By Colin FosterUpdated November 2026
Shopping for storage bins with lids Rubbermaid makes is easier when you know what to compare. This list focuses on five Rubbermaid tote and bin models that differ in capacity, material, clarity and intended use. Our selection criteria were product specifications published by the manufacturer, the brand’s reputation for durability, and recurring themes in owner feedback, such as lid fit, handle strength and how well the bins stack. We did not test these products ourselves. Use the picks below as a starting point, then match the size and finish to the space you plan to fill.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallRubbermaid Roughneck Tote 18 Gal, 6 Pack, Made in USA, Dark Indigo MetallicView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for clear visibilityRubbermaid Cleverstore Clear 32 Qt, 6 Pack Stackable Plastic Storage Bins with LidsView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for large loadsRubbermaid Cleverstore 71 Qt Clear Storage Bins with Lids, 4-PackView on Amazon - 4
Best for small spacesRubbermaid Roughneck Tote 14 Gal, 6 Pack, Made in USA, Dark Indigo MetallicView on Amazon - 5
Best budget pickRubbermaid 6-Pack Totes for Storage with Lids, Heavy Duty Plastic, Black Gray, 10 GALView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Rubbermaid Roughneck Tote 18 Gal, 6 Pack | Garages and heavy storage | Rugged plastic with built-in handles |
| Rubbermaid Cleverstore Clear 32 Qt, 6 Pack | Closets and laundry areas | Clear walls for quick identification |
| Rubbermaid Cleverstore 71 Qt Clear Storage Bins with Lids, 4-Pack | Bulky items and seasonal gear | Large capacity in a stackable clear bin |
| Rubbermaid Roughneck Tote 14 Gal, 6 Pack | Small spaces and shelves | Compact footprint with rugged build |
| Rubbermaid 6-Pack Totes for Storage with Lids, 10 GAL | Attics, campers and general storage | Opaque walls and a versatile 10-gallon size |
Rubbermaid Roughneck Tote 18 Gal, 6 Pack, Made in USA, Dark Indigo Metallic
Rubbermaid Roughneck Tote 18 Gal, 6 Pack, Made in USA, Dark Indigo Metallic, Rugged Plastic Stackable Storage Bins with Lids and Handles
Best for: Heavy-duty general storage in garages, basements and workshops
This is the model for people who need sturdy bins that will hold tools, sports gear, holiday decorations and other heavier items. Its larger volume suits households that want fewer, bigger containers rather than many small ones.
Key specs
- 18-gallon capacity per tote
- Sold as a 6-pack
- Rugged stackable plastic construction with lids and handles
- Made in USA, per the listing
Pros
- Built for rough handling and heavier loads
- Handles make carrying a full bin practical
- Opaque walls keep contents out of sight and protected from light
Cons
- Opaque walls mean you must label contents
- Large footprint can be tight on narrow shelves
Bottom line: Choose this set if your priority is durability and capacity for garage or basement storage.
Rubbermaid Cleverstore Clear 32 Qt, 6 Pack Stackable Plastic Storage Bins with Lids
Rubbermaid Cleverstore Clear 32 Qt, 6 Pack Stackable Plastic Storage Bins with Lids, Great for Closet and Laundry Storage, Organizing in the Home
Best for: Closets, laundry rooms and any spot where you want to see contents at a glance
Clear bins make sense for shoppers who forget what they have stored. The 32-quart size fits neatly on closet shelves and under beds, and it suits organizing clothing, linens and crafts.
Key specs
- 32-quart capacity per bin
- Sold as a 6-pack
- Stackable plastic design with matching lids
Pros
- Clear walls let you identify contents without opening lids
- Medium size fits common closet and shelf depths
- Stacks well for a tidy, uniform look
Cons
- Clear plastic can show dust and dirt over time
- Smaller capacity is less suited to bulky items
Bottom line: A strong fit for closet and laundry organization where visibility matters most.
