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What I Tested…
Amazon Basics Vacuum Storage Bags ($11.54+)
SPACELEAD Tiered Storage Cart ($19.94+)
HENABLE Acrylic Cabinet Organizer ($7.99+)
Elitehouse Single Door Metal Locker ($169.99+)
Why I Tested…
How I Tested...
Over the course of six months, I ordered four items via Amazon Prime for various rooms in our apartment. I specifically looked for products under $200 with easy assembly. I took notes on each product’s overall quality, ease of setup, and space-saving abilities.
Test Results...
Amazon Basics Vacuum Storage Bags: These bags were ridiculously handy in helping me transition my wardrobe from summer to winter without a closet. I was able to shrink my fur coats and puffer jackets down to less than half their size into two jumbo-sized bags for under-bed storage. The hand pump that comes with it did work, but it was much faster to use our household vacuum. I was able to fit about three to four coats and jackets in each bag, and the bags stacked comfortably on top of the other boxes we currently have under the bed. I also love that they’re sold as sets because I definitely used more than I originally expected.
SPACELEAD Tiered Storage Cart: Not only do we not have a closet, but our bathroom doesn’t have great storage options, either. We got this three-tiered storage cart (in mint green) to fit snugly under our sink, and it delivered. It’s very narrow, but still has the capacity to hold our entire medicine cabinet, including pads and tampons, a first-aid kit, hand sanitizer, soap refills, and skincare. It took about four minutes to assemble without tools and rolls like a dream. I also like that it comes with little hooks to hang towels off the side.
HENABLE Acrylic Cabinet Organizer: These mini cabinet shelves are small, but they have a huge impact. I was able to double the amount of glassware I had in one of my cabinets, with tall drinking glasses on top and shorter, smaller glasses underneath. I love the clear acrylic because it’s nearly undetectable. None of my glasses are blocked or out of view in what’s already a crowded space. These also took less than a minute to put together and have held up for months. They’re also incredibly easy to wipe clean.
Design: theSkimm | Images: Alessandra Rey, Amazon Elitehouse Single Door Metal Locker: This was our investment piece, but one we needed almost immediately upon moving in. We’ve had to get creative with discreet clothing storage, and this tall single-door locker proved to be well worth its price tag. It has four roomy shelves inside that were deep enough to fit piles of my boyfriend’s clothes. Since it's metal, we can add magnets and pictures on the inside for a personal touch. We have uneven floors (it’s a prewar building), so the adjustable legs were a huge plus. This one took us a bit longer to assemble but the instructions were clear.
Sidenotes...
Amazon Basics Vacuum Storage Bags: I found the jumbo size to be great for large winter coats and jackets, but these bags also come in medium, large, and extra-jumbo sizes. We stored these under our bed, but I can see them fitting easily under a couch or behind a piece of furniture and go undetected. Hey, sometimes you have to get crafty.
SPACELEAD Tiered Storage Cart: Initially, the material of the cart gave me pause. It’s obviously plastic and almost looks 3D-printed. But the dimensions were perfect for underneath our sink, so I assembled it anyway. After filling it practically to the brim with items of varying shapes and sizes, I was relieved. The cart held up well, didn’t warp, and rolled around with ease. If anything, the material helped reduce any clanging noises when pushed or pulled.
HENABLE Acrylic Cabinet Organizer: I love how organized this insert has kept my cabinets, but I do wish it was made of a different material. I’ve been trying to reduce the amount of plastic in my kitchen overall, and it's not lost on me that I’m storing my drinkware open side-down on plastic. I did find a non-plastic alternative at a slightly higher price point that I’m planning to switch to.
Elitehouse Single Door Metal Locker: We love everything about our mint green locker, but it is a bit heavy. If possible, get someone to help you with unboxing and assembly.