Storage Cubes

By Jen

Have you seen the iTSO Storage System at Target? 

(Photo from Target.com)

It is a cube system, just like most of the other storage systems out there today.  But this one is sold in separate, single cubes that snap together, so it is fully customizable.  The actual cubes are plastic, instead of wood, so they aren't as nice looking as I like to have in my main house.  But the bins that fit inside the cubes are the best I've seen anywhere.  They are far sturdier than the normal fabric bins.  They are made of a very tough cardboard and they feel more like vinyl than fabric.  If they fit into the standard wooden cubes, I would be a very happy camper.  Sadly, they are larger than average, so you have to use them with the iTSO system. 

I bought a four cube set and put it in my laundry room to hold various laundry-roomy things.  I am really pleased with how well they are holding up.  At first, I set mine on top of my dog's crate (um, don't do this) and they were a little larger than the crate and eventually they warped.  As soon as I noticed this was happening, immediately a month or two later, I put them on a flat surface.  But what surprised me is that they flattened themselves back out.  These cubes can even heal themselves! 

I am not totally enamored with these because they really aren't as good looking as the wooden units.  But for the right area, they are durable and very functional.  The bins are really nice looking and really sturdy.  For a laundry room, garage, or out of the way playroom, this is definitely the system I would go with. 

Comments

[Jess]

The other beautiful thing about the Itso cubes is that they fit perfectly in the Ikea Expedit bookshelf. Twitter told me that and I was thrilled to find it. I bought exactly the one that you picture and we use them for Callum's toy shelf: http://www.flickr.com/photos/duwaxloolu/6821579906

[HereWeGoAJen]

Oh, really, Jess? This is GAME CHANGING information you have just given me.

[Jesabes]

I love those bins! My husband built that cubby thing you recommended (I need to take pictures!) to the exact dimensions needed to use those bins. They've been in heavy use for over six months now and show no wear.

[Alex]

I did the same deal with the Expedit as Jess did. We have two of the 16 cubby Expedit shelves and we filled half of the cubbies with these bins for our playroom. Perfect fit! However since the bins do fit perfectly, the kiddos don't know what is in them without pulling out all the bins. I ended up adding labels to the outside of each bin and for kiddos who are not reading yet, pictures od what is inside would work well.