Rubbermaid Cleverstore 71 Qt Clear Storage Bins with Lids, 4-Pack
Rubbermaid Cleverstore 71 Qt Clear Storage Bins with Lids, 4-Pack, Stackable, BPA-Free, Made in USA
Best for: Bulky items such as bedding, seasonal clothing and garage gear
This larger clear bin suits people who need serious capacity but still want to see inside. It is a natural choice for storing comforters, holiday décor or sports equipment.
Key specs
- 71-quart capacity per bin
- Sold as a 4-pack
- Clear, stackable design with lids
- BPA-free and made in USA, per the listing
Pros
- Large volume handles bulky items
- Clear walls keep contents visible
- BPA-free construction is a plus for stored textiles and kids’ items
Cons
- Size and weight when full can be awkward to move
- Needs deep shelving or floor space to be practical
Bottom line: Pick this if you need high capacity and visibility for oversized storage.
Rubbermaid Roughneck Tote 14 Gal, 6 Pack, Made in USA, Dark Indigo Metallic
Rubbermaid Roughneck Tote 14 Gal, 6 Pack, Made in USA, Dark Indigo Metallic, Rugged Plastic Stackable Storage Bins with Lids and Handles
Best for: Small spaces, shelves and apartments
The 14-gallon version of the Roughneck line offers the same rugged build in a more compact footprint. It works well where the 18-gallon size would overhang a shelf or crowd a closet.
Key specs
- 14-gallon capacity per tote
- Sold as a 6-pack
- Rugged stackable plastic with lids and handles
- Made in USA, per the listing
Pros
- Compact size fits tighter shelving
- Same durable build as the larger Roughneck tote
- Handles aid carrying in and out of storage
Cons
- Less total capacity than the 18-gallon model
- Opaque walls require labeling
Bottom line: Best for households that want durability without giving up too much space on shelves.
Rubbermaid 6-Pack Totes for Storage with Lids, Heavy Duty Plastic, Black Gray, 10 GAL
Rubbermaid 6-Pack Totes for Storage with Lids, Heavy Duty Plastic Storage Bins with Lids, Black Gray, 10 GAL – Stackable for Garage, Attic, Camping (10 GAL – 6 Pack Solid Black and Grey)
Best for: Budget-minded general storage in attics, campers and garages
This 10-gallon set gives you a versatile, mid-size tote in a neutral black and gray finish. It is a practical option when you need many containers for a variety of tasks.
Key specs
- 10-gallon capacity per tote
- Sold as a 6-pack
- Heavy-duty plastic with lids, stackable design
- Black and gray finish
Pros
- Good value for a six-container set
- Mid-size capacity suits many uses
- Opaque walls protect contents from light and dust
Cons
- Opaque walls make contents hard to see
- Smaller capacity than the larger Roughneck and Cleverstore options
Bottom line: A solid choice for buyers who want a versatile set without premium capacity.
Buying Guide
Capacity and Size
Measure the shelf depth, height and footprint before buying. Rubbermaid lists capacity in gallons or quarts, and 1 gallon equals 4 quarts, so a 32-quart bin holds about 8 gallons. Leave a finger’s width of clearance on each side for easy removal.
Good picks for this: Rubbermaid Cleverstore Clear 32 Qt, 6 Pack; Rubbermaid Roughneck Tote 14 Gal, 6 Pack
Clear vs. Opaque Walls
Clear bins let you identify contents without opening them, which saves time in closets and pantries. Opaque bins hide contents and block light, which can help with light-sensitive items. Many owners pair clear bins with labels for quick scanning.
Good picks for this: Rubbermaid Cleverstore 71 Qt Clear Storage Bins with Lids, 4-Pack; Rubbermaid Roughneck Tote 18 Gal, 6 Pack
Lid Fit and Seal
Lids that snap or latch securely keep dust and pests out better than loose covers. Check that lids are sold with the bins and that they lock onto the bin rim. For garages or basements, a secure seal matters more than in a closet.
Good picks for this: Rubbermaid Roughneck Tote 18 Gal, 6 Pack; Rubbermaid 6-Pack Totes for Storage with Lids, 10 GAL
Handles and Ease of Carrying
Built-in handles make it easier to lift a full bin from a high shelf or move it across a garage. If you often access bins from the floor or from a stack, handles also help you grip the bin without tipping it.
