Useful storage boxes

As we often use our van for things other than holidays like commuting, taking the dogs out, shopping etc, I try to keep it as empty as possible to keep the weight down.
This was starting to present a problem by way of taking ages to get everything together and put it in the van before going away and no matter how many lists you have there's always something that gets forgotten.
We considered boxes to store it in but that gives you the problem of what to do with the boxes when you are on site/overnighting.
I think I have found a good compromise though. Whilst browsing the local Tesco store I came across collapsible boxes that measure 445x320x230 (32 litre).
We now keep everything we need like heater, canned/dry food, pots and pans, toilet accessories etc in the boxes, when we want to go away we just put the boxes in the van and we are off in less than 15 minutes.
When we arrive we stow the items where they are supposed to go, collapse the boxes and put them in the overhead locker out of the way.

Great minds think alike,
we've had a few in the van (& cars) for a while now, but beware, the small lugs that keep it together are fragile, we already bust a couple.

We use those too. Got ours from Block & Quayle though.

Frank

I've been looking at these with interest. There are at least two types - the smaller ones that Tescos and Dyas sell, which are reputed to be a bit fragile - mainly because they are designed to be lightweight.

The other ones I've found in Homebase are the same design, but quite a bit bigger, and a fair bit stronger too, with a 60l capacity. Quite a lot more costly at £10.49 each though!

We use one between the front seats for all the bits needed when travelling eg map, magazines, phones, torch etc. Only trouble is it can become a bit of a junk hole if we are not careful as it becomes quite natural to leave it in place all the time.

B and Q. Just a few pound each. Very useful.

I have had mixed success with folding boxes. My original Curver ones were quite sturdy, but I haven't been able to find these recently. I bought some B&Q ones - dirt cheap - complete rubbish. Fell apart first time I used them. Any recommendations welcome.

Our B&Q ones were dirt cheap (part of the attraction) but they've been fine so far. They've lasted a lot longer than I expected. They were bought as disposable containers but they're still going strong nearly a year later

Frank

They have another use, place behind front door so mail drops into them and when you open the door it slides away (positioned using string through letterbox) saves paying the PO for halting mail and when you get home they collapse for easy storage. They will also fit under (open) the bench seats of Windsors, Sigmas possibly Broadways etc for food storage etc. Very versatile purchases they were either Pound Shop or Tescos

Chinaexplorer wrote:I have had mixed success with folding boxes. My original Curver ones were quite sturdy, but I haven't been able to find these recently. I bought some B&Q ones - dirt cheap - complete rubbish. Fell apart first time I used them. Any recommendations welcome.

Hi there,

Noticed that Lidl have some on their shelves in Skegness!

Don't know how sturdy they are but I can guarantee that they will be cheap!

Best regards,

Ian

Use mine to hold the 'Pitch in use' Number-plate, when on a gravel only site ......

If anyone wants to pinch it, will they please leave the Number-plate behind

Brian

hi all fold up boxes the range 2.99

We use the very sturdy 46L Blue boxes from B&Q. However we don't store them on the van whilst away, we only use the boxes as an easy way of loading and unloading the van that is kept away from home. We've found them very usefull as throughout the year you tend to pick up various usefull items. When we get home they are put straight into one of the boxes so it can't be left behind. It's supprising how much it's speeds up loading the van with everything being in stackable boxes and you don't have to hunt around the house for this and that.

I love the blue crates that can often be found behind sandwich shops. Don't know what they buy that goes into them (Bread rolls??), but they're brilliliant. Reasonably sturdy, about the height of a tin of beans and stack very well in the food cupboard. I aquired a number from work when we had regular Friday morning deliveries of bacon butties, but the shop never took the empties away. Being relatively low, you don't tend to overload and by lifting the top crates off you can easily get to the bottom.

Good tip about the mail etc Roli Never crossed my miid. Can get these boxes in the Chineese Bazzar's which are everywhere in Spain for about £2.50 If they break always a shop nearby. I use it for the dishes when I do them (after every meal) and for carrying the wet laundry. Excellent piece of kit