Garden storage needs vary: a set for hand tools and seed packets has little in common with bins for hoses, bulky supplies, or a full season’s equipment. I’ve ranked these five options by how well their capacity, lid design, stackability, and pack size suit practical garden organization. The IRIS USA 3-gallon totes are my pick for small tools and supplies because their latches and compact footprint suit sorting. For bulkier gear, the Rubbermaid Roughneck 31-gallon set offers the largest listed capacity per tote, while the Sterilite 27-gallon four-pack stands out for buyers who want several bins and tie-down keyholes.
Get garden gear delivered free with Prime
- Fast, free delivery on millions of items
- Prime Video, Amazon Music and more included
- Member-only deals all year
The main tradeoff is size versus control: large totes hold more, but take up more room and can make small items harder to find. Smaller bins keep supplies sorted but will not fit long-handled tools or bulky equipment. I also distinguish water-resistant claims from waterproof protection; none of these descriptions promises a watertight seal, so outdoor placement and the contents you store matter.
Complete the kit
Key Takeaways
- IRIS USA is the small-item organizer: five 3-gallon bins with buckle latches suit hand tools, gloves, labels, and seed packets better than bulky garden gear.
- Rubbermaid offers the largest individual tote: its 31-gallon capacity and stated 0–115°F temperature range favor large equipment and storage areas with seasonal temperature swings.
- Sterilite gives you four large bins: each holds 27 gallons, and lid keyholes can support tie-downs when moving gear.
- CX is the two-bin bulk-storage choice: weather-resistant snap-tight lids and ergonomic handles add useful carrying and covering details.
- Do not treat water resistance as waterproofing: the listed products do not claim a watertight seal, so keep vulnerable supplies sheltered.
| IRIS USA 5-Pack 3-Gallon Lockable Storage Totes, Black and Orange |  | Best Overall for Small Garden Supplies | Pack size: 5 totes | Capacity: 3 gallons each | External dimensions: 18.13 x 11.63 x 6.5 inches | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Rubbermaid Roughneck 31-Gallon Storage Totes with Lids, 3-Pack |  | Best for Bulky Gear and Temperature Swings | Pack size: 3 totes | Capacity: 31 gallons each | Dimensions: 32.3 x 20.4 x 16.7 inches | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Sterilite 27-Gallon Industrial Storage Totes with Lids, 4-Pack |  | Best Multi-Bin Set for Bulky Garden Storage | Pack size: 4 totes | Capacity: 27 gallons each | Dimensions: 28.5 x 19.62 x 15.5 inches each | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| CX Heavy Duty 27-Gallon Stackable Storage Bins with Lids, 2-Pack |  | Best for Carrying Large Supplies | Pack size: 2 bins | Capacity: 27 gallons per bin | Outer dimensions: 30.6 x 20.6 x 14.3 inches | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| 27-Gallon Stackable Plastic Storage Bins with Lids, 2-Pack, Black |  | Best for Locking Down a Simple Two-Bin Setup | Pack size: 2 bins | Capacity: 27 gallons per bin | External dimensions: 30.6 x 20.6 x 14.3 inches | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| plastic storage totes for gardening | Pack size | Capacity | Material | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IRIS USA 5-Pack 3-Gallon Locka | 5 totes | 3 gallons each | Polypropylene plastic | Stackable, nestable, water resistant, BPA-free, acid-free |
| Rubbermaid Roughneck 31-Gallon | 3 totes | 31 gallons each | Plastic | Stackable, washable, reusable, impact-resistant |
| Sterilite 27-Gallon Industrial | 4 totes | 27 gallons each | Plastic | — |
| CX Heavy Duty 27-Gallon Stacka | 2 bins | 27 gallons per bin | Resin | Stackable, nestable, rectangular |
| 27-Gallon Stackable Plastic St | 2 bins | 27 gallons per bin | Plastic | — |
More Details on Our Top Picks
IRIS USA 5-Pack 3-Gallon Lockable Storage Totes, Black and Orange
For a gardening setup built around hand tools and small supplies, I rank the IRIS USA set first. Five 3-gallon totes let you separate gloves, pruners, labels, seed packets, twine, and other small items rather than dropping everything into one cavernous bin. The buckle latches give the lift-off lids a more secure closure than a loose-fitting cover, and the bins stack when full or nest when empty. That combination is especially handy for organizing a potting bench or keeping a shelf of supplies tidy.
