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Table of Contents
Introduction
Choosing the right tote for your 27-gallon storage rack project is crucial for maximizing organization and efficiency. With two versions of the DIY plan available—one for Home Depot totes and another for other brands—this guide will help you select the best totes for your needs. Let’s dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you make an informed decision.
Comparison of Stores and Totes
Stores and Totes Compared:
- Costco: Greenmade 27 Gallon Storage Bin, 4-pack
- Sam’s Club: Member’s Mark 27 Gallon Heavy Duty Storage Tote
- Home Depot: HDX 27 Gal. Tough Storage Tote in Black and Yellow
- Lowe’s: Project Source Commander Large 27-Gallon Black Heavy Duty Tote with Standard Snap Lid
- Walmart: TOUGH BOX 27 Gal Stackable Storage Totes w/ Lids
- Office Depot: GreenMade® Professional Storage Tote With Handles/Snap Lid, 27 Gallon
- Amazon: CX BLACK & YELLOW® 27-Gallon Heavy Duty Tough Storage Container
Cost Comparison
- Costco: $7.99 each
- Sam’s Club: $8.98 each
- Home Depot: $9.98 each
- Lowe’s: $10.98 each (or $9.66 each if buying four or more)
- Walmart: $17.49 each
- Office Depot: $15.99 each
- Amazon: $22.49 each
Why These Totes Are Popular
Organization
These 27-gallon totes are incredibly popular for their ability to maximize storage space and keep areas organized. They are perfect for managing clutter in any room, including bedrooms, garages, basements, and sheds. The innovative recessed lid design allows for easy stacking, making them ideal for small spaces.
Portability & Security
Designed with robust ergonomic handles, these totes are comfortable to carry. The lids feature integrated slots for tie-down straps and can be secured with locks or zip ties for additional security, ensuring that your items stay safe during transport or storage.
Multi-Purpose
Whether for residential or commercial use, these totes are great for sorting and organizing spaces, transporting heavy materials, and protecting valuables from the elements. They are versatile enough for tools, camping supplies, decorations, clothing, and more. Their durability and weather resistance make them suitable for both indoor and outdoor storage.
Durability and Ease of Use
These totes are built to last. They are tough, weather-resistant, and can withstand heavy loads. Their smooth exterior makes them easy to clean, and the secure lids keep contents protected from dust, moisture, and pests.
Detailed Dimensions and Lid Protrusions
Understanding Lid Protrusions: The term “lid protrusion” refers to the amount the lid extends beyond the edge of the tote, which can impact how they fit in the rack.
Costco
- Online Dimensions: W 20.4 x D 30.4 x H 14.7 inches
- Actual Dimensions: W 20.25 x D 30.25 x H 14.75 inches
- Lid Protrusion: 0.8125 inches
Sam’s Club
- Online Dimensions: W 20.6 x D 30.6 x H 14.3 inches
- Actual Dimensions: W 20.25 x D 30.3125 x H 14.1875 inches
- Lid Protrusion: 1.3125 inches
Home Depot
- Online Dimensions: W 19.6 x D 28.5 x H 15.2 inches
- Actual Dimensions: W 19.3125 x D 28.25 x H 15.3125 inches
- Lid Protrusion: 1.0625 inches
Lowe’s
- Online Dimensions: W 20.6 x D 30.6 x H 14.3 inches
- Actual Dimensions: W 20.25 x D 30.375 x H 14.25 inches
- Lid Protrusion: 1.25 inches
Walmart
- Online Dimensions: W 20.4 x D 30.4 x H 17.7 inches
- Actual Dimensions: Not measured in person
- Lid Protrusion: Not measured in person
Office Depot
- Online Dimensions: W 20.25 x D 30.1 x H 14.75 inches
- Actual Dimensions: Not measured in person
- Lid Protrusion: Not measured in person
Amazon
- Online Dimensions: W 20.6 x D 30.6 x H 14.3 inches
- Actual Dimensions: Not measured in person
- Lid Protrusion: Not measured in person
Why the Discrepancy? The dimensions listed online often differ from actual measurements due to manufacturing tolerances and design changes. To provide accurate information, I personally visited each store and measured the totes. This effort ensures that you get the most reliable data for building your storage rack.
