How to store unused things, spare parts and old HW

As a vintage computing fan and tech guy. There are things like cables, tools, screws, temporarily unused LAN components, etc. lying around me more often than I would want. In addition sure I also do have various vintage hardware in my small sort of collection. As time passed, the number of things to store gradually increased. I mean I don’t own that many things but two shoeboxes aren’t enough anymore. But it is not just about the actual number of items. It’s also about storage convenience. Shoebox is cheap however soft and in addition, you hardly obtain the same boxes each and every time you need some. It leads to a closet full of different and crumpled boxes. So the overall storage capabilities are not very good. That brought me to the point I started looking for a better solution.

As usually the best starting point when finding any solution – requirement list has to be determined. Then you compare available options with it. Finding out what meets the requirements best is a pretty straightforward matter with it. My requirements are mentioned in the below list.

1. It has to be solid and durable
2. It must have a lid
3. It has to be perfectly stackable
4. It has to be easily available
5. It has to be flat and square inside

I've found a couple of solutions but following meets above requirements flawlessly. So-called Euro containers with hingle lid by AUER Packaging are a great solution indeed. 

These containers are solid, stackable, have a lid, rectangular walls, and flat bottom. There are plenty of sizes available that will probably suit everybody needs. Finally, they are easily available within Europe on their eshop and by local resellers. I picked a couple of 40x30x13.5cm closed containers (there are open and closed variants) for the time being. Last but not least, labels can be placed on the container. So you can easily organize your unused items and you will always exactly know where the everything is. 

A stack of labeled containers.

Containers have a lid with durable hinges.

The lid can be wide open so it doesn't block the opening space at all.

The lid has two manual locks so the unintentional opening is prevented.