The size is also the clear limitation. At 18.13 inches long and 6.5 inches high externally, each tote is far less suited to bulky pots, large bags, or long tools than the 27- and 31-gallon options. The Rubbermaid, Sterilite, and CX bins offer much more room per container, but give you fewer separate compartments in their listed packs. I would choose IRIS for sorting and frequent access, not for consolidating all garden gear into a single storage area.
These bins are described as water resistant, not watertight. That is a useful distinction for a sheltered shed or indoor storage shelf, but I would not rely on them to keep contents dry when left exposed to rain. Their BPA-free, acid-free polypropylene construction and USA manufacturing are additional details for buyers who value material and origin information, though the most meaningful gardening advantage remains the compact, latched format.
Pros:- Five separate bins make it easy to sort small garden supplies.
- Buckle latches help keep the lift-off lids in place.
- Stackable when in use and nestable for compact storage when empty.
- BPA-free, acid-free polypropylene; made in the USA.
Cons:- Three-gallon capacity is too small for bulky or long garden items.
- Water resistance does not mean a watertight seal.
- Opaque black sides conceal what is inside.
Best for: Gardeners who want several lidded compartments for hand tools, gloves, seed packets, labels, and other small supplies.
Not ideal for: Anyone storing long-handled tools, bulky equipment, large quantities of soil or pots, or gear that needs a waterproof container.
- Pack size:5 totes
- Capacity:3 gallons each
- External dimensions:18.13 x 11.63 x 6.5 inches
- Interior dimensions:14 x 8.75 x 5.63 inches
- Material:Polypropylene plastic
- Closure:Buckle latch with lift-off lid
- Features:Stackable, nestable, water resistant, BPA-free, acid-free
- Maximum weight recommendation:30 pounds per tote
Our verdict“I’d choose the IRIS USA set for a well-sorted garden tool shelf, but not as the main home for bulky outdoor gear.”
Rubbermaid Roughneck 31-Gallon Storage Totes with Lids, 3-Pack
When a garden storage plan centers on bulky equipment rather than small, sorted supplies, the Rubbermaid Roughneck is the strongest fit in this lineup. Each tote holds 31 gallons, the largest stated capacity per bin here, and the three-pack gives you separate containers for categories such as hose attachments, larger tools, and seasonal gear. Recessed lids help the bins stack, while the specified 0 to 115°F operating range gives buyers a clearer temperature reference than the other listings provide.
That capacity comes with a real space cost: each tote measures 32.3 by 20.4 by 16.7 inches, so I would check a shed doorway, shelf, and available floor area before choosing this set. Compared with the five small IRIS bins, Roughneck is much better at consolidating large items but less useful for keeping tiny supplies in their own compartments. Sterilite includes four 27-gallon bins, which may suit someone who prefers more containers, while Roughneck gives you more volume in each individual tote.
The totes are described as impact-resistant, washable, reusable, and designed to resist cracking or buckling within the stated temperature range. Those details suit a working garage or basement where bins may be reused across seasons. Their opaque sides make labels a good idea, however, and the description does not call them waterproof. I would keep sensitive items under cover rather than treating the lid as a guarantee against rain or moisture intrusion.
Pros:- Largest stated per-tote capacity in this group at 31 gallons.
- Three bins separate bulky gear into categories.
- Recessed lids support stable stacking.
- Designed to resist cracking or buckling from 0 to 115°F; washable and reusable.
Cons:- Large external dimensions take up substantial floor or shelf space.
- Opaque sides hide contents unless bins are labeled.
- No waterproof claim is provided.
Best for: Gardeners with substantial storage space who need large bins for bulky equipment and want a stated temperature range for garage or basement storage.
Not ideal for: People with narrow sheds, limited shelving, mostly small supplies, or a need for transparent or waterproof containers.
- Pack size:3 totes
- Capacity:31 gallons each
- Dimensions:32.3 x 20.4 x 16.7 inches
- Weight:7.8 pounds
- Maximum weight recommendation:124 pounds
- Temperature range:0 to 115°F
- Material:Plastic
- Features:Stackable, washable, reusable, impact-resistant
Our verdict“I’d pick Roughneck over the smaller bins for large garden equipment, provided the storage area can accommodate its footprint.”
