I have found it! I have found an almost perfect seed storage container.

I recently went into Target to pick up replacement filters for my humidifier, and while searching for them happened upon the storage container aisle. I’ve been on the lookout for something to replace a bunch of my current seed storage bins that have become, through time and my seed hoarding tendencies, over-stuffed with packets. I’ve altered and improved upon my seed storage systems over the years as my collection/bank has grown, and a few years back I outlined the most recent solution [see here]. As I explained then, I do not have one system for all of my seeds, but multiple systems that suit different purposes. I also categorize my seeds by type that are further subdivided within each bin, namely: tomatoes (I must be pushing 200 varieties by now), root vegetables, legumes, herbs, flowers, greens, and so on.

Since then I have made a few changes, namely with the metal drawer units. Because those units are permanently installed in my office, I can not regulate temperature like I can with the transportable bins, and so I don’t keep as many seeds in them. The bulk of my seeds have been transferred to plastic bins because I can store them in the basement (which is consistently cool year-round) and temporarily bring them into the garden or wherever I need them to be. While plastic isn’t ideal and would be ill-suited in a more humid environment, I have never had any trouble in my climate, as long as I am sure to keep them in a cool, dry location out of the sun. I have a bunch of small bins with carrying handles purchased at the dollar store. They are amazing for smaller collections (i.e. peppers) or if I need to carry seeds away from home to trade with friends. However, they’re now too small as permanent containers for most seed categories.

The New Storage System

Within the last year my seed storage situation had begun to become disorganized as bins overflowed and categories/types had to be split up across multiple boxes. I wanted to find bins that were large enough to house my growing collection and keep them organized by category. However, I wanted them to be small enough that I can continue to move them from the basement to the garden, and beyond.

And so, it was pretty exciting when I happened upon the Sterilite Stack & Carry 2-Layer Handle Box. Each bin is actually 2 compartments in 1. The height of each compartment is perfect for most seed packets stacked sideways. Only a few oddly-sized packets did not fit by this orientation within the bin. A whole 2-layer unit measures 14 3/8″ X 10 3/4″ X 7 5/8″. You can stack multiple units on top of each other or remove the lids and clip compartments together in combinations of 1, 2, 3, etc. Target Canada is in the process of closing their stores nation-wide so I got mine on sale for $8.00 each. I only bought 2 because it was all I could carry on the streetcar, but am thinking about going back for more now that I’ve tested packets in them and know how perfectly they fit.

The reason why I had to refer to this as a “near perfect seed storage system” is that I have a few small complaints. Firstly, there are no dividers. I’ve been orienting 2 packets side-by-side. A divider that extended across the length of the bins would be ideal and re-positional dividers that could be placed to divide up sub-categories along the length would be AMAZING. Until I find something like that I will continue to use my cheap n’ cheerful index card system. One other noticeable issue is that the individual compartments do not lock and seal perfectly. There are small gaps that may be better for some since they allow air in, but may be problematic for others since insects could potentially get inside.

Let me know if you buy one of these boxes and how it works for you. I’ll update you in the future should I find something better.

UPDATE: Here’s a photo of the boxes filled with seeds (plus some of the old boxes that are still in use). I even organized my tomatoes alphabetically within their subcategories. That took some doing, but was worth the effort.

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Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post and I do not have business relationships with any of the companies mentioned in this post. However, if you do purchase this product via my Amazon affiliate link, I will receive a nominal fee.