# Storage boxes, bags and shelving Canonical HTML: [Storage boxes, bags and shelving](https://spacemadeuseful.co.uk/boxes-and-shelving/) Boxes & shelves Choose storage boxes and shelving by usable size, support and access. Compare box formats, shelves and vacuum bags, with measuring and layout guides. [Find a buying guide](https://spacemadeuseful.co.uk/boxes-and-shelving/#buying-guides) [Plan & organise](https://spacemadeuseful.co.uk/boxes-and-shelving/#practical-guides) ![Low wooden cupboard shelving with clear lidded boxes, fabric baskets and space to lift them out](https://spacemadeuseful.co.uk/assets/images/shelf-storage.jpg) A useful first step ## Measure the shelf bay and the whole box Check supported depth, the cupboard opening and the space to grip, lift and open the container. [Open the measuring guide](https://spacemadeuseful.co.uk/measure-shelves-for-storage-boxes/) Start with the job in front of you ## Useful places to start Choose a product comparison or a practical layout for the space you have. [ Buying guide ### Clear boxes for cupboards and shelves Compare usable interiors and outside footprints for the things you store. Read the guide](https://spacemadeuseful.co.uk/best-clear-storage-boxes/)[ Buying guide ### Shelving that supports storage boxes Check shelf surfaces, spacing, loads and room to lift a box out. Read the guide](https://spacemadeuseful.co.uk/best-shelving-for-storage-boxes/)[ Practical guide ### Plan shelving under the stairs Map the slope, footprint and removal route before choosing a unit. Read the guide](https://spacemadeuseful.co.uk/plan-shelving-under-stairs/)[ Practical guide ### Use vacuum bags for suitable bedding Follow textile care guidance, pack the bag and check the sealed bundle. Read the guide](https://spacemadeuseful.co.uk/how-to-use-vacuum-storage-bags/) Explore the whole topic ## All storage boxes and shelving guides Compare products when you need something new, or find a layout for what you already own. Buying guides ### Compare boxes, shelving and storage bags Compare exact products by dimensions, access and the details to check before ordering. - [Best clear storage boxes for cupboards and shelves](https://spacemadeuseful.co.uk/best-clear-storage-boxes/) - [Best divided storage boxes for crafts and small parts](https://spacemadeuseful.co.uk/best-divided-storage-boxes/) - [Best front-opening storage boxes for shelves](https://spacemadeuseful.co.uk/best-front-opening-storage-boxes/) - [Best hand-pump vacuum storage bags for clothes](https://spacemadeuseful.co.uk/best-hand-pump-vacuum-storage-bags/) - [Best nesting storage boxes](https://spacemadeuseful.co.uk/best-nesting-storage-boxes/) - [Best opaque storage boxes for open shelves](https://spacemadeuseful.co.uk/best-opaque-storage-boxes-for-shelves/) - [Best shallow freestanding shelving for small spaces](https://spacemadeuseful.co.uk/best-shallow-freestanding-shelving/) - [Best shelving for storage boxes of different sizes](https://spacemadeuseful.co.uk/best-shelving-for-storage-boxes/) - [Best shelving units for under the stairs](https://spacemadeuseful.co.uk/best-shelving-for-under-stairs/) - [Best stackable storage boxes for shelves and cupboards](https://spacemadeuseful.co.uk/best-stackable-storage-boxes/) - [Best storage boxes for cube shelving](https://spacemadeuseful.co.uk/best-cube-storage-boxes/) - [Best vacuum storage bags for duvets and bedding](https://spacemadeuseful.co.uk/best-vacuum-storage-bags-for-bedding/) [Buying guides for every storage area](https://spacemadeuseful.co.uk/buying-advice/) Practical guides ### Plan shelf bays, cupboards and textile storage Measure the space, organise the contents and work around awkward openings or everyday routines. - [How to measure for freestanding shelving](https://spacemadeuseful.co.uk/measure-for-freestanding-shelving/) - [How to measure shelves for storage boxes](https://spacemadeuseful.co.uk/measure-shelves-for-storage-boxes/) - [How to organise a utility cupboard with boxes](https://spacemadeuseful.co.uk/organise-a-utility-cupboard/) - [How to plan shelving under the stairs](https://spacemadeuseful.co.uk/plan-shelving-under-stairs/) - [How to read shelving load ratings](https://spacemadeuseful.co.uk/read-shelving-load-ratings/) - [How to replace a lost storage box lid](https://spacemadeuseful.co.uk/replace-a-lost-storage-box-lid/) - [How to store board games on shallow shelves](https://spacemadeuseful.co.uk/store-board-games-on-shallow-shelves/) - [How to store down bedding without compression](https://spacemadeuseful.co.uk/store-down-bedding-without-compression/) - [How to use vacuum storage bags for bedding](https://spacemadeuseful.co.uk/how-to-use-vacuum-storage-bags/) - [Vacuum bags vs fabric storage cases for clothes and bedding](https://spacemadeuseful.co.uk/vacuum-bags-vs-fabric-storage-cases/) - [Why vacuum storage bags reinflate and how to check the