Clear the Chaos With This Easy DIY Tote Storage Rack

Plan the Rack Dimensions

Before cutting a single board, determine the overall size of the tote rack you want to build. For this, you’ll need a few measurements and quantities:

• The size of the wall you have available. The rack’s location dictates the height, width, and depth of the entire structure. For this project, I’m building a custom tote storage rack for the back wall in a compact storage area measuring 83-1/2-in. wide x 78-5/8-in. high, but with some plumbing and heating to work around.
• The size of the totes. The rack will accommodate two different tote sizes—17-gallon and 27-gallon. Gather the width from under the top lip of the tote, height, and depth of the totes with their tops on. The 27-gallon totes measure 15-1/4-in. tall x 17-1/4-in. wide under the lip x 28-1/2-in. long. The 17-gallon ended up being 12-1/2-in. tall x 15-1/2-in. wide under the lip x 26-3/4-in. long.
• The number of totes you have. Our stack of totes had four 27-gallon and eight 17-gallon totes.

With these numbers, we determined we wanted our rack divided into three sections: two sections with tote rails (D) spaced 15-3/4-in. apart for the 17-gallon totes, and one section with tote rails (D) spaced 17-1/2-inch apart for the 27-gallon totes. Though the 17-gallon totes were 2-3/4- in. shorter than the 27-gallon totes, we chose to keep the tote rails at the same height to maintain uniformity.

Cut the 2x4s

Using a miter saw, measure and cut all the 2×4 components according to the cut list above. The four braces () have 45-degree miters on both ends. For those pieces, I recommend cutting the board to its longest length first (35 1/2-in. in this case). Then, cut the 45-degree miters afterward.

You’ll end up with a large stack of cut pieces, so stack and organize them by part. Keeping the piles separated will make assembly more efficient.

Sand, stain, and poly (optional)

This step is entirely optional. I chose to sand and stain to unify the wood’s appearance, masking the natural variations from board to board. Using a palm sander fitted with 150-grit sandpaper, smooth out any splinters and uneven grain.

For the finish, I selected a dark walnut stain, let it dry, and applied a couple coats of wipe-on poly before moving on to assembly.

Assemble the front and back frame

Begin by building the front and back frames of the rack.

• Working on a flat floor, lay out two outside uprights (A) and the top and bottom plates (B), to form a rectangle for the front frame.
• Use 90-degree clamping squares and clamps at each corner to ensure all joints meet cleanly at right angles.
• Drill two pilot holes in each corner using a countersink drill bit. Then, drive two 2-1/2-in. screws into each corner, through the plates (B) and into the endgrain of the uprights (A).
• Repeat the process for the back frame.

Connect Both Frames

With both the front and back frames assembled, attach four tote rails (D), one in each corner, to connect the two frames. Use woodworking clamps to hold them in place while pre-drilling and driving screws from the outside uprights (A) into each tote rail (D).

Once the four tote rails are secured, have a friend help you flip the entire thing over to secure the second frame.

Add the Braces

Attach the four 45-degree braces (F) between the side uprights (A) on each side to prevent twisting during assembly.

Toe-screw one mitered end of the braces (F) to one of the side uprights (A), then check for square. If you’re square, toe-screw the other end of the brace (F) to the other side upright (A). If the frame isn’t square, rack it by standing on the bottom plates (B) and pushing the structure forward or backward until it’s square, then have your helper (or a quick-grip clamp) ready to secure the second end of the brace (F) in place.

If needed, use additional clamps to nudge the braces (F) into alignment before attaching it with toe-screws.

Attach the Inside Uprights

Now it’s time to install the inside uprights (C), which we’ll attach the tote rails (D) to. Align, pre-drill and sink 2-1/2-in. screws through the inside uprights (C) and into the side uprights (A) at the top, center, and bottom of each inside upright. Warped 2x4s can be corrected by securing the straightest end first and gradually working the curves out by clamping and screwing as you move down its length.

Join the Studs for Center Beams

The center beams are made of two uprights (A) sandwiched together. Take the remaining eight uprights and screw them together to make four beams, screwed together at the top, center, bottom. Use clamps if needed to help straighten out any warping in the 2x4s.