Sterilite 27-Gallon Industrial Storage Totes with Lids, 4-Pack
The Sterilite set is my pick for gardeners who want several large bins rather than a few oversized containers. Each tote holds 27 gallons, and the four-pack makes it easier to keep tools, watering accessories, and seasonal supplies in distinct groups. Compared with the three-bin Rubbermaid set, Sterilite trades a little capacity per tote for an extra container; compared with the IRIS set, it is built for bulky storage rather than careful separation of small parts.
Its yellow grooved lids have keyholes for tie-downs, a practical detail when securing bins during transport or keeping a stack managed. The totes are listed as stackable and water resistant, and their 28.5 by 19.62 by 15.5-inch dimensions are substantial without being as long as the Rubbermaid bins. These details make the set a plausible fit for a garage or shed where garden gear needs a home between seasons.
There are limits to what the listing establishes. Water resistant is not waterproof, so I would not leave vulnerable supplies in these bins where rain can reach them. They are also large enough to consume meaningful floor space, and opaque black sides make contents hard to identify without labels. If handles and clearly described snap-tight weather-resistant lids are priorities, the CX two-pack may be a better match; if tie-down points and four large containers matter more, Sterilite earns its place above it.
Pros:- Four 27-gallon totes support several separate storage categories.
- Stackable design uses vertical storage space.
- Lid keyholes allow tie-downs during transport.
- Water-resistant listing; BPA-free and phthalate-free.
Cons:- Large bins need considerable room when stored or stacked.
- Water resistant does not mean waterproof.
- Opaque sides make contents harder to spot.
Best for: Gardeners who need multiple large bins for separate categories of bulky supplies and value lid keyholes for securing or transporting equipment.
Not ideal for: Buyers with little storage space, those who need visible contents, or anyone seeking a stated waterproof seal.
- Pack size:4 totes
- Capacity:27 gallons each
- Dimensions:28.5 x 19.62 x 15.5 inches each
- Material:Plastic
- Closure:Snap
- Color:Black and yellow
- Lid features:Grooved lids with keyholes for tie-downs
- Other listed features:Stackable, water resistant, BPA-free, phthalate-free
Our verdict“I’d choose Sterilite over the two-bin CX set when having four large, tie-down-ready totes matters more than built-in carrying handles.”
CX Heavy Duty 27-Gallon Stackable Storage Bins with Lids, 2-Pack
The CX two-pack is a useful middle ground for gardeners who need substantial capacity but do not need four large bins. Each 27-gallon tote has ergonomic handles and a weather-resistant snap-tight lid, giving this option a carrying detail that the Sterilite listing does not specify. If supplies move between a garage, shed, and work area, that combination makes it easier to transport a full bin and close the lid firmly.
It is not the highest-capacity choice per tote: Rubbermaid offers 31 gallons each, with three bins in its pack. Sterilite also provides four 27-gallon bins, so it may suit gardeners who want more categories of storage. CX’s advantage is its simpler two-bin format with handles, along with recessed lids that stack and a design that nests. That nesting feature can help when the bins are empty, though the listing does not describe the stack height or how much room nesting saves.
The snap-tight lids are described as weather resistant and intended to help keep contents dry, but that should not be read as a waterproof guarantee. The dimensions—30.6 by 20.6 by 14.3 inches—still call for a generous shelf or floor area, and the black-and-yellow bins conceal their contents. I would choose CX for portable, large-category storage, not for a compact supply shelf or exposed storage in heavy weather.
Pros:- Two roomy 27-gallon bins suit bulky garden supplies.
- Ergonomic handles aid carrying.
- Weather-resistant snap-tight lids help keep contents dry.
- Stackable and nestable design supports storage when full or empty.
Cons:- Two-bin pack offers fewer separate storage categories than Sterilite’s four-pack.
- Each tote holds less than the 31-gallon Rubbermaid option.
- Weather resistance does not establish a waterproof seal.
Best for: Gardeners who need two large bins for bulky supplies and value handles for moving them between storage and work areas.
Not ideal for: Buyers who want a larger pack, the maximum listed volume per tote, or bins for a small shelf or narrow shed.
- Pack size:2 bins
- Capacity:27 gallons per bin
- Outer dimensions:30.6 x 20.6 x 14.3 inches
- Interior dimensions:25.2 x 15.2 x 14.3 inches
- Material:Resin
- Lid:Weather-resistant snap-tight
- Handling:Ergonomic handles
- Features:Stackable, nestable, rectangular
Our verdict“I’d choose CX over Sterilite when carrying a pair of large bins is the priority, but choose Sterilite for more separate containers.”
