# Best stackable storage boxes for shelves and cupboards Canonical HTML: [Best stackable storage boxes for shelves and cupboards](https://spacemadeuseful.co.uk/best-stackable-storage-boxes/) Buying guide · [Boxes & shelves](https://spacemadeuseful.co.uk/boxes-and-shelving/) · Compare small, medium and larger lidded boxes with documented stacking designs. Check matching lids, supported depth and how to lift the lowest box out. Space Made Useful · Updated November 2026 · 3 options compared · ![A low stack of clear lidded storage boxes with aligned bases and lids](https://spacemadeuseful.co.uk/assets/images/batch5-best-stackable-storage-boxes.jpg) Quick answer ## Choose the lid and stacking family before the capacity Use a documented box and lid combination, then check the whole loaded stack on its shelf. Choose smaller boxes for groups you lift often and larger ones where the shelf supports the base and you can lift each box comfortably. ## Three stackable sets for different shelf depths Dimensions are for one box with its lid. Compare the base, the lid and the maker's stacking instructions before mixing sizes. Small groups in a compact stack ### SmartStore Classic 8L clear boxes with white clips Four clear lidded boxes for small household groups. They nest empty with the lids removed. **Outside · L × W × H cm**: 34 × 25 × 16 **Inside · cm**: 26.8 × 20.1 × 13.3 **Capacity**: 8 litres **Access**: Clip lid **In the pack**: Four boxes **What to check** Orthex documents stacking with compatible Classic 13 boxes. Check lid, clip and lift space, especially inside a cube shelf. View on Amazon — SmartStore Classic 8L clear boxes with white clips Medium groups in a compatible system ### SmartStore Classic 31L clear boxes with black clips Three clear boxes with black clips and removable lids. They nest with the lids off. **Outside · L × W × H cm**: 50 × 39 × 26 **Inside · cm**: 40 × 30.7 × 22.1 **Capacity**: 31 litres **Access**: Clip lid **In the pack**: Three boxes **What to check** Orthex lists Classic 20 and 52 as compatible sizes. Check the exact combinations and leave room to reach both clips. View on Amazon — SmartStore Classic 31L clear boxes with black clips Wide footprint with lower sides ### Wham Crystal 45L clear boxes, five-pack Five wide clear boxes that stack with their lids on and nest empty. **Outside · L × W × H cm**: 60 × 40 × 25 **Inside · cm**: 50.5 × 31 × 24 **Capacity**: 45 litres **Access**: Removable clip-on lid **In the pack**: Five boxes **What to check** Check the tapered base and the 60 cm outside length. Use a suitable supported shelf and the maker's stacking arrangement. View on Amazon — Wham Crystal 45L clear boxes, five-pack ## Side-by-side dimensions Scroll sideways to see all columns. Published outside dimensions and stacking arrangements | Set | Outside per box | Pack | Documented design | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | SmartStore Classic 8 | 34 × 25 × 16 cm | Four boxes | Stacks with lids on. Maker lists Classic 13 compatibility. | | SmartStore Classic 31 | 50 × 39 × 26 cm | Three boxes | Stacks with lids on. Maker lists Classic 20 and 52. | | Wham Crystal 45 | 60 × 40 × 25 cm | Five boxes | Stacks with lids on and nests when empty. | ## Check the exact lid and box base Look at the rim on the bottom of the upper box and the shape of the lid beneath it. A product designed for stacking can have a recess or locating edge that keeps the base in position. Read the instructions for the exact range. The fact that two boxes have a similar length and width does not tell you whether their moulded parts fit together. Close the lid as directed and check that it sits flat across the whole box. Keep the contents below the rim. A quilt that bulges against the middle of the lid can make the upper box unstable. Check the clips or closures before adding the next box. A worn lid or crack near a supporting edge is a reason to take that box out of the stack. When you want different heights, check which combinations the maker names. Orthex lists specific Classic models that combine. What More identifies a common replacement lid for some Wham Crystal sizes. Treat lid fit and permitted stack configuration as separate questions. Use matching boxes where you cannot establish the combination. ## Measure the loaded stack and the supporting shelf Take the widest outside measurement at the lid or clips, then measure the base and the position of its contact points. Check both the clear opening between the posts and the supported area on the shelf. Keep the boxes fully supported as the shelf and box makers direct. Make sure the shelf can take the loaded weight, including the boxes themselves. **Illustrative lift check.