Question 1

What size is a shoebox storage bin?

Accepted Answer

A 6-quart shoebox bin typically measures about 13 x 8 x 5 inches (33 x 20 x 13 cm) on the outside. It holds a pair of adult shoes, a stack of craft supplies or a tangle of chargers and cables. Sizes vary a little by maker, and most bins taper toward the bottom, so measure the lid when you plan a row on a shelf.

Question 2

Polypropylene or polystyrene: which plastic is better for organizer boxes?

Accepted Answer

Polypropylene is frosted or slightly cloudy, flexible and tough. It bends rather than cracks when dropped, and it's the plastic used for snap-shut hinges. Polystyrene is crystal clear and rigid, so it shows contents better, but it can crack if dropped or overloaded and is damaged by acetone. For tackle, tool and travel cases, choose polypropylene; for display on a shelf, polystyrene works.

Question 3

How do I keep beads from mixing between compartments?

Accepted Answer

Choose a case whose dividers sit flush against the closed lid, with no gap above them. Latching lids that clip on two or more sides keep the lid pressed down if the case tips or is stored on end. For very small seed beads, use a set of individual lidded pots inside a larger box, so each color is sealed separately.

Question 4

Are plastic organizer boxes safe for storing photos?

Accepted Answer

Polypropylene boxes are a reasonable choice, since the same plastic is used in many archival photo sleeves. Avoid boxes made of PVC, which can give off gases that damage photos over time. Choose an opaque box to block light, keep it in a cool, dry room rather than an attic or basement, and add acid-free sleeves or envelopes for prints you care about.

Question 5

Can plastic storage boxes go in the dishwasher?

Accepted Answer

Some can. Many polypropylene boxes are labeled top-rack dishwasher safe, though heat from the drying cycle can still warp thin lids. Clear polystyrene boxes should be washed by hand in warm, soapy water. Either way, remove any metal hinge pins or inserts first, and dry the box completely before refilling it, especially if it holds tools, jewelry or fabric.

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