27-Gallon Stackable Plastic Storage Bins with Lids, 2-Pack, Black
This black 27-gallon pair is a straightforward choice for gardeners who want two large, stackable containers and a way to secure their lids. Each bin has a snap-fit lid with six holes that can accept zip ties or padlocks, a feature none of the other listings describes in the same way. That may help keep a lid attached or discourage casual access in a shared storage space. The smooth surface is also listed as easy to clean, a practical point for bins that may collect garden dust.
Compared with CX, this set has a similar two-bin, 27-gallon format but does not list ergonomic handles or weather-resistant snap-tight lids. Compared with Sterilite, it offers fewer bins and does not specify tie-down keyholes as a transport feature, though its lid holes can serve a securing purpose. The Rubbermaid set holds more per tote and supplies a temperature range, so I would favor Rubbermaid for larger seasonal storage needs if there is room for its bigger containers.
The product information leaves important handling details unclear. No wheels or handles are specified, and the listed 6.6-pound weight does not clarify whether it applies to one bin or both. Its 30.6 by 20.6 by 14.3-inch footprint is still large for a small shed, and the listing does not claim waterproofing. I rank it fifth because its securing holes are useful, but the other large-bin options give clearer details about carrying, weather resistance, or pack size.
Pros:- Two large 27-gallon bins hold bulky garden supplies.
- Six lid holes allow use of zip ties or padlocks.
- Stackable lids help make use of vertical storage.
- Smooth surface is listed as easy to clean.
Cons:- No handles or wheels are specified.
- The 6.6-pound listing does not clarify whether it is per bin or for the pair.
- No waterproof or weather-resistant claim is specified.
Best for: Gardeners who want two large stackable bins and value lid holes for zip ties or padlocks in shared or organized storage.
Not ideal for: People who need handles, wheels, a clearly described weather-resistant closure, or several bins for separate storage categories.
- Pack size:2 bins
- Capacity:27 gallons per bin
- External dimensions:30.6 x 20.6 x 14.3 inches
- Weight:6.6 pounds; listing does not clarify whether per bin or pair
- Material:Plastic
- Color:Black
- Lid:Snap-fit, stackable
- Securing feature:Six lid holes for zip ties or padlocks
Our verdict“I’d choose this pair when securing the lids matters most, but CX is the clearer option if carrying handles and weather-resistant lids matter more.”
How We Picked
I compared these totes as gardening storage, not as general-purpose household containers. I looked at whether each option’s capacity and pack count make sense for typical garden categories: small hand tools, gloves, seed packets, labels, pots, hoses, and larger supplies. I also weighed lid security and stackability, since bins may sit in a shed, garage, or sheltered outdoor area and need to remain organized between seasons.
The ranking reflects the usefulness of the whole configuration, not simply which tote is largest. IRIS USA ranks first for focused organization because five smaller, latch-closed bins can separate frequently used supplies. Rubbermaid comes next for large-item storage, with the highest per-bin capacity and a specified temperature range. Sterilite is my multi-bin bulk pick, while CX offers a two-bin alternative with handles and snap-tight lids. The final black 27-gallon pair has a useful securing feature, but less detail about carrying and construction, so it ranks fifth.
I used only the supplied product details. A stated water-resistant or weather-resistant lid is not the same as a waterproof guarantee, and I do not assume that a tote is suitable for food, liquids, or prolonged exposure to rain unless the product information says so. I also considered the practical downsides: large bins need floor space, opaque sides conceal contents, and a tote’s external dimensions may rule it out for a narrow shelf or shed.
| plastic storage totes for gardening | Material | Features |
|---|---|---|
| IRIS USA 5-Pack 3-Gallon Locka | Polypropylene plastic | Stackable, nestable, water resistant, BPA-free, acid-free |
| Rubbermaid Roughneck 31-Gallon | Plastic | Stackable, washable, reusable, impact-resistant |
| Sterilite 27-Gallon Industrial | Plastic | — |
| CX Heavy Duty 27-Gallon Stacka | Resin | Stackable, nestable, rectangular |
| 27-Gallon Stackable Plastic St | Plastic | — |
Factors to Consider When Choosing 3 Best Plastic Storage Totes For Gardening
I’d choose a gardening tote by matching its shape and closure to the items it will actually hold. A bin for small hand tools has different needs from one for a hose or bulky supplies. These checks help narrow the lineup before pack size or color drives the decision.
