Storage Totes vs Storage Bins: Which One Should You Buy?
Soft storage totes and storage bins compared by capacity, stacking, lids and handles, with four garage storage examples from the listings.
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Top picks at a glance
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- 1
MonsterRAX 4x8 Overhead Garage Storage Rack9.8/10View on Amazon - 2
MonsterRAX 4x8 Overhead Garage Storage Rack9.7/10View on Amazon - 3
8 Pack Extra Large Clothes Storage Bins with Lids9.6/10View on Amazon - 4
IRIS USA 4-Pack 13 Quart Storage Bins with LidsView on Amazon - 5
CX Heavy Duty 27-Gallon Stackable Plastic Storage Bins withView on Amazon - 6
CX Heavy Duty 12-Gallon Stackable Plastic Storage Bins withView on Amazon - 7
27 Gallon Storage Bins with LidsView on Amazon - 8
6-Pack 27 Gallon Storage Totes with LidsView on Amazon - 9
4-Pack 27Gal Clear Storage Bins with LidsView on Amazon
Verdict: Choose storage totes if the gear moves often, folds flat when empty and needs to carry soft bulky loads. Choose storage bins if the gear stays put, needs a lid and a stack, and needs to be found at a glance; the IRIS example brings all three.
A garage shelf fills up fast, and the container on it decides whether the next job starts with a quick grab or a long dig. Storage totes vs storage bins is the choice between soft bags that fold flat and bins that stack or serve as drawers, and this comparison covers both sides, then four examples from the listings.
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SWEET DOLPHIN 8 Pack 200LB Heavy-Duty Moving Bags
8-pack of heavy-duty moving bags, 86 liters each, with wrap-around handles and side handles, in 180GSM PE-coated woven fabric.
Pros
- 86 liters per bag, in an 8-pack
- Holds up to 200 lbs, per the listing
- Wrap-around handles cradle the bottom for support
- 180GSM PE-coated fabric is puncture-resistant and moisture-proof, per the listing
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- No weight is stated
- No folded thickness is stated
- Zipper closure, not a locking lid
IRIS USA 4-Pack 72 Quart Storage Bins with Lids
4-pack of clear 72-quart storage bins with lids, locking buckles and a pull handle, in a stackable and nestable design.
Pros
- Clear design shows contents without opening the lid
- Locking buckles keep the lid firmly in place
- Stackable with a pull handle for high shelves
- Nestable tapered design saves space when not in use
Cons
- Warranty is stated as not applicable
- No load capacity is stated
- Inside dimensions run smaller than the outside dimensions
- No side handles are stated, only a pull handle on the bottom
RMOHRO 6 Pack Moving Bags Heavy Duty 210GSM
6-pack of heavy-duty moving bags, 93 liters each, with a full-open side zipper, 210 GSM fabric and a tag pocket with color-coded ID cards.
Pros
- 93 liters per bag, in a 6-pack
- Full-open side zipper lets the bag lie flat for packing
- 210 GSM woven fabric with reinforced straps
- Tag pocket with 6 color-coded ID cards for finding bags
Cons
- Title states 220 lbs while the bullets state holds up to 65 lbs
- Title states waterproof while the bullets state water-resistant
- No warranty term is stated
- No weight is stated
Amazon Basics Collapsible Fabric Storage Cubes
6-pack of collapsible fabric storage cubes, 10.5 x 10.5 x 11 in, with sewn-in handles, for use as open-top bins or drawers.
Pros
- 6 cubes in a set for organizing a shelf or closet
- Collapsible fabric folds for storage when not in use
- Sewn-in fabric handles for portability
- Works as open-top bins or as drawers in a cube organizer
Cons
- Load capacity is only up to 5 lbs
- No lid is stated
- No warranty term is stated
- Open-top design leaves contents exposed
Other tools worth a look
IRIS USA 4-Pack 13 Quart Storage Bins with LidsCheck price on Amazon
CX Heavy Duty 27-Gallon Stackable Plastic Storage Bins withCheck price on Amazon
CX Heavy Duty 12-Gallon Stackable Plastic Storage Bins withCheck price on Amazon
27 Gallon Storage Bins with LidsCheck price on Amazon
6-Pack 27 Gallon Storage Totes with LidsCheck price on Amazon
4-Pack 27Gal Clear Storage Bins with LidsCheck price on Amazon
Side by side: storage totes vs storage bins
| Storage totes | Storage bins | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How they hold gear | Soft fabric bags with zippers and handles | Rigid or fabric boxes with lids or open tops | Totes flex; IRIS holds shape |
| Example capacity | 93L (RMOHRO example), 86 liters (SWEET DOLPHIN example) | 72 quart (IRIS example); volume not stated (Amazon Basics example) | Per bag or per bin |
| Example size | 29 x 14 x 13 in (RMOHRO example) | 25.6 x 16.6 x 13.3 in (IRIS example) | Outside dimensions |
| Stacking | Fold flat to about 1 in (RMOHRO example) | Stackable with locking buckles (IRIS example); nestable when not in use | IRIS stacks; totes fold |
| See contents | Tag pocket and color-coded ID cards (RMOHRO example) | Transparent design (IRIS example) | Both avoid opening |
| Handles | Wrap-around handles and side handles (SWEET DOLPHIN example) | Sewn-in fabric handles (Amazon Basics example); pull handle (IRIS example) | Carry vs slide-out |
| Water protection | Water-resistant coated fabric (RMOHRO example) | Not stated | Bins side unclear |
| Pack | 6-pack (RMOHRO example), 8-pack (SWEET DOLPHIN example) | 6-pack (Amazon Basics example), 4-pack (IRIS example) | Set sizes differ |
Specs such as CFM, PSI and torque are the manufacturer’s ratings as listed, collected 11 November 2026.
