Why Milk Crate Storage Still Works — If You Do It Right
Milk crates have been used for storage for decades because they are:
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Strong
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Stackable
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Affordable
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Easy to move
But standard milk crates alone often fall short:
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They tip or slide
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They don’t lock together
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They aren’t optimized for organized access
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They weren’t designed as a system
CrateMate® was created to turn ordinary milk crates into a purpose-built storage solution — one that’s modular, stable, and designed for real-world use.
What Is CrateMate®?
CrateMate® is a heavy-duty crate accessory system that enhances standard milk crates by improving:
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Stability
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Stackability
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Organization
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Mobility
It allows milk crates to function as a modular storage system rather than loose containers.
CrateMate is Made in the USA and designed for long-term, repeat use in residential, commercial, and mobile environments.
How CrateMate Works
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Heavy-Duty Construction – Reinforces crate stability – Prevents tipping in garages, shops, and vehicles
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Modular Compatibility – Works with standard milk crate sizes – Expand or reconfigure storage as needs change
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Improved Stackability – Helps crates stay aligned – Reduces collapse when stacked
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Portable Design – Easy to move or reposition – Ideal for changing workspaces or seasonal storage
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System-Based Approach – Turns crates into organized units – Supports efficient access to tools, supplies, and gear
Who CrateMate Is For
CrateMate is designed for people who need flexible, durable storage — not disposable bins.
Ideal For:
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Garage organization
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Workshops and maker spaces
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Warehouses and light industrial use
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Dorm rooms and apartments
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Job sites and contractors
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Mobile storage in vans, trailers, and trucks
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Basements and utility rooms
What CrateMate Is Not
Clarity prevents mismatched expectations.
CrateMate is not:
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A flimsy plastic bin
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A decorative storage box
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A fixed shelving system
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A single-use organizer
It’s built for strength, modularity, and real use.
CrateMate vs Generic Storage Bins
Many people compare CrateMate-enhanced milk crates to:
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Cheap plastic storage bins
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Fabric organizers
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One-piece shelving units
Key Differences:
| Feature | Cheap Bins | Shelving Units | CrateMate System |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modular | ❌ No | ❌ Fixed | ✅ Yes |
| Portable | ❌ Limited | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Heavy-duty | ❌ Often thin | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Expandable | ❌ No | ❌ Limited | ✅ Yes |
| Space efficient | ❌ Bulky | ❌ Fixed | ✅ Yes |
CrateMate combines strength + flexibility without committing you to permanent furniture.
Common Use Cases for CrateMate
Garage & Workshop
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Organize tools, hardware, and supplies
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Keep items accessible but contained
Dorms & Apartments
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Compact storage that adapts to small spaces
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Easy to move during relocation
Job Sites
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Temporary tool and material storage
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Easy to reconfigure as tasks change
Mobile Storage
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Vans, trucks, trailers
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Keeps gear organized during transport
Made in the USA — Built for Long-Term Use
CrateMate is manufactured in the USA using durable materials designed to withstand:
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Repeated loading and unloading
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Weight stress
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Frequent repositioning
It’s intended to be used season after season, not replaced yearly.
How CrateMate Fits into a Smarter Storage System
CrateMate works best when storage is treated as a system, not a single purchase.
It pairs well with:
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Milk crates of standard dimensions
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Labels for inventory tracking
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Mobile platforms or dollies
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Workbenches and shelving
This makes it especially useful for people who value adaptability.
Where to Buy CrateMate®
CrateMate is available directly from FLI Products and select retail partners. Availability may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size milk crates work with CrateMate?
CrateMate is designed to work with standard milk crate dimensions commonly used for storage.
Is CrateMate permanent?
No. It’s modular and designed to be reconfigured or moved as needed.
Can CrateMate be used in vehicles?
Yes. Many users choose crate-based systems for mobile storage because they are compact and stable.
Is CrateMate suitable for apartments or dorms?
Yes. It’s space-efficient and easy to relocate, making it ideal for renters.
Where is CrateMate made?
CrateMate is proudly Made in the USA.
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