Really Useful Box buying guide
Clear, black and grey storage boxes from 4 to 84 litres. Compare every size by its inside and outside measurements, see which boxes stack together, and pick the right one first time.
Shop all Really Useful productsAbout Really Useful Products
Really Useful Products is a British manufacturer that has been making its boxes in Yorkshire since the 1980s. The design hasn't needed to change much: a rigid polypropylene box, a lid that clips shut with two handles, and reinforced corners that let full boxes stack safely on top of each other. Clear boxes let you see what's inside without opening them, while the black and grey ranges are made from recycled plastic.
Because the lids and footprints are standardised, boxes of different capacities share the same base size and stack neatly together. That makes them easy to build into a storage system that can grow over time, whether that's a stationery cupboard, an archive room or a garage shelf.
Inside or outside: which size do you need?
Every box below shows two sets of measurements in millimetres, given as depth × width × height.
Internal dimensions
The usable space inside. Use these to check that your files, paper, equipment or stock will actually fit.
External dimensions
The full size including lid and handles. Use these to check the box fits your shelf, cupboard, under-desk space or car boot.
Storage tips
In the office
- Store A4 flat. The 4 litre box has an internal footprint of 348 × 220mm, which takes A4 paper (297 × 210mm) lying flat without bending the edges.
- Label the short end. Stacked boxes are usually seen end-on, so put labels where you can read them without moving the stack.
- Keep heavy boxes low. Put archived paperwork in the bottom boxes and lighter, more-used items on top.
- Use clear boxes for shared stock. Anyone can see when stationery is running low without opening the box.
- Standardise on one footprint. Pick boxes that share a footprint so the stack stays stable as storage needs change.
At home
- Measure the space first. Check shelf depth and headroom against the external dimensions, not the litre size.
- Go under the bed. Lower, longer boxes such as the 4 and 9 litre sizes slide under beds and sofas.
- Choose black or grey for lofts and garages. Opaque boxes keep contents out of sight and are made from recycled plastic.
- Keep seasonal items together. One box each for decorations, summer clothes or school kit makes swapping them over quick.
- Don't overfill. The lid should clip shut without force, otherwise the box won't stack safely.
Compare sizes
Boxes are grouped by their outside footprint, so every box in a group stacks with the others in it.
Dimensions are supplied by the manufacturer and may vary by a few millimetres.
Looking for something else?
See the full Really Useful range, including smaller boxes, trays and accessories.