Attach the Center Beams

Attach the center beams made of sandwiched uprights (A) to the top and bottom plates (B) of the tote storage rack using 2-1/2-in. screws.

Space them so that there is an 18-3/4-in. opening between them for a 17-gallon tote, or a 20-1/2-in. opening between them for a 27-gallon tote.

Use a square and a tape measure to ensure the uprights are square and parallel to each other while securing

Attach the tote rails

The lip on both tote sizes is about 1-5/8-in. thick. After testing a couple of different heights, I found that two inches was more than enough to easily slide a tote on a set of rails.

Starting from the top, attach the first tote rails (D) to the uprights (A) and center beams two inches down from the top plates (B). Then, space out the remaining three rows of tote rails 13-5/8 in. from the tote rail (D) above it. This gave us just about two inches between the bottom of one large 27-gallon tote and the top of the one directly below it.

Attach the tote rails to the uprights using 2-1/2-in. screws so that they are all aligned with a tote rail across from them and level from front to back.

Install the Ledger

The ledger (E) serves as the anchor point for attaching the rack to a concrete wall. Attach the ledger (E) to the back of the tote rack below the highest tote rails (D). Screw it into the two inside uprights (C) and into the center beam uprights (A) along the back of the tote rack.

Anchor the Rack to the Wall

For safety and stability, anchor the rack into the wall through the ledger (E) using the proper anchor for the wall you are attaching it to.

Our wall was cinder block, so we attached it using 3-1/4-in. masonry screws in three places along the ledger (E). If you are attaching it to walls with studs, make sure you tie it directly into the studs whenever possible.

FAQ

How do you reinforce shelving for heavy totes?

There are many ways to reinforce your shelving for heavy totes, including installing corner braces, screwing plywood to the back to prevent wobble, or, better yet, anchoring it to the wall.

How much weight can a 27-gallon tote hold?

The weight a 27-gallon tote can hold is about 75-100 lbs.

What not to store in plastic totes?

Don’t store food or other perishables, hazardous materials, or anything that could melt like candles in plastic totes.

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What Is “House Burping” — And Why Is Everyone Suddenly Talking About It?

Sometimes you come across a word or phrase that makes you do a double-take. And odds are, “house burping” is one of those terms. While the term might sound like a joke, it actually refers to a long-standing home-cleaning practice that has recently gained significant attention and popularity in the United States. So if you’ve heard someone talking about or come across a headline about house burping, just know you’re not alone.

The unusually named practice has been the talk of the internet of late, but what actually is house burping, where does it come from, and how can homeowners do it safely?

What Is House Burping?

House burping is the process of intermittently, intentionally airing out a residence or non-residential enclosed space by opening windows completely. This is often for several-minute intervals, but the duration can vary based on multiple factors. The concept stems from a German practice called “Lüften,” a daily home-ventilation routine.

Many German households use the cross-breeze from all windows, and sometimes doors as well, for a fresh-air recirculation rather than relying on a slow trickle of airflow through gaps and other air conditioning. After allowing several minutes for fresh air to come in, residents can go back to allowing their heating and cooling systems to run with new, fresh air to pull from.

So, why the unusual name?

It comes from a funny translation. It also does a good job of getting your attention to a serious matter that most people might not realize is important. Fresh air is important for removing indoor pollutants, excess moisture, and odors, while also improving oxygen levels. This can support better overall health goals, including sleep and eliminate unnecessary respiratory irritation.

Does House Burping (Lüften) Improve Indoor Air Quality?

While certain machines, like a home humidifier or air purifier, can help, it is a similar issue of a machine cycling through air as opposed to letting Mother Nature do a quick purification of your home.

American homes have become more tightly sealed through improved insulation, energy-efficient windows, better roofing, and weatherstripping. And while these are great for energy efficiency to control indoor temperatures and reduce utility costs, that comes at the expense of natural airflow. With growing awareness of the importance of indoor air quality, trends like house burping have allowed us to look deeper at how air moves inside houses.

And it’s easy to see why house burping would appeal to homeowners, as it requires no new equipment and is a fairly easy routine to remember and incorporate. You can think of it like another chore. Now, when you open the curtains in the morning, you can also open the windows for a few minutes. Just remember to set an alarm because if you forget, in no time you might have new unwanted pests taking up residence in your home.

