No More Bulky Containers: IKEA's Outdoor Storage Solution Is Flexible

Any outdoor space can benefit from some extra storage. Whether you've got a large yard, a small patio, or a simple balcony, the best way to avoid clutter and keep things safe from the weather is to have some kind of storage solution. While many of us might think that bulky containers can do the job, there are other solutions that are much sleeker and more flexible. For example, IKEA has one that would be a significant upgrade from plastic containers.

This is the IKEA TOSTERÖ storage box, which retails at $99.99, making it a budget-friendly alternative to small outdoor storage sheds or more expensive patio cabinetry. As opposed to those solutions, this storage unit is made of a plastic frame and a polyester cover, which can roll up to open the chest. But don't worry, this is all perfectly waterproof. It's originally designed to hold the cushions and pads from your outdoor furniture when they're not in use. But of course, it can be used for much more, such as soil bags, blankets, shoes, clothing for gardening, or pool toys. You can also use it for gardening tools, as long as they're not sharp and don't risk ripping the fabric.

This is a wide rectangular storage unit that's shaped like a chest with a rounded top. It's roomy, as it measures more than 50 inches wide and 31 inches tall, with about 17 inches of depth. The best part is that it's mounted on wheels and can be moved using a handle on the side, which is perfect if you often need to move your patio furniture around for hosting or cleaning. It's made of only polyester and polyethylene instead of metal or wood, so it's much more lightweight. 

It's worth noting that a lot of reviews mention issues putting the product together and, in some cases, even tearing the fabric. This isn't one of the easiest IKEA products to assemble, so make make sure to read the instructions closely. For a bit of extra help, watch YouTube videos walking you through the assembly process, or look for TikToks with helpful tips for fast and easy IKEA furniture assembly. These can at least help you understand what the common pain points are and avoid additional frustration along the way. 

The main issue seems to be the length of the last three poles, which are long horizontal bars that hold the structure together. While these should hold the fabric tightly in place, some people say they received poles that were too long and tore a hole in the fabric cover. With this step, make sure to take your time and do not use force. Ideally, you'll want to call a friend or family member over to help you so that they can hold the pole in place while you fit the fabric cover overtop. Despite these negative reviews, a majority of customers give this storage unit a good grade (a four-star average over 347 reviews). It's not clear whether those assembly issues were due to user error, faulty products, or just bad luck. 

If you tear the fabric during assembly, IKEA recommends visiting the Returns Desk at your local store within six months of purchase to get the product inspected and exchanged. While this isn't ideal, it's at least a guarantee that you won't be left hanging if something does go wrong.