An Interiors Expert Told Me a $3 Storage Buy From 2002 Is Still Her Most Useful Decluttering Tool — I've Added 3 Better Ones To My Basket

They're a small apartment dweller's dream, too

A clean and organized apartment with beige interiors
(Image credit: Architect: Dinamita TallerPhotographer: Bruno RezzaSource: BowerBird)

#My small apartment can get cluttered and disorganized really quickly, which is why I'm always on the hunt for better and better storage solutions.

So, I spoke to a professional organizer and an interiors expert, and asked what they thought about my new obsession: collapsible storage boxes. Ideal apartment storage ideas, collapsible boxes are a great way to protect and hide away out-of-season clothing.

"They're "light and portable" and "can be packed flat when not in use," says professional Organizer Linda Chu from Out of Chaos, making them great for small apartments. Linda notes that they can also "be used to store many different possessions from clothing to shoes to accessories. Even projects like knitting and crafting."

"I've had the same set of DRÖNA white collapsible fabric storage boxes that I bought at Ikea when my eldest daughter was born in 2002," says Lucy Searle, Content Director of Livingetc. "Back then, they were a nice, lightweight buy to store their toys safely in. Once they got older, they were used by the kids to store clothing. Now, they're in my laundry room storing bottles and cloths. They've been remarkably useful, considering how cheap they were. Plus, they're cloth-washable so they still look as good as new!

"The only downside to them is that you have to look into them to see what's inside, so I'd always suggest buying collapsible storage boxes with windows at the front so you don't have to access them to see the contents."

Whether you're looking for bedroom storage ideas or you're keen to remove items that no longer serve you, collapsible boxes are a go-to item to help you on your organization journey. These three collapsible storage boxes (with viewing windows and lids!) are on my New Year's shopping list. Trust me, if you're living in a small apartment, they'll be a game-changer.

My Top 3 Collapsible Storage Boxes

What Can I Place Inside a Collapsible Storage Box?

So, what would be the best thing to store in these boxes? Linda says the following items can be stored easily:

• Season clothing, like gloves or mitts. As well as swimsuits and pool accessories for the next season.

• Children's toys.

• Linda says you can also use these boxes as open-top bins for office supplies.


"The benefit of the boxes above, other than the windows, is the zipped lids. This means that you can store away items in attics without worrying about them getting dusty," says Lucy Searle. "Lidded storage boxes are usually easier to stack than my beloved Ikea buys, too."

Faiza Saqib
Advice & Gardens Editor

Faiza is the Advice & Gardens Editor at Livingetc. To further her skills, she is currently taking on the 'Gardening in America' course with the American Horticultural Society (AHS). Faiza previously worked for The Independent as a News Feature Writer, where she crafted lifestyle, entertainment and news stories. She also worked as an Audience Editor for the newspaper for almost two years. Thriving in the busy newsroom, Faiza also spent her time crafting stories for Sky News as an SEO reporter, where she produced stories based on trending topics. Lifestyle and Interior design is a space she has been interested in for quite some time and as she blossoms in this field, she will continue to further her skills in design and gardening. Faiza has a background in SEO, social media and reporting. Her passion for writing goes beyond her work as she loves all things poetry and creative writing.