It is worth noting that house burping is not a replacement for a well-maintained HVAC system. So even if you’re regularly recycling your air with the windows open you’ll still need to change air filters and check regularly that everything is attuned.

House burping works most efficiently when windows are open in multiple corners of the house and rooms to allow the air to flow with less interruption. Think of it like this: opening the window in your bedroom will let that room feel fresher, but if you open that window AND the living room window across the house, the air can flow more freely.

How To Try House Burping Safely

So, if this is sounding great to you, remember to keep these house burping best practices in mind.

Only practice house burping when outdoor air quality is good and temperatures are not extreme. Local media outlets and weather officials will release updates when outdoor air quality is dangerous. That can include environmental health factors like wildfire smoke or pollen.

Also, if you have children or pets, make sure that they are not in danger of going outside. This is particularly important for residences that aren’t on the ground floor.

Do not leave windows open for too long. If you’re concerned with not getting enough air recycling, consider more frequent, shorter periods with windows open rather than fewer, longer stretches. Home security is also an important factor, as open windows and doors are invitations for unwanted guests.

Sources

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “Introduction to Indoor Air Quality”

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Indoor Environmental Quality”

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• The Real Reason Aluminum Foil Has a Shiny Side and a Dull Side
• Think Adirondack Chairs Are Uncomfortable? You’re Using Them Wrong
• Why You Shouldn’t Crush Aluminum Cans Before Recycling

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Bomb Cyclone Survival: How to Stay Safe During Today’s East Coast Storm

The East Coast is currently weathering a huge snowstorm called a “bomb cyclone.” If you’re unfamiliar with the term, NBC News describes it as “a blizzard combined with hurricane-force winds.” If this is your first storm of this intensity, you need to know what kind of damage it can do and how to keep yourself safe and alive.

What Is a Cyclone?

The Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) explains that “cyclones are large revolving tropical storms caused by winds blowing around a central area of low atmospheric pressure.” The direction the storm revolves in depends on which hemisphere it develops in. These storms will spin clockwise in the southern hemisphere and counterclockwise in the northern hemisphere. When these storms make landfall, they can cause flooding, property damage, power outages and they can be deadly. If you’re in the path of one, your best bet is often to evacuate.

What Makes a Cyclone a Bomb Cyclone?

A bomb cyclone is the colloquial term for “bombogenesis,” which the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) defines as when a cyclone “rapidly intensifies, or strengthens, over a 24-hour period.” Cyclone intensity is measured in part by pressure; when the pressure drops quickly the storm can rapidly get worse. The threshold for “rapid intensification” varies slightly by latitude, but it decreases as you move north. The NOAA explains that this drop in pressure can happen when “a cold air mass collides with a warm air mass, such as air over warm ocean waters.”

How to Weather the Storm

This current bomb cyclone isn’t the first storm to hit the East Coast; this part of the country is no stranger to extreme snowy weather in the winter.  In order to prepare for and stay safe during the storm, you should:

• Have an emergency kit stocked with at least three days’ worth of water and non-perishable food for your family and pets, any prescription medications, a first aid kit, a flashlight and batteries, candles and a lighter or matches, cell phone chargers, a can opener (if you’ve got canned goods on hand), and any extra things to keep you warm like hand warmers, layers, and blankets.
• Get gas for your car and generator before the storm hits.
• Prepare your pipes for the freeze.
• Stay inside as much as possible.
• Wear several layers to stay warm.

Sources

• Cyclones, Australian Institute of Marine Science.
• What is bombogenesis?, National Ocean and Atmospheric Association, March 16, 2024.

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6 Ways to Tell If Your Plywood Is Subpar

Delamination

Watch out for plywood with delaminated layers, as this can greatly diminish its strength and integrity. This defect has several causes.

“Delamination is usually a manufacturing problem,” Fagnund says. “Occasionally, they might have a problem with glues or miss it in quality control.” However, these pieces can still reach the sales floor, so inspect them carefully before buying, especially for structural applications. Delamination usually begins on plywood edges.

