Lowe’s has started advertising a new “teeny tote” on social media.
I haven’t seen this before, and searched it out.
Indeed, there’s a new mini tote box container at Lowe’s, complete with a “snap lid.”
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It measures 4.81″ long x 3.31″ wide x 2.44″ tall and holds a whopping 0.09 gallons of stuff.
Lowe’s says their new Project Source teeny tiny tote box is “a simple, stylish way to prevent clutter while adding personality to any space.”
They show it off filled with gift cards, beads, a couple of screws, or toys and markers such as in this product image.
They also say the small containers have “the same durable construction as the 27 gallon heavy-duty tote.”
Maybe you can use these as fastener organizers or something like that.
Lowe’s says the mini totes are only available for a limited time.
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Price: $2.28
Well, that’s one way to get shoppers into stores to browse through the holiday season tool deals.
Jason
First thing that popped into my head is how many would fit in the 170 gallon tote from Home Depot. Based on the external dimensions of this and internal dimensions of that, should be able to do 840.
Stuart
They can be arranged differently (lengthwise, widthwise, sideways) to minimize gaps.
Figure 1/10 gallon in 170 gallons. I doubt that the answer is 1700, but I think it has to be larger than 840.
Also, most tote boxes are tapered so as to allow for nesting. So maybe they can be stored alternating facing up and upside down too. Each layer might have different Tetris-like packing.
Next challenge, how many of these containers can fit in there when nested?
Farmerguy
Stuart, please make a post doing so. (I’m half serious). All in good fun.
Stuart
I would, but am not willing to track down the dozens of boxes (at least) needed to test for fit.
As for the math, it’d be complex as both container sizes are trapezoidal prisms. Each layer would have a different packing pattern.
KokoTheTalkingApe
ACKSHUALLY they’re not trapezoidal prisms. They’re truncated prisms (or truncated pyramids).
Don’t give me that look! I’m just saying what we were all thinking! 😉
Jason
So inside of the big box is listed as 37.75” L x 34” W x 26.5” H
Outside of the little guy is 4.81″ L x 3.31″ W x 2.44″ H
Here’s how we pack them in:
• 2.44″ H side along the length of the box (fits 15 totes = 36.6” leaving 1.175”)
• 4.81″ L side along the width (fits 7 totes = 33.67” leaving .33”)
• 3.31″ W side along the height (fits 8 totes = 26.48” leaving just .02”)
Layers of 15 x 7 x 8 =840. Tapering may allow for a few more. Someone with $2,000 in throw away money prove me wrong/right
John E
Seen them at my local Lowe’s. Cheaply made.
Lids don’t stay on. Plastic has rough/sharp edges.
Empty margarine tub would be more useful. Plus, you get some free margarine.
Micah
“limit 1” at my local store in MN (at least when ordering online)
NoDak Farming
Someone mentioned tapered sides, and when it comes to storage boxes, sloped sides can be a pain when trying to store certain things. If I’m trying to store items that are already in a flimsy but perfectly square cardboard box, I’d rather have straight vertical sides. And crisp corners. I found a brand called Really Useful Box. They aren’t a bargain product. And I haven’t found any raging good deals on them. But for certain kinds of household storage, I think they are perfect. And useful. Just thought I’d share.
Scotty.
Yes, I found a 9x7x3 Really Useful Box at the thrift store and it is a high quality product.
Farmerguy
My guess for the tapered sides is to fit more in the shipping container nested together than a practical reason for it. Well I guess you can nest them together at home when not in use too.
Stuart
I like Really Useful Boxes too, but as you said it’s not a bargain product. They can be very expensive and also hard to find.
Nate
My local Staples has a half-decent RUB selection, and if you’ve got a Container Store nearby, they carry nearly the whole line. I adore them, but only after I’ve convinced myself that cheaper options cannot possibly do the job adequately.
Stuart
$26.39 for the 9-liter box. Luckily, I also saw they have the same in a 4-pack online-only for $59.39. I have since found slightly lower price at online marketplaces via Spreetail. Blick has decent pricing on a version with lift-out 6-compartment tray. I know the company also makes a hobby tray with lots more compartments, but I’ve never been able to find it anywhere at a reasonable price.
I’ve been meaning to visit a Container Store someday.
ElectroAtletico
Ok. let’s put this thing to bed before the thread gets out of hand. How many of the teeny-bit tote box can you fit in the standard Lowe’s 27gal?
Short answer: 192.
Why: packing by dimensions (not just volume) is the limiter. Try all axis-aligned orientations of the small box (4.81″×3.31″×2.44″) inside the big one (20.6″×30.6″×14.3″). The best fits are:
20.6 ÷ 2.44 = 8, 30.6 ÷ 4.81 = 6, 14.3 ÷ 3.31 = 4 → 8×6×4 = 192
(Equivalently) 20.6 ÷ 4.81 = 4, 30.6 ÷ 2.44 = 12, 14.3 ÷ 3.31 = 4 → 4×12×4 = 192
By volume you might hope for 27 ÷ 0.09 = 300, but geometry leaves unused gaps; the tightest axis-aligned packing tops out at 192 (≈17.28 gal of small containers inside a 27-gal space).
You’re welcome.
Jay Geese
Wonder if this is something that you could just 3d print ?
EBT
I can use these to store my pennies!
Brad
These must only be available in certain markets. None of the Lowe’s near me have any and you can’t order them online and have them shipped. Same thing happened with those small clear totes at Home Depot from a couple months ago.