How each side holds gear
A storage tote here is a soft fabric bag with a zipper and handles. The RMOHRO tote has a full-open side zipper that lets the bag lie flat for packing, and the SWEET DOLPHIN tote has wrap-around handles that cradle the bottom. A storage bin here is a rigid or fabric box: the IRIS bin is a clear rigid box with a lid and locking buckles, and the Amazon Basics cube is a collapsible fabric box with sewn-in handles.
Capacity and size
Capacity is stated per bag or per bin. The RMOHRO tote states 93 liters per bag at 29 x 14 x 13 in, and the SWEET DOLPHIN tote states 86 liters per bag at 29 x 13 x 14 in. The IRIS bin states 72 quart at 25.6 x 16.6 x 13.3 in. The Amazon Basics cube states 10.5 x 10.5 x 11 in, with a load capacity of up to 5 lbs. The SWEET DOLPHIN tote holds up to 200 lbs, the RMOHRO bullets state up to 65 lbs, and the IRIS listing states no load capacity.
Stacking and storage when empty
Stacking is where the sides part ways. The IRIS bins are stackable with locking buckles, and the tapered design nests when not in use. The Amazon Basics cubes work as drawers in a cube organizer, which is not included. The totes fold flat instead, with the RMOHRO bag folding to about 1 inch thick.
Lids, handles and finding things
Lids and handles decide how the gear is reached. The IRIS bin has a lid with locking buckles and a pull handle on the bottom, and its clear design shows contents without opening the lid. The RMOHRO tote has a tag pocket with 6 color-coded ID cards, so any bag can be found without opening it. The Amazon Basics cube has sewn-in fabric handles and an open top. Neither tote listing states a locking lid, and neither bin listing states a zipper.
Choose a storage tote if
- The gear moves often, between garage, car and storage
- The container must fold flat when empty
- The load is soft and bulky, like bedding and clothing
- Handles that cradle the bottom matter more than a lid
Choose a storage bin if
- The gear stays on a shelf and needs a lid
- Bins must stack safely on top of each other
- Contents must be visible without opening the lid
- A rigid shape matters more than folding flat
Example totes and bins
For more choices, see the tool storage ideas for a small garage.
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FAQ: garage tools
Are storage totes or storage bins better for a garage?
It depends on the job. Totes suit gear that moves often and folds flat when empty, while bins suit gear that stays on a shelf; the IRIS example adds a lid and a stack.
Can storage totes hold heavy gear?
The SWEET DOLPHIN tote holds up to 200 lbs, per the listing. The RMOHRO title states 220 lbs, while its bullets state up to 65 lbs; the bullets are the trusted source here, so the figure to use is up to 65 lbs. The Amazon Basics cube supports up to 5 lbs, and the IRIS listing states no load capacity.
Do storage bins stack?
The IRIS bins stack with locking buckles, per the listing, and nest when not in use. The Amazon Basics cubes work as drawers in a cube organizer, which is not included. The totes fold flat instead.
Can totes fold flat when empty?
Yes, per the listings. The RMOHRO bag folds flat to about 1 inch thick, and the SWEET DOLPHIN bag folds flat for compact storage. The Amazon Basics cubes also collapse, while the IRIS bins nest when not in use.
Are fabric storage cubes strong enough for tools?
The Amazon Basics listing states a load capacity of up to 5 lbs, so the cubes suit light items, not heavy gear. The SWEET DOLPHIN tote states up to 200 lbs, and the IRIS listing states no load capacity.
Related: the tool storage hub, tool storage ideas for a small garage, and best tool storage for small garage.