Core voids

Voids, or gaps where two sections of a ply layer meet, are an allowable defect, but large core voids reduce plywood’s structural strength. Hidden inside the panel, this issue can be tough to spot. “Sometimes you don’t find out until you cut a piece and find layers missing out of the middle,” Bernacki says. Before buying, press your hand across the plywood surface to feel for soft spots or flexing veneer, both a sign of core voids.

Large or loose knots

Knots are another acceptable plywood defect and not an automatic sign that plywood’s no good. “If you’re buying a lower grade of plywood you will have knots, there’s nothing wrong with that,” Fagnund says. But if the knots are larger than 2 to 3-inches or are loose or missing, that’s a problem. “If you’re pulling the sheet out and the knots are falling off the plywood, I’d walk away,” Bernacki says.

Face veneer defects

Wrinkles, splits and excessive patches in face veneer layers are another tell-tale sign of plywood that’s no good, especially on higher grade plywood. “On a finish plywood, if there’s ripples or bubbles, that’s an imperfection and not supposed to happen,” Fagnund says. On lower grade plywood wrinkles on face veneers indicate lower manufacturing quality, while excessive splits and repairs can compromise the panel’s strength.

Warping

Warped plywood either suffers from poor manufacturing, physical defects — or both. Plywood can warp if it was stored, pressed or dried incorrectly during processing and shipment. This defect also occurs due to large core voids or missing layers, which lower its structural strength. Additionally, warped plywood is more difficult to install as it will not lay flat and can strain fasteners if forced flat during installation.

Mold

“If you pull out a sheet of moldy plywood at the store, put it back and keep looking,” Bernacki says. Mold indicates plywood with a high moisture content from improper storage or exposure to the elements during shipping. This is especially troublesome for interior grade plywood as “it’s not manufactured with exterior-grade glue, so if it gets wet that can cause delamination,” Fagnund says. Installing moldy plywood can also pose health risks to those with allergies or pre-existing conditions.

Tips to Preserve Plywood

Before use, store plywood properly to preserve its strength, shape and integrity.

• Lay plywood flat and store horizontally. Don’t lean it against a wall or risk warping or curving.
• Store plywood in a cool, dry spot to prevent moisture build-up and mold growth.
• Elevate plywood 6 to 12-inches off the ground with wood strips or pallets to promote air circulation and prevent moisture damage.

About the Experts

• Dave Fagnund is the third-generation owner of Fleury Lumber Company, a full-service lumberyard in Easthampton, Massachusetts, in business since 1948. He started working there in 1975 and has been running the company for 35 years.
• Chris Bernacki owns Hickory Property Services in Holyoke, Massachusetts. He brings more than 30 years of experience in the trades as a licensed contractor.

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4 Essential Home Design Tips to Beat the Winter Blues

Living through the endless gloomy days and icy temperatures of winter takes a toll on your mental health. If you’re one of many who can’t remember the last time they saw the sun, bring the sunshine indoors instead! Mood-boosting home decor is a great way to fight seasonal depression. The right paint colors, lighting, and even decorative accessories can help elevate your spirits when the view outside is less than inspiring.

We spoke to both an interior designer and a creative wellness expert to offer decorating tips that will brighten your home and your mood through these long winter months.

How Home Décor Impacts Your Mood

Our surroundings have a big impact on our mood, even when we don’t realize it. “When visual input hits the eye, the signal splits into two paths,” says wellness expert Dr. Eleni Nicolaou. “One path heads to the visual cortex, which is the area of the brain that helps us see the room. The second path heads directly to the amygdala, which is the area of the brain that manages our emotional responses and threat detection.”

This means that an uninviting room with harsh lighting and clutter will heighten our sense of alertness and can make us feel anxious. Whereas a warm and cozy room has the opposite effect. “Your heart rate will slow down, and your cortisol (stress hormone) levels will decrease,” says Nicolaou. “Since you are indoors more during the winter months, these subtle cues add up each day.”

Best Lighting for Beating Winter Gloom

So how can you make your home a cheerful escape from the cold outdoors? Start with the right lighting. “Softer lamps with warmer tones can create a safe and more relaxing environment to burrow into during these darker months,” says interior designer Claire Summer-Jones. “That harsh, overhead ceiling fixture can be too bright, causing eye strain, headaches and even overstimulation.”

