The Budget-Friendly Costco Storage Item Campers And Travelers Swear By

Trying to cram your overstuffed suitcase full of local snacks, souvenirs, and clothes you bought at the hotel gift shop is a task many find almost impossible to complete. Sometimes, it takes buying quality luggage at your destination just to fit all your extras, but what's the point of getting another suitcase when you already own several at home? Well, crafty travelers have taken to the internet to share how they get around overloaded luggage, with many agreeing that the best solution may also be one of the simplest — a low-priced Costco storage tote.

One TikTok creator, @aracelisalazard18, shared how she uses large, heavy-duty storage bins to transport the extra belongings she needed to bring home from a trip. Costco sells these Greenmade 27-Gallon Storage Bins at an affordable price, with an 8-pack available online for $99.99 (approximately $12.49 per piece). The bins come with zip tie and padlock slots to make sure your bins stay closed and safe, whether they're checked with an airline, riding in the back of your truck, or sitting in the attic. While these bins make for an unusual sight at baggage claim, travelers swear that these are the best way to transport items in bulk.

Add these bins to the list of Costco items that will improve your camping experience and long-distance trips, as they make the perfect storage for turbulent travel because of their durability. In the subreddit r/BuyItForLife, one user reported, "I've done a deep dive and can guarantee the Greenmade [bins] from Costco are BY FAR superior to any others. Superior quality of plastic." Another user also attested to the reliability of the bins, saying, "I imagine if you weren't throwing them around abusively and leaving them out in heat that can and has melted lesser tubs that they would last until the heat-death of the universe."

This is great for people who need to pack items that may otherwise get squished by traditional suitcases and travel bags, like snacks, toiletries, and fragile items. TikTok creator @sonera_polylifestyle shows how she used the same bins to transport a variety of Polynesian goodies through the airport. For folks who don't quite need a 27-gallon tub, Costco also sells Greenmade 12-Gallon Storage Bins made with the same durable material but without the extra room. While smaller, these options might keep you from accidentally overloading your tote and making it unbearably heavy. Either way, these bins are great items to pack to keep camping messes tidy, manage an overflow of mementos, and generally maximize storage space while traveling.