DIY Sliding Tote Storage | Easy Build | Lots of Storage & Organization!

Here is what I would consider a pretty easy DIY build that uses 27 gallon totes that can provide a ton of storage and organization to any basement, garage or shed.

In this one I create my own take on a trend I have seen across social media to make an awesome sliding tote bin storage rack. The entire unit is constructed from 2x4s and screws and is a relatively fast and easy build. I use the 27 gallon storage bins from Lowes, but my plans can be easily adjusted for the type of bin and location that you are planning on. Home you enjoy and please leave any questions or comments below. Thanks!

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[karendunlop]

I volunteer for a pet food bank and this is exactly what I want to build for our storage unit. Thanks for the plans.

[superdataman]

Thanks for the cut list, the source of your bins (Lowes) and the assembly video. My wife and I are organizing our garage and basement. I appreciate the time you took to help me build it efficiently.

[alanesterline]

There are several out there but your video is probably the best at explaining what, how and why you did what you did. The drawing you gave with the explanation that it is for Lowes tote is GREAT. It allows us to see the general plan and easy to modify it to fit the brand of tote we are using. Nearest Lowes is 180 miles away HD and Menards are about 5 miles from the house.

[northjerseykevin]

Pro tip…… Always cut your longest pieces first. That way maybe you can get some of the smaller pieces from the scrap. It also gives you the the opportunity to use then for the smaller pieces if you screw up

[DonFronShow]

To strengthen it. Take a scrap 2x4 and cut both ends at a 45° and screw it to the back corners. Simple corner brace and will take all that sway out

[larryaz]

Perfect timing, I'm getting ready to finally up my storage in my garage and this just might be the perfect solution. Well done sir!

[dougfowler]

Really enjoy your builds and content. Showing my wife this and I know it will be a build for the basement. Brother, some day, please put together plans for that workbench. I have all the same tools. Thanks again!

[scottmanTube]

Love this. If you put what was each bin in an individual excel file. Then create a QR code for the corresponding excel. You can put the picture of the QR on the front of the bin. Then scan the bin with your phone to see what’s in what ( and label bins 1-10 )

[benlake]

Thanks Tech Teacher! Nice video and clear instructions. With this as a starting point, viewers can make their own version to suit their particular application.

If you don't plan to occupy every shelf with bins, you could add some intermediate horizontal rails (keeping within the overall spacing module), and with a piece of plywood make an open shelf/tray to slide in. Add some sides to the shelf/tray if needed to strengthen it, and it can be a handy way to keep hand tools and other smaller miscellaneous items accessible.

I was passing by a donut shop, and I saw they had a mobile frame with aluminum angles every 3" or so to hold baking trays. I don't need that many donuts, but it looked like a good idea for storing hand tools on a tray. Similar idea to your tote storage rack in a different material and scale.

Very nice job, thanks again.

[Soleya]

I recently used a lot of those totes for a move, and found out that the Costco and Home Depot ones are slightly different and don't nest within each other. According to specs they are all different sizes.
Dimensions in inches:
Costco 30.4 x 20.4 x 14.7
Lowes 30.6 x 20.6 x 14.3
Home Depot 28.5 x 19.6 x 15.1
Maynards 28.5 x 19.375 x 15.25

[dougmiller]

Great project, only adjustments I'd make would make are
1) pressure treated for the bottom horizontal frame
2) I'd rip the 2x4 to 2x2 for the sliders.
3) wood glue and air nail the sliders, faster, cheaper, and glue is stronger than 2 screws

[el]

Thank you for this video. I just bought 8 bins from Lowes. They were $10.98 each bin. Someone shared that they could have a strong plastic smell. I went and smelled every bin I bought. I picked the ones that didn’t have a strong plastic smell. They are there. You just need to find the ones that barely have a smell. I also made sure all lids clicked well to the bin. Each one did with no problems.
I picked Lowes since my Costco membership ends in a month and I wont be renewing. So I picked Lowes since I can always go back for more later. Plus the lid stacking will match. Hope this helps anyone

[pigsfly]

Love the tote storage idea. Great video!!

[nenagravil]

I've watched a few videos on making these and this is the best demonstration of the process I've seen. Thanks, this is going to be my project for this weekend!

[MrHandyDad]

Love this style storage. I just got new house, this will be in my garage...
Pre drill screw holes in to softwoods - pro move...

[seanmgordon]

An OCD dream right here. Great idea and another great video :)

[ryanjoseph]

Great video. The builds are always so clean!

[Snappergrabber]

Thanks for this video, I really enjoyed watching. I liked your idea for getting 3 equal length boards out of an 8’ 2x4.

[IDYM]

AWESOME step-by-step video, Bro! I've been trying to make the storage for my plastic boxes for some time now. This will help me so much. Props to You!

[miguelpurgatorio]

Brilliant, I will be building this soon!