Use multiple sources of light, including table lamps, floor lamps, and wall lighting, to create dimension and an inviting atmosphere. Control the light with a dimmer switch so you can create soft lighting at night and brighter light during the day.

Choosing Mood-Boosting Colors

Color definitely has an effect on your emotions and behavior; so paint colors that boost mood, increase energy, and encourage optimism can help fight seasonal depression. “The colors that are going to actually improve your mood are those that remind your body of warmth and daylight,” says Nicolaou. “Terracotta, soft yellows, and peachy hues simulate the color temperature of sunrise and sunset that produces serotonin in your brain.”

If repainting isn’t an option, use cheerful colors generously with big pieces of art, peel-and-stick wallpaper, or in your textiles like bedding and pillow covers.

Adding Natural Elements

When the view out your windows is nothing but gray skies, bare branches, and icy roads, it’s important to add touches of nature to your interior. That way, you can have the hope of spring right inside your living room. A vase full of faux greenery, or a real plant if you have a green thumb, can do wonders for your mental health. Incorporating natural materials like wood and stone also helps ground the space and reminds you of the beautiful outdoors.

Create Cozy Spaces

The bottom line is, you should think of your home as a cozy cocoon that protects you from the dreary weather outside. When you look around at your decor, you should feel a burst of happiness—which can help keep seasonal depression at bay. “Surround yourself with colors and pieces that bring you joy! Bright and bold colors, art that shows a sense of humor—accompanied by some seriously cozy blankets and throws—will bring that happy-sunshine feel in the depths of this cold!” says Summer-Jones.

FAQ

Should I avoid dark colors completely?

Not necessarily. “Dark colors could be oppressive or cozy—it depends on the color temperature itself,” says Summer-Jones. “A rich, dark green can be cool and soft with more blue mixed in, or can be warmer and vibrant with more red. The undertone of the color makes a huge difference, more so than if the color is simply dark or light.”

Can clutter make seasonal depression worse?

“Yes, and the reason for this is because your brain is continuously scanning your environment for potential threats or items that require your attention,” says Nicolaou. “Clutter causes your visual cortex to process multiple objects at once. As a result, your stress levels increase because your brain interprets the clutter as uncompleted tasks.”

About the Experts

• Dr. Eleni Nicolaou is an Art Therapist and Creative Wellness Coach. She holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with a research background in the impact of environmental aspects on mood regulation and stress response.
• Claire Summers-Jones is an interior-focused maker, DIY educator, and owner and founder of Beech Tree Studio. A big part of her work with clients centers around how spaces in your home affect mood, focus and mental health.

RELATED:

• 7 Signs You’re Over-Decorating
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The Home Depot Tool Savings Event Is Here—Just In Time for Spring Projects

Spring’s almost here! Time to shake off the winter blues and get your toolbox ready for all those home and yard projects. If your tools are looking a little tired, The Home Depot has you covered.

The Home Depot Tool Savings Event is going on now, so you can score deals on the gear you need to tackle every DIY dream. Plus, snag free batteries, handheld tools and even jobsite speakers while you’re at it.

We’ve rounded up some of our favorite buys so you can shop smarter and save big.

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The Home Depot Tool Savings Event

Did someone say free tools? This savings event is too good to miss!

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What is The Home Depot’s Tool Savings event?

The Home Depot Tool Savings Event offers huge deals on top brands like Milwaukee, DeWalt and Ryobi. You can score free batteries, buy-one-get-one offers and big discounts on power tools, outdoor gear and tool storage.

Historically, this is one of the best times to snag savings on the brands you trust. We highly recommend stocking up now if there’s a new tool you have your eye on.

Our Top Picks

Not sure where to start? These tools—handpicked by Family Handyman editors—are a great choice.

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Milwaukee M12 Brushless Cordless Extended Reach Box Ratchet

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Deal: Free battery pack with purchase

Built for auto techs, mechanics and HVAC pros, the M12 Extended Reach Box Ratchet is Milwaukee’s newest addition to its ratcheting lineup—reimagined for better access and versatility. This low-profile problem solver is designed for extra-tight spaces. Drop sockets and adapters straight in to reach deep into engine bays, behind equipment or anywhere a standard ratchet won’t fit.

