When I purchased my new sewing table, I noticed this nice cubby-hole of space beneath the table on the left side. As soon as the table was delivered and installed, I had my measuring tape in hand. The space measured 14" wide x 24" high x 17 7/8" deep. There had to be a plastic storage container that would fit in that space ... and I found it in the Sterilite Ultra Storage Drawer -- model #1804.


What the Container Looks Like

This is a very attractive storage box. The sides are a matte white color with a see-through slide-out drawer. The drawer has a slightly curved gray handle that is easy to grasp. The 16-quart drawer measures 12 7/8" wide x 8 3/4" high x 16 5/8" deep. Each drawer is designed not to pull out all the way so that the drawer and contents don’t spill on the floor. However, slightly tilt the drawer and lift up, and the drawer comes free of the unit. The drawers also neatly stack one upon the other. They are perfect for the available space beneath my sewing table.

Sterilite says their Ultra Storage Drawer is composed of a unique high-strength design that helps the drawers when stacked to evenly distribute the weight to the outside of the frame. Doing this helps the stacked drawers open and close smoothly, even when filled with heavy items. The drawers also interlock so that they are stable. When the drawers are closed, they close all the way. The drawer fits well inside the housing.


My Setup

I purchased two of the Sterilite Ultra Storage Drawers. (Model # 1804 is the medium size of this drawer style. There are three sizes of these drawers.). The two drawers fit snugly together, one atop the other. Looking at them, you would think it was one unit instead of two stacked drawers. The clear fronts of the drawers are great for seeing what is inside, too. I use the top drawer for all sorts of sewing supplies ... even my machine-quilting hoops fit in this drawer. The bottom drawer holds more general craft supplies such as fabric crayons and the bags of small plastic beads to stuff the pincushions I make.

There is still room atop these two drawers for yet another drawer. I’m thinking of purchasing the smaller Sterilite Ultra Storage Drawer, but the drawer height would be the exact measurement of the remaining vertical space beneath my sewing cabinet ... so I’m not sure if that would be my best purchase choice.

Then again, I could leave the top of my two stacked drawers bare. The wide top surface makes a nice area to place projects in progress or sewing patterns and books that I’m using. Ah ... decisions!


So Many Different Things to Store!

I own a lot of sewing gadgets and gizmos. I’m a sucker for sewing goodies. Buying the Sterilite Ultra Storage Drawers offered yet more space to organize my sewing room. But I can see where these drawers would be great for storing other items.

* Kitchen / Pantry
Extra gadget space
Cookie Cutters
Spices
Jello or Pudding drawer
Plastic Bags

* Bedroom
Socks
Shoes
Small Handbags
Bandanas / Scarves
Hair Styling items

* Bathroom / Linen Closet
More Hair Styling items! (Can one have too many?)
Soap / Lotions
First Aid Kit supplies
Wash Cloths or Hand Towels
Linen Table Napkins and Napkin Holders

* Other Uses
Diabetic / Medical Supplies
Garden Seeds
Pet Supplies
Small Toys
Batteries
Sports Equipment (nothing too large)
Computer Gadgets
Office Supplies

These are just some ideas. These drawers are great for wherever you need drawer storage.


This Isn’t Your Grandmother’s Sterilite

I remember seeing Sterilite products at various times during my “growing” years. The plastic never impressed me ... especially when compared to Rubbermaid or Tupperware items. It seemed flimsy, and I questioned how long it would last. Well, someone at Sterilite issued improvements to their product ... or maybe I’m seeing things differently now that I’m a bit ummmm, well I’ll say “seasoned”. Sterilite has some really nice merchandise on store shelves.

I found it interesting to learn (since I live in Massachusetts) that Sterilite began operating in Fitchburg, Massachusetts -- a place known for industry and manufacturing. Sterilite was founded in 1939 and began as a manufacturing plant for plastic-injected heels for woman’s shoes. Plastic heels that melted in the heat were not a big success, so Sterilite focused its plastic business on housewares. I never knew that Sterilite was a partnership involving brothers, Saul and Edward Stone . . . and Earl Tupper, the eventual inventor of Tupperware. The Stone family still owns and operates Sterilite.


Summary

I’m enjoying these Sterilite Ultra Storage Drawers so much that I’m considering buying more drawers for other areas in the house. They are sturdy, open and close well even when heavy, and they look nice. The finish makes them easy to clean, too. Best yet, each of these drawers only cost $5.47 at Walmart. I’ve also seen them for sale at kitchenetc.com for under $6.00 each. I’m very pleased with my purchase.

I hope you have found this review useful.

Enjoy your day,
Dawn
http://dlstewart.com


Additional Information

Sterilite Corporation
30 Scales Lane
P.O. Box 524
Townsend, MA 01469


Please read my other reviews.

KitchenEtc.com (online store)

Quilter’s Dream Sewing Table

Rubbermaid 3-Drawer Cabinet

Oneidea Premier Flatware

FreeStyle Blood Glucose Monitoring System

Mighty Bright Light

Acco Electric 3-Hole Paper Punch

Dazzle 6-in-1 Multimedia Reader

The Private Navy of Sgt. O’Farrell -- Bob Hope movie

JVC DVD Player




Copyright 2004 Dawn L. Stewart

Recommended: Yes