Good picks for this: Rubbermaid Roughneck Tote 18 Gal, 6 Pack; Rubbermaid Roughneck Tote 14 Gal, 6 Pack
Stackability
Stackable bins save floor space, but stacks must be stable. Confirm that the bin base nests into the lid of the bin below. Keep heavier bins on lower shelves and limit stack height to avoid tipping or crushing lower layers.
Good picks for this: Rubbermaid Cleverstore Clear 32 Qt, 6 Pack; Rubbermaid Cleverstore 71 Qt Clear Storage Bins with Lids, 4-Pack
Durability and Material
Heavy-duty plastic resists cracking under weight and temperature changes better than thin, flexible plastic. For garages, attics and outdoor-adjacent spaces, look for rugged construction. Manufacturers often specify the plastic grade in product details, and that is worth checking.
Good picks for this: Rubbermaid Roughneck Tote 18 Gal, 6 Pack; Rubbermaid 6-Pack Totes for Storage with Lids, 10 GAL
Care and Maintenance
Wipe bins with mild soap and water and let them dry fully before sealing them. Store bins off concrete floors when possible to limit moisture transfer. Clear bins benefit from periodic cleaning to keep the walls transparent.
Good picks for this: Rubbermaid Cleverstore Clear 32 Qt, 6 Pack; Rubbermaid Cleverstore 71 Qt Clear Storage Bins with Lids, 4-Pack
FAQ
Are Rubbermaid storage bins with lids stackable?
Yes. The models in this list are designed to stack, and their lids and bases are shaped to nest together. Stack bins on a level surface and keep heavier ones on the bottom.
Which Rubbermaid bin is best for a garage?
The Roughneck line is usually the first choice for garages because of its rugged plastic and handles. The 18-gallon size suits heavier items, while the 14-gallon size fits tighter shelving.
Are clear or opaque bins better for closets?
Clear bins make it easier to find items quickly. Opaque bins protect contents from light and dust. Choose clear if you often search for items, and opaque if you store light-sensitive textiles.
How do I choose the right size bin?
Measure the shelf depth and height, then compare the bin’s gallon or quart capacity with what you plan to store. Leave clearance for lifting bins out, and avoid overloading lids, which can prevent a secure close.
Can I store food in Rubbermaid bins?
Some Rubbermaid bins are made from food-safe, BPA-free plastic, but storage bins are designed mainly for household goods. Check the specific product details before storing food, and use containers labeled for food contact for kitchen storage.
How do I keep bins from getting dusty or damaged?
Keep lids fully closed and store bins off bare concrete when possible. Wipe the outside with mild soap and water periodically, and avoid stacking so high that lower bins bear excessive weight.
Conclusion
For most households, the Rubbermaid Roughneck Tote 18 Gal is the strongest all-purpose choice for garages and basements. Shoppers who need to see contents should look at the clear Cleverstore options, with the 32-quart bin for closets and the 71-quart bin for bulky items. The 14-gallon Roughneck fits small spaces, and the 10-gallon six-pack is a practical general-purpose set. Match the size, wall type and durability to your space, and you will get more use from any of these five models.
Sources
- Consumer product safety guidance on storage containers, including tip-over and stacking hazards (cpsc.gov)
- Information on home storage, moisture control and basement and garage conditions (energy.gov)
- Guidance on household plastics, mold prevention and indoor moisture in storage areas (epa.gov)
Related reading
- Storage Bin Buying Guide: Sizes, Materials and Lids
- Extra Large Storage Bins with Lids: 5 Best Picks Compared (2026)
- 7 Best Stackable Storage Bins with Lids for Every Room (2026)
- Waterproof Outdoor Storage Bins: 4 Best Picks Compared (2026)
- Wall Mounted Bins Storage: A Step-by-Step Guide to Freeing Floor Space
- Wall Hung Storage Bins: A Step-by-Step Guide to Mounting and Organizing (2026)
About Colin Foster
Colin Foster is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our home organization guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