** Two 16 cm boxes use about 32 cm of shelf height if there is no overlap. In a bay 35 cm high, that leaves about 3 cm before you lift the upper box. Check the actual assembled stack and the height needed to clear the locating edge. Mock up the box footprint with paper. Check the movement through a cupboard door with a handle or hinge nearby. Allow space to get both hands in and set the upper box down. Use the [shelf and box measuring guide](https://spacemadeuseful.co.uk/measure-shelves-for-storage-boxes/) to separate the fit, lifting room and lid removal. ## Choose by footprint and the things you lift **For small groups on a narrow shelf**, the [SmartStore Classic 8 set](https://spacemadeuseful.co.uk/best-stackable-storage-boxes/#smartstore-classic-8-white-4) uses a 34 × 25 cm outside footprint per box. Its 16 cm height can suit low bays. Orthex documents the Classic 13 combination for the matching range. Check the clip clearance and inside base before grouping wider objects. Its narrow orientation can also suit [some cube openings](https://spacemadeuseful.co.uk/best-cube-storage-boxes/). **For medium cupboard groups**, the [SmartStore Classic 31 set](https://spacemadeuseful.co.uk/best-stackable-storage-boxes/#smartstore-classic-31-black-3) uses 50 × 39 cm outside, with a smaller 40 × 30.7 cm inside footprint. The clips hold the lid in place, and the boxes nest with the lids removed. Check the 20 or 52 combination only with the exact Classic products specified by the maker. **For wider low groups**, the [Wham Crystal 45 set](https://spacemadeuseful.co.uk/best-stackable-storage-boxes/#wham-crystal-45-clear-5) uses a 60 × 40 cm outside footprint and stands 25 cm high per box. That gives a wide layout for household items that would take more room in a taller box. Measure the tapered interior and check the shelf has space for your hands at the sides. ## Plan how you will reach the lowest box Put regularly used groups in positions you can access directly. Repeatedly lifting a loaded box to reach a small item below can make a tidy layout inconvenient. Keep heavier groups low on a suitable shelf and keep each box light enough to handle. Use the shelf, box and lid limits as stated by the makers. Try the layout with the complete load before filling another bay. Check that an upper box can lift straight out and that you have a place for it while you open the lower box. If that motion is the awkward part, use more [usable shelf spacing](https://spacemadeuseful.co.uk/best-shelving-for-storage-boxes/) or compare [front-opening formats](https://spacemadeuseful.co.uk/best-front-opening-storage-boxes/) for groups you need to reach frequently. For boxes used only part of the year, compare [empty nesting and detached-lid storage](https://spacemadeuseful.co.uk/best-nesting-storage-boxes/). If a lid is missing, [identify its exact compatible replacement](https://spacemadeuseful.co.uk/replace-a-lost-storage-box-lid/) before choosing by capacity. ## Questions before you choose ### Can I stack boxes from different brands? Use combinations documented by the makers. A similar footprint alone does not show that the base seats correctly in the lid below. ### Does a shared replacement lid prove every stack arrangement? A shared lid confirms the listed lid fit. Check the manufacturer's stacking arrangements and limits separately. ### What is the difference between stacking and nesting? Stacking places one box above another in the intended arrangement. Nesting fits empty boxes into one another, usually with lids removed. ### How high should I stack boxes? Use the documented limits for the boxes, contents and shelf. Keep the top within a comfortable reach and leave space to lift the upper box. ### Can I stack boxes on a wire shelf? Check the base against the wire deck and posts. Use a setup that supports the box as intended and follows the shelf's loading instructions. ### What if I need the bottom box often? Give it a shelf of its own or use a compatible front-opening box that can be accessed in its documented stacked arrangement. ## How this shortlist was assembled We compared three exact UK Amazon sets against the maker's stacking guidance. The named SmartStore combinations come from Orthex. A shared replacement lid does not establish a stack limit or every mixed-size arrangement. [Read our source policy](https://spacemadeuseful.co.uk/source-policy/) **Space Made Useful** We compare documented dimensions, opening mechanisms and other details that help you choose storage for the space you have. 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