11 Things You Should Never Store in Plastic Bins
Plastic storage bins are often the go-to strategy for organization, decluttering, and moving. Whether you choose big plastic tubs or small storage bin options, they’re conveniently stackable, durable, and easy to find.
But as your local storage experts since 1980, we’ve discovered that plastic storage bins aren’t ideal for every purpose. In fact, some items can become damaged and ruined when kept inside plastic for too long.
From the Stop & Stor pros, here’s a guide for what not to put in plastic storage bins, plus alternative suggestions and labeling tips for safe storage.
When Big Plastic Tubs Are and Aren’t Ideal
Many people rely on plastic organizer bins because they’re widely available in different shapes, affordable, and pest-resistant. They can also be waterproof, lightweight, and easy to stack when you’re moving.
However, plastic organization containers also have some hidden drawbacks, especially for valuable, delicate, and moisture-sensitive belongings. Plastic storage bins can trap moisture inside and lack good ventilation. The plastic can react to temperature changes, warping or melting in the heat. It's also possible for plastics to leach out chemicals over time and weaken due to sunlight exposure.
Don’t Store These Items in Plastic Organizer Bins
Whether you’re stashing just a few things in a small storage bin at home or are moving many big plastic tubs into one of our storage units, here’s a list of what to avoid putting in plastic storage bins.
1. Anything Made of Leather
Leather coats, shoes, and other items absorb moisture and can develop mold and become cracked when stored in plastic storage bins. Better alternatives are breathable cotton bags and fabric storage totes with silica packets for moisture control.
2. Important Photos and Documents
Since small plastic storage bins trap heat and humidity, photos and documents can fade, curl, warp, discolor, or stick together. Instead of plastic containers, use archival photo boxes, waterproof document envelopes, and acid-free sleeves for storage.
3. Electronics and Batteries
Electronics are vulnerable to moisture and heat, which worsens when sealed in plastic storage bins. Meanwhile, batteries in storage bins can corrode and leak over time. Store these items in anti-static bags with silica packs and ensure they're protected in a storage unit or temperature-controlled room.
4. Clothing and Textiles
It’s also not a good idea to store fabrics in plastic organizer bins, especially if they're made of cotton, wool, or other delicate materials. Fabrics tend to absorb moisture in plastic storage bins, leading to discoloration, odors, and mildew. Therefore, it’s best to put these items into cedar chests, vacuum-sealed garment bags, or canvas storage bins.
5. Books and Other Paper Products
Books and other paper goods can warp when exposed to the humidity that gets trapped inside plastic storage bins. Keep your reading collection safe by storing wooden or cardboard boxes in a dry, climate-controlled space.
6. Food for People or Pets
We also don’t recommend storing food of any kind in plastic organization containers, as the plastic can leach chemicals into food and attract pests. Always use food-safe containers made from stainless steel, other metal, or glass to store human and pet food.
7. Chemicals, Cleaners, and Liquids
Since liquids can react with plastic, causing bins to warp and weaken, avoid storing any chemicals or cleaners in plastic. Keep these items in their original packaging or store them in metal utility cabinets with ventilation.
8. Anything Wet or Damp
Even something that’s just slightly damp will grow mold in plastic storage bins. Ensure all towels, rags, gym clothes, and swimsuits are fully dry before storing them, and use mesh bags with ventilation if possible.
9. Shoes and Fashion Accessories
It may be easy to toss shoes and accessories into large storage tubs, but you could ruin them in the process. Shoes, for example, commonly trap bacteria and sweat, which can lead to odors and deterioration. Plastic storage bins make this worse, so always store shoes in breathable shoe boxes, in canvas cubbies, or on shoe racks.
10. Candles and Other Items with Wax
If you place candles or anything else containing wax in big bins for storage, they could soften, melt, and lose their shape. Alternatively, store wax candles in a cool, dark place, such as metal or cardboard containers.
11. Delicate Collectibles and Keepsakes
Breakable items that are part of collections, such as ornaments and figurines, can become warped or discolored if stored for a long time in plastic storage bins. Instead of plastic, consider investing in padded keepsake boxes and using acid-free tissue paper and bubble wrap to keep them safe.
Alternatives to Plastic Storage Tubs
When long-term storage is essential, other materials outperform plastic. Here are some examples.
- Glass for food and pantry items
- Metal for hardware and tools
- Wood for books, textiles, and keepsakes
- Canvas for clothing and accessories
- Acid-free boxes for photos and documents
Safe Storage Solutions When Only Plastic Storage Bins Are Available
If all you have available to store your belongings are plastic storage bins, you can make them safer by choosing BPA-free, opaque ones to reduce the risk of sun exposure and chemical damage.
You can also find vented lids to allow more airflow inside big plastic tubs, and choose one of our climate-controlled storage units to avoid extreme temperatures. Meanwhile, packing fragile items with plenty of padding and using silica packs can help control moisture inside plastic tubs.
How to Label Big Bins for Storage
If all your plastic storage bins are the same color and size, it can be frustrating to keep track of what's inside without opening each one. You could write notes directly onto the tubs with a marker or use masking tape for labels. But this approach can get messy when the contents of the bins change.
Therefore, we recommend using SmartLabels to track what's inside plastic storage bins, thanks to convenient QR code technology. Using a free smartphone app, you can avoid guesswork, digging around, and wasted time whenever you need to retrieve items from plastic organizer bins.
We offer SmartLabels at every Stop & Stor location for your convenience.
You can contact us to learn more about SmartLabels, plastic bin storage in our facilities, or to book your unit. We look forward to helping you store your belongings safely, conveniently, and affordably in New York.
Established in 1980, Stop & Stor is a family owned and operated business that has become New York’s Self Storage Leader by offering cutting-edge facilities in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island.
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