MUJI, Nitori, Aeon file boxes
How to choose a popular file box?

File boxes are now an indispensable item not only for documents but also for organizing and storing daily necessities. If the author's memory is correct, MUJI's "Polypropylene File Box" has become a spark, and is now a standard item in various general stores.

The author who first bought it at MUJI somehow keeps it at the same store after that, but is there any difference depending on the store? This time, I would like to tell you the differences between the three stores, MUJI, Nitori, and Aeon, and the points to consider when choosing them!

Lineup introduction

We compared three products this time: MUJI's "Polypropylene File Box", Nitori's "A4 File Case", and Aeon's private brand "HOME COORDY" "Clear File Box Horizontal". Both are available in two widths. * All sizes below are outside dimensions

・ MUJI "Polypropylene File Box"
Standard: Width 10 x Depth 32 x Height 24 cm
Wide: Width 15 x Depth 32 x Height 24 cm

MUJI "Polypropylene File Box"

・ Nitori "A4 File Case"
Standard: Width 10 x Depth 31.5 x Height 24 cm
Wide: Width 16 x Depth 31.5 x Height 24 cm

Nitori's "A4 File Case"

・ Aeon "Clear File Box Horizontal"
Standard: Width 10 x Depth 32 x Height 24 cm
Wide: Width 15 x Depth 32 x Height 24 cm

Aeon's "Clear File Box Horizontal"

Size and design

Both are A4 standard, so the depth and width are almost the same. The only one is that the depth of Nitori is 5mm shorter and the width of the wide type is 1cm wider. If you want to put it in a color box or shelf, don't forget to check this area.

MUJI, Nitori, Aeon file boxes
Nitori (right) has a slightly shorter depth

MUJI, Nitori, Aeon file boxes
I put a tissue in a wide size. Wider only for Nitori (right)

By the way, part of the side of Nitori has been cut, making it easier to take tightly packed documents. Aeon comes with parts that connect files together.

MUJI, Nitori, Aeon file boxes
Nitori's box with cut sides

MUJI, Nitori, Aeon file boxes
Connecting parts (2 pieces) attached to the AEON box

MUJI, Nitori, Aeon file boxes
Prevents the box from slipping

MUJI, Nitori, Aeon file boxes
Ion is also characterized by having drawer holes on the front and back

Choose by price

While there is no big difference in thickness or strength, there is a considerable difference in price. Aeon is set at the cheapest price, and if there is no store nearby, you can purchase it at the online shop.

[Reference] Price as of August 2018 (tax included)

MUJI Standard: 690 yen Wide: 990 yen

Nitori Standard: 399 yen Wide: 699 yen

Aeon Standard: 397 yen Wide: 645 yen

Choose by color

In that case, if it is simply decided by ions, another difference is the color variation. All three companies have the same clear color (semi-transparent) as Aeon, but you can also choose "white gray" for MUJI and "all white" for Nitori.

MUJI, Nitori, Aeon file boxes
From the left, Aeon's clear, MUJI white gray, Nitori's all white I like this gray strangely

The merit of clearing is that the contents can be seen faintly, so it is easy to check the location and inventory. Recommended for organizing places with a lot of things such as under the sink and pantry. Other colors if you want to blindfold the contents. The author uses white gray in the living room and Nitori's white, which has a clean feeling around the laundry.

Select as an option

MUJI is the most expensive of the three companies, but you can't miss the fact that it has a wide range of optional items such as A4 size, half size, and pockets for small items. Check it out if you want more diverse storage.

MUJI file box
MUJI has a wide range of optional products

By the way, my favorite usage is the storage method of hooking a garbage bag or a plastic bag on the hanging holder for the file box. It's easy to refill and take out.

Hanging holder for file box
Images are from MUJI and Lichtlab

Hanging holder for file box
Hook a garbage bag or a plastic bag. The back is sandwiching the duster

The polypropylene file box, which is stronger than the paper box and can be washed completely, is an excellent item that helps to keep the house tidy. If you choose a clear color, it seems that Aeon's cost performance is simply good, but I would like to find the best one considering the furniture and interior to be used together. Please refer to it if you are planning to buy more or if you are planning to buy more!