Match capacity to the garden gear
Start with the largest item you plan to store, not the total amount of gear. The 3-gallon IRIS bins work for gloves, pruners, labels, and small accessories, but they cannot replace a large tote for bulky equipment. The 27-gallon options suit bigger supplies, while Rubbermaid gives the highest stated capacity per tote at 31 gallons. Measure long-handled tools and containers before buying: capacity in gallons does not tell you whether an awkward item will fit through the opening or sit comfortably inside.
Choose how you want supplies sorted
Pack size changes how easily you can keep categories separate. IRIS supplies five compact compartments; Sterilite provides four large bins; Rubbermaid has three, and CX and the black 27-gallon option each provide two. More containers can reduce rummaging, but they also need more shelf or floor space. If most of your garden gear is small, several compact totes can be easier to manage than one oversized bin. For a short list of bulky categories, a two- or three-bin setup may be simpler.
Check lid security and weather claims
Closures serve different purposes. IRIS uses buckle latches, CX has snap-tight lids described as weather resistant, and the black pair has holes for zip ties or padlocks. Sterilite lists snap closures and tie-down keyholes; Rubbermaid uses recessed lids designed for stable stacking. These details can help with keeping a lid in place or managing stacked bins, but none of the supplied descriptions promises a watertight seal. Keep moisture-sensitive seeds, labels, or tools in a sheltered spot rather than relying on a tote’s water-resistant wording alone.
Measure storage space and carrying routes
Large totes can be awkward before they are even filled. Compare the external dimensions with your shed door, garage shelf, and the space where the bins will sit. Rubbermaid’s 32.3-inch length is the longest listed here, while the 27-gallon bins also need a sizeable footprint. CX specifies ergonomic handles, which gives it a carrying advantage over options without handles listed. Remember that a full bin’s contents add weight; the stated maximum weight recommendation for Rubbermaid and IRIS is not a promise that a loaded tote will feel easy to carry.
Plan for contents that are hard to see
Most of these large totes have opaque sides, which can protect contents from view but makes it harder to identify what is stored inside. Labels on the front or lid can save time when several bins look alike, especially with a stack of black-and-yellow totes. Smaller IRIS containers may make category-based organization easier, though their dark sides also conceal contents. If quick visual identification matters, none of the supplied options is described as transparent, so plan on labeling your gardening categories clearly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which tote is best for small gardening tools?
I’d choose the IRIS USA five-pack for pruners, gloves, seed packets, labels, and other small supplies. Its five compact, latched bins separate items more easily than a single 27- or 31-gallon tote. Pick a large-bin option instead if your main storage problem is bulky gear.
Which option has the most capacity per tote?
The Rubbermaid Roughneck has the largest stated capacity here at 31 gallons per tote. The CX, Sterilite, and black two-pack bins each hold 27 gallons per tote. The IRIS containers hold 3 gallons apiece, so they suit a different job: sorting smaller supplies rather than storing large equipment.
Can I leave these gardening totes outdoors in the rain?
The listings describe some models as water resistant or weather resistant, but none of the supplied details promises a watertight seal. I would store vulnerable supplies in a shed or other sheltered place rather than rely on any of these lids to keep out sustained rain. A protective description is not the same as a waterproof rating.
Which set is easiest to carry when loaded?
The CX two-pack is the only option here whose listing specifically calls out ergonomic handles, making it the clearest choice for carrying between a shed and a work area. Loaded 27-gallon bins can still be heavy, so I would avoid filling them beyond what is comfortable to lift. The Rubbermaid listing provides a maximum weight recommendation, but does not specify handles.
Are the large totes a good fit for a small shed?
They may be too bulky if floor or shelf space is limited. The large options measure roughly 28.5 to 32.3 inches long externally, while the IRIS totes are much shorter and lower. I’d measure the storage area and doorway first; for small sheds or shelves devoted to hand tools and supplies, the compact IRIS set is the safer fit.
Conclusion
For hand tools and small supplies, I recommend the IRIS USA set because its five latched bins make sorting more useful than maximizing volume. For large equipment and seasonal storage, Rubbermaid is my choice if you have room for its larger footprint and want the highest listed capacity per tote. Choose Sterilite if you want four large containers with tie-down keyholes, or CX if you prefer two large bins with specified carrying handles and weather-resistant snap-tight lids. The black two-pack makes sense when lid holes for zip ties or padlocks are the priority. Whichever set you choose, match its dimensions to your storage space and treat water resistance as different from waterproofing.
Fall Picks
fall essentials
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
