CleverMade Collapsible Utility Crates-Obsidian 1pck 45L / 11 Gal holds 66 lbs - Stackable Containers Heavy Duty Capacity Crates - Space-Saving Baskets

I didn’t expect a plastic crate to earn a permanent spot in my trunk, but this 45L CleverMade crate did exactly that. After a few weeks of hauling groceries, tools, and laundry with it, I’ve come to appreciate how much thought has gone into something so simple. It’s the rare storage bin that’s sturdy when you need it and practically invisible when you don’t.

Design and build

The CleverMade crate hits a sweet spot in size and weight. Open, it measures 21.1 x 14.6 x 10.6 inches, which is big enough for a full grocery run or a load of laundry without feeling unwieldy. It weighs just 2.8 pounds, so grabbing it from a shelf or sliding it out from under a seat is easy.

The body is 100% polypropylene, a smart choice for gear that sees heavy use. PP is light, non-absorbent, and tough enough to shrug off bangs in a garage or trunk. It also resists corrosion and chemicals, so I don’t worry tossing in cleaning supplies or damp gear. The sides are perforated for airflow, and the corners hinge inward so the whole unit folds down to just under 3 inches. That fold-flat trick is the headline feature—no lids to hunt for, no elastic straps to fight with, and no bulky boxes hogging space when empty.

Handles are integrated into the short sides. They’re not padded, but they’re large enough for a comfortable grip and balanced well for two-handed carries.

Setup and everyday use

Getting the crate from flat to functional takes a few seconds. I pull up the long edge, press the hinged corners into place until they click, and give the top rim a quick press to make sure everything’s seated. For collapsing, I push from the bottom on the short sides, and the walls fold inward smoothly.

The interlocking rim lets you stack the crates three high when open or closed. On a flat floor or garage shelf, that stack feels secure. In a moving vehicle, I keep it to a single layer unless I strap them down—common sense for anything stackable without a lock.

I keep one in the trunk at all times and move it into the house for weekend chores. It fits neatly alongside a spare tire compartment and stows under a bed without getting in the way.

Load capacity and stability

The published load ceiling is 66 pounds. My heaviest haul—two cases of seltzer, a gallon of milk, and a few pantry items—came in just north of 50 pounds. The crate held its shape with only minor flex at the center of the long sides. The bottom panel didn’t bow noticeably. I also tried a concentrated load by placing three 10-pound dumbbells directly in the middle; still stable, no audible creaks.

Carrying heavy loads is where the handle comfort matters. Bare plastic digs into the palm once you’re above 35–40 pounds. It’s fine for short distances, but for longer carries, I’d add a removable grip wrap or gloves. The handles never felt like they would slip or detach—they’re molded as part of the frame—but the comfort could be better for heavy use.

When stacked with a second loaded crate on top (around 25 pounds), the interlocking rims aligned cleanly and stayed put on a concrete floor. I wouldn’t climb on it or use it as a step stool—it’s not built for that—but for storage and transport, the stability is where it needs to be.

Where it shines

• Trunk organization: Groceries stay upright and contained, and the crate keeps bags from tipping during turns. When empty, it disappears under the cargo cover.
• Apartment and dorm life: You can carry a week’s laundry to the machines, fold the crate flat, and tuck it between appliances or under a bed.
• Garage and shed: Tools, garden supplies, and car-care gear stack neatly, and the open sides make it easy to see contents at a glance.
• Farmers’ markets and wholesale clubs: The crate holds boxes and produce without crushing them, and the rigid sides make loading the car faster than with reusable bags.
• Moving and seasonal rotation: Three stacked crates feel far more organized than a tangle of bags, and they fold away once the job’s done.

Practical constraints

No product is perfect, and this one has a few limitations worth noting:

• No lid: If you need dust protection or want to stack other items on top in a truck bed, you’ll need a cover solution. The crate’s design doesn’t include a dedicated lid.
• Open sides: Small items can slide out through the perforations. For tiny parts or craft supplies, a bin with solid sides is better.
• Handle comfort at max load: For heavier carries, consider adding a slip-on grip sleeve or wrapping the handle with tape for cushioning.
• Flex under heavy lateral pressure: The long sides will flex if you push hard from the middle. It’s not a structural issue in normal use, but it’s noticeable compared with a heavier, non-collapsible milk crate.

Durability and care

Polypropylene cleans up easily. I’ve hosed mine down after a garden run and wiped it with a mild cleaner after a grocery spill. It doesn’t absorb odors, and the hinges haven’t loosened after repeated cycles of folding and unfolding. The locking action is positive—just make sure every corner is fully snapped before loading. That one step makes the difference between “feels a bit flimsy” and “feels solid.”

In the sun, black plastic can get warm, but I haven’t seen any warping or color fading. For long-term outdoor storage, I’d keep it out of direct UV, but that’s true for most plastic gear.

How it compares to other options

• Versus fabric trunk organizers: Fabric organizers offer pockets and lids, but they can slump and don’t love heavy, dense loads. The CleverMade crate is more rigid, handles weight without deforming, and cleans up faster. It just doesn’t hide contents or keep dust out.
• Versus rigid milk crates: Traditional crates are extremely tough but take up full volume even when empty, and stacking is less tidy. The CleverMade folds to under 3 inches, stacks with a secure footprint, and is more space-efficient when not in use. It’s slightly less bombproof than a commercial milk crate, but far more convenient for everyday owners.

Tips for best results

• Click the corners: After opening, press each corner until it audibly or visibly locks. It markedly improves stability.
• Distribute weight: Place heavier items near the ends, not just in the center, to minimize flex on the long sides.
• Add grip if you carry heavy: A simple handle wrap improves comfort for long carries above 40 pounds.
• Stack on level surfaces: The interlocking rims work well, but keep stacks to three high on flat floors and strap down if transporting in a vehicle.

Who will appreciate it most

• Drivers who want an always-ready trunk bin that doesn’t hog space when empty
• Renters and dorm residents who need portable storage that hides away between uses
• Anyone organizing a garage or utility room without committing to permanent shelving
• Market-goers and bulk shoppers who need a sturdy tote for dense items
• People moving house who want stackable, reusable bins instead of disposable boxes

Final recommendation

I recommend the CleverMade crate. It balances strength, weight, and convenience better than most collapsible bins I’ve used. The 66-pound capacity is credible for real-world loads, the fold-flat design keeps clutter at bay, and the interlocking rim makes stacking straightforward. You give up a lid and some handle comfort at higher weights, and the sides are open, so it’s not a catch-all for tiny items. But for hauling groceries, laundry, tools, and household essentials—and then getting out of the way—it’s a practical, reliable piece of kit that earns its keep.