7 Best Device Storage Trays For Maker Space Electronics

Every parent who has navigated the transition from “tinkering with scraps” to serious electronics projects knows the frustration of a single misplaced capacitor stalling an entire afternoon of work. Establishing a reliable storage system is more than just organizing a hobby; it is a fundamental step in teaching children to respect their tools and manage complex cognitive tasks. Selecting the right hardware ensures that the focus remains on innovation rather than the endless search for lost parts.

Akro-Mils 10144 D: Best for Sorting Small Resistors

When a young maker reaches the stage of managing hundreds of individual components like resistors, diodes, and LEDs, simple bags no longer suffice. The Akro-Mils 10144 D provides a structured, high-capacity solution that prevents these tiny parts from vanishing into the carpet.

Its modular nature allows a child to categorize parts by value, which is essential for learning how to read color codes and schematics. This level of organization encourages precision and patience in children aged 10 to 14, who are typically ready for more intricate circuit designs.

• Bottom Line: Invest in this unit once the child moves beyond simple kits and begins sourcing individual components for custom projects.

Gratnells Maker Hub: The Gold Standard for Classrooms

Managing a workspace shared by multiple children often feels like a logistical puzzle, especially when projects are mid-construction. The Gratnells Maker Hub acts as a mobile command center, offering deep trays that slide out easily to accommodate bulkier items like breadboards and jumper wire bundles.

Because these units are used in professional school settings, they are designed to withstand years of heavy use. This makes them an excellent candidate for families with multiple children or those planning a dedicated home maker space that will evolve over the next decade.

• Bottom Line: Choose this for a high-traffic, long-term learning environment where durability and accessibility are the top priorities.

IRIS USA 44-Drawer Cabinet: Perfect for Shared Spaces

Shared workspaces require clear visibility, as children often struggle to find what they need if the storage is opaque. The IRIS USA cabinet features clear drawers that allow a child to scan their entire inventory at a glance, minimizing the time spent digging and maximizing time spent building.

This design is particularly helpful for younger makers (ages 7–9) who are still developing the mental map required to organize a workspace. It provides a visual template for where items belong, reinforcing the habit of returning components to their correct “home” after a session.

• Bottom Line: An ideal choice for siblings who share a workspace and need a transparent system to avoid inter-project conflicts.

Stanley SortMaster Junior: Ideal for Portable Projects

Innovation rarely happens exclusively at a desk; young makers often want to bring their projects to the kitchen table or a friend’s house. The Stanley SortMaster Junior offers a rugged, portable option with adjustable dividers that accommodate different types of gear, from microcontrollers to soldering tools.

The locking mechanism is secure enough to survive transport in a backpack or car trunk, protecting delicate components from shifting. This portability encourages a flexible mindset, showing children that maker projects can be mobile and adaptable to different settings.

• Bottom Line: Perfect for the mid-level hobbyist who enjoys collaborative building and requires a durable, grab-and-go solution.

Sterilite Large Clip Box: Best for Bulk Kit Storage

Not every component needs to be sorted into a micro-drawer; sometimes, the best approach is keeping an entire robotics kit or a collection of motors in one secure, stackable container. The Sterilite Large Clip Box provides a cost-effective way to protect large kits from dust and accidental loss.

These boxes are stackable, which is vital for families with limited floor space. They allow for a “modular” storage approach: as a child outgrows a basic kit, the box can be repurposed for new materials, ensuring the investment remains relevant as the child’s skills progress.

• Bottom Line: Use these for long-term storage of project kits that are not currently in active use but are too valuable to discard.

Plano 2-3600 Prolatch: Best for Component Portability

The Plano 2-3600 Prolatch is a staple in the fishing tackle world, but its adaptability for electronics makes it a secret weapon for serious young makers. Its low profile allows it to slide into any drawer or bag, while the customizable interior allows for a mix of large and small items.

For a student working on advanced projects like Arduino or Raspberry Pi, having a dedicated tray for the “brain” and its associated sensors keeps the build phase clean. It teaches the important engineering practice of isolating subsystems to avoid clutter and confusion.

• Bottom Line: A high-value, low-cost purchase for the teen who has transitioned to complex, component-heavy robotics or coding projects.

Really Useful Box 4 Liter: Durable Tray for Components

When a child begins collecting more specialized, somewhat fragile equipment like breadboards or displays, the Really Useful Box series offers unmatched protection. These containers are incredibly sturdy, resisting cracking and warping even after heavy, repeated use.

The standardized sizing means that as a child’s collection grows, they can stack these boxes into a precise, organized tower. This teaches the organizational discipline required for engineering, where maintaining equipment is as vital as the design process itself.

• Bottom Line: Choose these for high-value components that require a rigid, secure environment that will last through years of growth.

How to Organize Electronics by Your Child’s Skill Level

For the beginner (ages 5–7), focus on “macro-storage”—bins where whole kits or project types live together, emphasizing the habit of putting things away. As the child moves to intermediate projects (ages 8–11), shift toward labeled storage where specific components (LEDs, switches, wires) are separated.

Advanced makers (ages 12+) should be encouraged to maintain their own inventory system. This is the stage where labeling drawers by value or part number becomes a skill in itself, mirroring the professional engineering practices used in industry.

• Key Consideration: Always match the complexity of the storage to the current developmental capacity of the child to avoid overwhelming them.

Choosing Trays That Foster Independent Maker Habits

Organization is not just about keeping the room clean; it is about cognitive offloading. When a child knows exactly where their multimeter or soldering iron is, they spend less energy searching and more energy solving technical problems.

Encourage independence by keeping the most frequently used tools at eye level. When children take responsibility for their own organization, they demonstrate a higher level of ownership over their projects, leading to longer sustained engagement.

• Key Consideration: A child who can find their own tools is a child who is significantly more likely to initiate their own projects without parental prompting.

Safety First: Storing Delicate Sensors and Batteries

Safety must always dictate the location of storage, particularly when dealing with batteries and delicate sensors. Lithium-ion batteries, in particular, should be stored in fire-safe containers or dedicated compartments away from conductive metal objects that could cause a short circuit.

Small sensors and PCBs are prone to static damage; keep these in anti-static bags or dedicated small-compartment trays. This teaches children that electronics have inherent risks and sensitivities, fostering a culture of professional safety in the home maker space.

• Key Consideration: Treat storage as part of the safety curriculum; a safe workspace is one where every dangerous item has a clear, protected home.

Equipping a maker space is a balance between supporting current interests and anticipating future growth. By choosing storage that scales with the child, parents foster a sense of autonomy and professional competence that will serve them well beyond their formative electronics projects.