I Keep These $30 Storage Baskets in Every Room of My Small Apartment (I Bought 3 Sets!)

I expected to have less storage space when I moved into my small apartment in New York City, but when I finished unpacking only to find a dizzying amount of items with nowhere to go, I knew I needed storage help. Multiple rounds of decluttering and dozens of online orders later, there was one gem I kept coming back to (seriously, I ordered three sets!). It’s these Cotton Rope Storage Baskets from Amazon. 

Baskets are by no means a new invention, but these are special. They hit that sweet spot between style and function, making them a go-to for storage dilemmas I don’t know how to deal with. Now they’re all over my apartment. If you’re in a similar situation, allow me to put you on to this clutter-clearing find. 

They’re woven, rounded-rectangular baskets that can be used to store anything and everything, from toys and towels to blankets and books. Measuring 14.5 inches long, 9.5 inches wide, and 9.3 inches tall, they’re perfectly sized to fit above most kitchen cabinets, at the top of your closet, or in an IKEA KALLAX. The baskets are soft and pliable due to their cotton rope construction, but structured enough to hold their shape — all the better for packing full of items. 

They come in a pack of three and are available in 12 colors. One more thing, they arrive folded. I put some heavy coffee table books in mine and they shaped up in no time!

After scrolling through pages of plastic bins, I was immediately drawn to the baskets’ stylish woven design. The simple, unobtrusive design blends in perfectly with my existing decor, and adds a little extra polish. I had exhausted the storage space in my bathroom, for example, until I plopped one of these baskets on top of my toilet tank. Seems obvious, but it looks way better than it did before. It’s now home to extra toilet paper rolls and bulky hair-styling tools. 

While other fabric bins can be magnets for dust, these still look brand new (yes, even in white!). Plus, I love that I can just chuck them in the wash if they ever get dirty, though I haven’t had to wash mine yet. 

Between the pliable shape and generous dimensions, these storage baskets can hold a surprising amount of stuff. The two that live at the top of my closet are stuffed and stacked tall with towels and miscellaneous bags and packing cubes (storage inside of storage, I know), and have held up incredibly well. I also keep the baskets in my IKEA KALLAX-turned-media console; one holds my dog’s toy collection and the other keeps my various WFH supplies tidy and organized. 

As a renter, there are certain design decisions that are out of my control — like putting cabinets above and beyond arm’s length of my fridge. Those cabinets were essentially no-man’s-land for a time, until I got these baskets. Now, everything that was impossible to access before (extra paper towels, light bulbs, tea towels, etc.) lives conveniently within reach. 

The storage baskets will run you $30 for 3-pack, which is hard to argue with given their premium quality. I’ve purchased three sets myself and have no regrets, I don’t think you will either! 

Buy: XUANGUO Cotton Rope Storage Baskets, $30