Importance of Accurate Measurements
Accurate measurements are critical for building the storage rack correctly. The totes rest on their lid flaps, and if the rack is not built to precise dimensions, the totes may not fit properly or could fall through. Ensuring the correct measurements and construction will provide a stable and secure storage solution.
Review Summaries and User Feedback
This summary is based on analyzing thousands of reviews from real users on various sellers’ websites.
Costco
Positive:
- Durability
- Versatility
- Stackability
- Capacity
- Value for Money
Negative:
- Lid Issues
- Inconsistent Quality
- Price Discrepancies
- Customer Service
- Brittleness
Sam’s Club
Positive:
- Durability
- Affordability
- Versatility
- Secure Lids
- Ideal Size
Negative:
- Lid Issues
- Material Quality Variance
- Odor
- Stock Availability
Home Depot
Positive:
- Durability and Sturdiness
- Stackability
- Versatility
- Lockable Lids
- Weather Resistance
Negative:
- Design Changes
- Brittle Lids
- Strong Chemical Odor
- Flimsy Material
- Incorrect Sizing
Lowe’s
Positive:
- Sturdiness
- Stackability
- Large Capacity
- Good Value
Negative:
- Flimsy Lids
- Strong Odor
- Potential Water Seepage
- Varying Material Quality
Walmart
Positive:
- Similar to other brands in durability and usability
- Weather-resistant
Negative:
- Higher price compared to similar products
- Limited reviews available
Office Depot
Positive:
- Similar durability to other brands
- Versatile for various uses
Negative:
- Higher price point
- Limited availability and stock issues
Amazon
Positive:
- Sturdiness and Durability
- Stackability
- Weather Resistance
- Large Capacity
Negative:
- Broken or Cracked Lids
- Strong Odor
- Flimsy Material
- Higher Price
Recommendations for Choosing the Best Tote
After spending hours visiting stores and comparing totes, I found the Home Depot totes to be the most durable and reliable. As a huge fan of Home Depot, I was pleased to see they even price-matched the lowest cost from Costco and gave me an additional 10% off. The combination of durability, affordability, and excellent customer service made them my top choice.
However, other totes from Costco, Lowe’s, Sam’s Club, Office Depot, Amazon, and Walmart also offer great options depending on your specific needs and preferences. Each has its own set of advantages, and your choice may vary based on factors like price, availability, and specific use cases.
Conclusion
Choosing the right tote is essential for maximizing the efficiency and organization of your storage rack. My hands-on research and comparison have shown that while Home Depot offers a standout option, other stores also provide excellent choices. Your decision should be based on your unique needs, preferences, and the specific dimensions of your storage space. Investing time in selecting the right tote will ensure that your storage system is both functional and durable, ultimately saving you time and effort in the long run.
Affiliate Link Notice
I recommend tools and materials that are reliable and well-reviewed. By purchasing through my affiliate links, you support my work at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!
FAQs
Q: What makes the Home Depot tote different from others? A: The Home Depot tote has slightly different dimensions and lid protrusions, requiring a specific version of the DIY storage rack plan.
Q: How do I ensure my totes fit properly in the storage rack? A: If you’re using Home Depot totes, purchase the Home Depot version of the plan. For all other totes, use the standard version of the plan.
Q: Do you have DIY plans for both the Home Depot totes and the others? A: Yes, I have versions for each. The Home Depot version and a standard version for all other totes.
Q: How do I deal with strong odors from the totes? A: Leave the totes open in a well-ventilated area for a few days to reduce any strong chemical smells.
Q: What are the security holes for? A: The security holes are used for zip ties and locks to secure the lids, ensuring the contents remain safe and secure.
Q: Are these totes tough? A: Yes, these totes are designed to be durable and withstand heavy use.
Q: Do these totes carry easily? A: Yes, they are equipped with molded handles for easy carrying.
Q: What are the tie-down grooves used for? A: The tie-down grooves make it easy to secure the totes during transport, whether in a car or a truck.
Q: What about the smooth exterior? A: The smooth exterior makes the totes easy to clean and maintain.