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Bankers Box at Staples: Your Office Storage FAQ (From an Admin Who Orders Them)

Bankers Box at Staples: Your Office Storage FAQ (From an Admin Who Orders Them)

If you're looking at Bankers Box storage solutions at Staples, you probably have some specific questions. I get it—I'm the office administrator who orders these things. Over the last five years, managing supplies for a 150-person company, I've ordered my fair share of file boxes, magazine holders, and those giant playhouse boxes for company events. I've also had my share of "oops" moments with sizing and ordering.

So, here are the real answers to the questions I had (and the ones I learned to ask the hard way).

1. What are the actual Bankers Box dimensions in inches?

This is the number one question for a reason. Getting it wrong means stuff doesn't fit on your shelf. The most common "Bankers Box" size—the classic Stor/Drawer file box—is 10" H x 12" W x 15" D. Seriously, write that down.

But here's the thing I learned: not all Bankers Boxes are that size. That's just their flagship. Magazine holders are obviously different. And those literature sorters? Way shallower. The conventional wisdom is "a Bankers Box is a Bankers Box." My experience with consolidating files across three departments suggests otherwise. Always check the product listing for the specific item's dimensions. I learned that after ordering 20 boxes that were two inches too tall for our records room shelves.

2. Is buying Bankers Box from Staples a good deal?

It can be. Staples often has good promotions, especially if you're a business account holder. Plus, the convenience is a huge factor. When we need storage now for an archive project, I can often get next-day delivery or even same-day pickup.

I went back and forth between ordering direct from a wholesale supplier and using Staples for about a month. The wholesale route offered a slightly better per-unit cost on paper. But Staples had the stock ready to go and simplified our invoicing. Ultimately, I chose Staples for most orders because the time I saved our accounting team on processing one consolidated invoice instead of multiple small ones was worth more than the minor savings.

3. What's the deal with the clear plastic bag with a handle?

Oh, you mean the one that sometimes comes with the Bankers Box Stor/Drawer? That's for hanging folders. It's a separate accessory pack—the Hanging Folder Frame Kit. It's basically a lightweight plastic frame that sits inside the box, and the bag holds the frame parts before assembly.

We didn't have a formal process for checking if new hires needed these kits. It cost us when I ordered a batch of boxes for a new department and they all needed hanging folders. The boxes came, but the kits were on backorder. Had to make a separate, rushed order. Now, "Hanging folders? Y/N" is a standard question on my intake form.

4. Can I use these for something like graduation party poster ideas?

For storing posters flat? Absolutely. The large, flat Bankers Boxes are perfect for protecting presentation boards, architectural drawings, or yes—graduation posters. They keep them from getting bent or creased.

For actually making posters? That's a different story. The cardboard is durable for storage, but not meant for crafting. If you're looking for cheap poster board for a party, you're better off in the school supplies aisle. But for keeping precious items safe, they're super reliable.

5. Are they really durable, or will they fall apart?

They're durable for what they are: reinforced cardboard. They'll handle years of documents in a climate-controlled office. I have some in our basement archive that are from 2018 and still holding up.

But they're not indestructible. Don't get them wet. Don't overstuff them until the seams bulge. Think of them as the reliable workhorse, not the armored tank. The quality here is consistent, and that consistency is part of the brand's reputation. When a department head gets a box that feels flimsy, it makes our whole procurement process look bad. With Bankers Box, I know exactly what I'm getting.

6. What's a common mistake people make when ordering?

Forgetting about the lids. Some Bankers Boxes are "self-storing" with attached lids, some have separate lids, and some (like many magazine holders) don't have lids at all. If you're stacking boxes to the ceiling, you need a lid.

The first time I ordered a large quantity, I just searched "Bankers Box," sorted by price, and bought the cheapest option. They were lidless. For our needs, that was basically useless. I had to re-order. Basically, filter your search by "with lid" or "self-storing lid" on the Staples site if that's what you need. It seems obvious now, but in the moment, it's an easy detail to miss.

7. How do I take off that stubborn window film or label?

You mean the shipping label or the clear plastic film on some of the plastic-based accessories? A little heat is your friend. Use a hairdryer on a low setting to warm up the adhesive for 30 seconds. It should peel off much easier. For any leftover sticky residue, a dab of Goo Gone or even some rubbing alcohol on a paper towel works. Don't use anything too abrasive or you'll scratch the surface.

This is one of those tiny, annoying things that isn't in the manual. I learned it from a facilities guy after I spent 10 minutes picking at a label with my fingernail. Small tip, but it saves a ton of frustration when you're unboxing 50 units.

8. Any final pro-tip?

Yes: Check the unit count. Sometimes a listing is for a single box. Sometimes it's for a pack of 5 or 10. The price might look high until you realize it's a bulk pack. I want to say I've never accidentally ordered 100 boxes when I needed 10, but don't quote me on that. The shopping cart review is your last line of defense.

Bottom line: Bankers Box from Staples is a solid, predictable choice for office storage. Know your dimensions, know if you need lids or hanging folders, and double-check your cart. It'll save you a headache—and maybe a return trip.