seal](https://spacemadeuseful.co.uk/why-vacuum-storage-bags-reinflate/) [Practical guides for every storage area](https://spacemadeuseful.co.uk/guides/) Before you buy ## Check the full stack - Measure the cupboard opening as well as the space behind it. - Check the box base fits the shelf and there is room to remove the lid. - Find the shelf’s stated load limit and follow assembly and anchoring instructions. [Full measuring guide](https://spacemadeuseful.co.uk/measure-shelves-for-storage-boxes/) ## Choose boxes you can get into Lidded boxes work for things you take out together, such as spare linen or craft supplies. If you need something from the bottom box most weeks, one box per shelf saves lifting the stack. ### A shallow box for folded linen The 33L Really Useful Box has 14.5 cm of internal height. It can suit a deep cupboard shelf where you want one shallow layer of folded sheets. Its 71 cm outside length needs a fairly deep or wide bay, depending on orientation. Check that you can pull it out before reaching the lid clips. For folded linen ### Really Useful Box 33L Clear The 33 litre box has room for folded sheets and keeps the contents visible through its clear sides. The firm lid clips on when you put the box away. **Outside · cm**: 71 × 44 × 16.5 **Inside · cm**: 60.5 × 37 × 14.5 **Capacity**: 33 litres **Access**: Removable clip lid **What to check** At 71 cm long it needs a good-sized bay. Allow room to reach both clips and take the lid off once the box is out. View on Amazon — Really Useful Box 33L Clear ## Give soft and rigid storage different jobs ### Rigid lidded box A predictable footprint for things you take out in one group. Check taper and internal dimensions for bulky items. ### Fabric case Useful for textiles and easy to carry. Measure after filling and follow the care instructions. ### Vacuum bag Can reduce the volume of suitable textiles. Check the care label allows compression and measure the filled, sealed shape. ## Leave room above each shelf A shelf can be deep enough for a box yet too close to the shelf above for your hands to lift it. Set the spacing with the loaded box in mind. Confirm the exact box and lid combination is approved for stacking, and follow the shelving maker’s anchoring and load instructions. For smaller things used often, see [drawer organisers](https://spacemadeuseful.co.uk/drawer-organisation/). For a bedroom with little spare wall space, start [under the bed](https://spacemadeuseful.co.uk/under-bed-storage/). ## Match the box to the shelf bay Use our [shelf and storage-box measuring guide](https://spacemadeuseful.co.uk/measure-shelves-for-storage-boxes/) to check supported depth, lid overhang and lifting room. It compares two box sizes in a shallow bay and separates outside fit from usable capacity. [Back to all storage boxes and shelving guides](https://spacemadeuseful.co.uk/boxes-and-shelving/#guide-library) ## Questions before you choose ### Are storage-box litres enough to choose a size? No. Use outside dimensions for the shelf fit and inside dimensions for the contents. Containers with the same stated capacity can have different shapes. ### Can any lidded boxes be stacked? Check the exact boxes and lids are designed for that combination and follow any documented limits. Fitting beneath the next shelf does not establish stacking suitability. ### How much room should I leave above a shelf box? Allow for the actual grip, lifting and lid movement. A shelf lip or handle can change the space needed, so there is no single allowance for every box. ### Should I choose clear or opaque storage boxes? Clear boxes make it easier to see the contents; opaque boxes can suit open shelves when you prefer a labelled group. Compare the exact usable interior, handles and lid movement either way. Appearance does not tell you whether a box fits. ### When is a vacuum bag more useful than a rigid box? A vacuum bag can help with suitable textiles when the care guidance allows compression and you need less packed bulk. A rigid box gives a defined footprint for items you want to lift out as a group. Compare the filled bag shape with the actual shelf or cupboard. ## How this guide is put together We group the guides around the space, the contents and the way you need to reach them. Product examples use published specifications for the linked model, with limitations explained beside each recommendation. The checklist is a planning aid. Confirm the exact variant, installation requirements and loaded access before buying. Our [editorial policy](https://spacemadeuseful.co.uk/editorial-policy/) and [source policy](https://spacemadeuseful.co.uk/source-policy/) explain how we compare products and handle incomplete or conflicting details. **Affiliate disclosure.** If you buy through a product link on this page, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. [How affiliate links work](https://spacemadeuseful.co.uk/affiliate-disclosure/).