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Litre capacity is the most reliable way to compare storage boxes because it tells you the internal volume regardless of how the box looks or what it is made from.
This guide explains what different litre sizes mean in practical terms, covers the most commonly searched sizes including 40 litre and 50 litre boxes, and helps you match the right capacity to the job you need it for.
The litre rating on a storage box refers to its internal volume. A higher litre number means more usable space inside the box. However, two boxes with the same litre rating can have different dimensions depending on how the manufacturer has shaped them. A tall, narrow 40 litre box and a wide, shallow 40 litre box hold the same volume but suit very different storage situations.
When choosing a storage box by litre size, always check the physical dimensions alongside the capacity rating. Width, depth, and height determine whether the box fits on a shelf, under a bed, or inside a wardrobe, while the litre rating tells you how much you can put inside it.
A 40 litre storage box is a mid-sized option that suits a wide range of household storage needs. These size storage boxes can be suitable for:
A 40 litre box is one of the most versatile sizes for general household use. It is large enough to hold a meaningful amount but small enough to stack, carry, and store without taking over a room.
A 50 litre storage box is a large household storage option suited to bulkier items that need more room than a mid-sized box provides. These size storage boxes can be suitable for:
A 50 litre box is heavier to lift when fully loaded than a 40 litre box, so consider the weight of what you plan to store before choosing this size for overhead or high shelf storage.
For most New Zealand households, a combination of 40 litre and 50 litre boxes cover the majority of general storage needs. Adding a set of smaller 15 to 20 litre boxes for specific categories such as shoes, bathroom supplies, or pantry items rounds out a practical home storage system.
The right storage box size depends on three things: what you are storing, where the box will live, and how often you need to access the contents. Starting with these three questions before purchasing avoids the common problem of buying boxes that are either too large to fit the shelf or too small to hold the items you had in mind.
Most 40 litre storage boxes measure approximately 56cm wide by 40cm deep by 28cm high, though dimensions vary between manufacturers. Always check the product dimensions before purchasing to confirm the box fits your shelf or storage space.
Most 50 litre storage boxes measure approximately 60cm wide by 40cm deep by 32cm high, though this varies across product ranges and styles.
Most plastic storage boxes with flat lids are designed to stack. Check that the lid is rated to support the weight of boxes placed on top, particularly for heavier loads. Using boxes from the same range or manufacturer ensures the dimensions are consistent and the stack sits evenly. Avoid stacking more than three or four boxes high in a freestanding stack without fixing the arrangement to a wall or shelving unit for stability.
A 40 litre storage box comfortably holds a full set of bed linen for a double bed, including a duvet cover, fitted sheet, and two pillowcases. For king-size linen or bulkier duvet covers, a 50 litre box gives you the extra room to keep everything together without forcing the lid. Store linen in a sealed lidded box to keep it clean and free from dust between uses.
Mitre 10 stocks storage boxes across a full range of litre capacities, from small 5 litre options through to large 100 litre boxes, available in-store and online across New Zealand.
Mitre 10 stocks storage boxes across a full range of litre capacities, from compact 5 litre options through to oversized 100 litre boxes, in-store and online across New Zealand.
