Sometimes, it’s better to opt for several small stackable trunks rather than one large one.
In some cases, when you need to store large items, you’ll have to opt for large-volume storage boxes. Some can hold up to 2,000 liters, and are ideal for garden mowers or outdoor furniture, for example.
Focus on the trunk opening system
The trunk opening system is an essential factor to be taken into account when making a purchase. Both front and top opening systems are available.
To make the right choice, all you need to know is what you’re going to store in the trunk. For particularly heavy objects, a front opening is essential. These are generally garden trunks, where outdoor furniture, bicycles, lawnmowers, etc. are stored. Their front opening makes them extremely practical to use.
In contrast, conventional storage boxes open from the top. This type of access works very well in most cases, and can be considered when the need for a front opening is not essential.
Securing the storage box: a final option to check
The safety aspect of the storage box can be a decisive purchasing criterion for many buyers. If the safe contains expensive equipment, or is simply placed outdoors, it’s preferable that it offers a high-performance locking system.
Not only will this help deter would-be intruders. Indeed, in many homes, it is necessary to make certain dangerous tools inaccessible to children. With this type of box, you can secure your cutting tools and dangerous products well away from the little ones.
Most secure storage boxes are equipped with a padlock or multipoint lock. For a securely closed box, it’s generally best to opt for a metal or wooden version. Plastic could easily break and is not particularly suitable for this type of product.
In a nutshell:
Once you’ve considered each of these 5 buying criteria, it will be much easier to select a storage box that’s fully adapted to your needs. As you go along, a natural sorting process will take place, and a selection of chests will quickly appear. This avoids spending hours in the trunk department or on a specialized web page without being able to make a choice.
As a reminder, the 5 criteria for buying a storage chest are :
- Location
- Volume
- Material
- Opening mode
- Security system
