in the "tundra" states, like ours, we keep emergency supplies in the trunk in them. there's one of sand, one of salt. there's emergency mylar blankets/first aid stuff in another, with matches, candles, and a couple of nested empty tin cans for a "candle holder", and a "melting pot" for snow-to-water in case of blizzard/off the road troubles. we keep some food things in another one--granola bars, nuts, crackers and cheese snacks, hershey bars, etc. when they are in separate containers like that, they can be easily labelled with permanent marker, and stacked or fit into the trunk or back of a minivan without taking up the room of one big container. when you live in blizzard country, and make it through another winter, the reward is that you get to eat those candy bars in the spring. wouldn't want them spoiling, or anything...just remember to restock the next fall!
the grands keep their legos in them, i keep craft things, buttons, etc. in them--and in the kitchen, i keep the popcorn in one; hubby keeps nails and screws in them. they are the greatest "freebie" since the five quart ice cream bucket!