The extended neck saves your knuckles, while the brushless motor delivers the muscle. Expect maximum power and longer life, plus dual LEDs that illuminate the work area. The on-board fuel gauge keeps runtime in check.

When space is tight and speed matters, this tool gets the job done. For a limited time, add a Milwaukee M12 12-Volt Battery Pack free with the purchase of the box ratchet set.

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Milwaukee M12 12V Cordless Compact Band Saw

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Deal: Free battery pack with purchase

You can also grab a free Milwaukee M12 12-Volt Battery Pack when you pick up this Compact Band Saw—lightweight, cordless, and fully compatible with the M12 system.

Powered by a brushless motor with technology that maintains consistent tool speed, it delivers fast cuts with a 2-1/2 x 2-1/2-inch capacity. Weighing just 6 pounds, it’s the lightest compact band saw on the market, built for easy one-handed use with integrated blade covers.

This tool is built tough with impact-resistant composite housing and crush zone protection to handle drops and jobsite hits. The variable speed trigger gives you precise control, the LED lights your cut line, and the integrated rafter hook keeps it right where you need it between cuts.

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Milwaukee M18 18V High Torque Impact Wrench

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Deal: Free with qualifying purchase

Tightening lag bolts, anchoring shelves and securing posts just got easier. The Milwaukee High Torque Impact Wrench delivers cord-free power for faster driving and jobsite productivity. Its brushless motor handles lag bolts and concrete anchors, the 1/2-inch friction-ring anvil makes socket swaps a snap, while the onboard LED lights the way.

Score this guy free when you purchase a main Milwaukee tool, like the M18 18V Cordless Combo Kit.

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Milwaukee M18 18V Cordless Grinder

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Deal: Free with qualifying purchase

Spruce up your garden furniture this spring! Strip paint and rust, smooth welds and tame rough edges on metal tables, chairs and more.

The Milwaukee M18 Cut-Off Grinder packs serious power in a compact, lightweight package. Its 11,000-RPM brushless motor tackles cutting and surfacing with ease—up to 80 cuts in 1/2-inch rebar—while the 4.6-pound body keeps it easy to handle.

Safety and durability come standard with an electronic clutch for kickback and overload protection. Plus, it includes a rugged all-metal gear case and tool-free guard adjustments for fast, hassle-free setup. Fully compatible with common grinder accessories, this tool delivers control, comfort and performance every time.

You’ll get this grinder free when you pick up a new Milwaukee M18 18V Battery and Charger.

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Milwaukee M18 18V Cordless Circular Saw

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Deal: Free with qualifying purchase

If you’re set on the grinder front, this Circular Saw is another freebie option when you buy the Milwaukee M18 18V Battery and Charger.

Get ready to jump into DIY season with the Milwaukee M18 Circular Saw. Build shelves, cut trim, frame a fence, or tackle a flooring project—this saw slices through tough jobs with ease.

It powers through LVL headers while rugged magnesium guards protect the blade. The soft-grip handle keeps you comfortable and in control, and the lightweight aluminum shoe ensures smooth, precise rip cuts on every project.

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Ryobi USB Lithium Rotary Tool Kit

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Deal: Free battery with purchase

The Ryobi USB Lithium Rotary Tool is your pocket-sized DIY powerhouse. Carve, sand, polish or detail wood, metal and miniatures with precision, switching bits in seconds with the quick-change collet. The USB-C battery powers the tool and charges your devices, with an LED gauge to track runtime.

Small, versatile and part of the RYOBI USB Lithium System. This little tool is your key to finishing all those crafts, hobbies and other mini projects around the house.

Just don’t forget to select a Ryobi USB Rechargeable Battery to go with it—for free!

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Ryobi USB Screwdriver Kit

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Deal: Free battery with purchase

You can also add a free Ryobi USB Rechargeable Battery to your cart with the purchase of this Ryobi USB Screwdriver Kit.

The Ryobi USB Screwdriver makes light-duty jobs a breeze. The pivoting head reaches tight corners. Plus, on-board bit storage keeps your bits handy while dual LEDs keep things lit for precise work. It’s perfect for assembling furniture, installing hardware and tackling decor projects.

The USB-C battery powers the tool and charges your devices, making this compact, versatile screwdriver a go-to for small tasks.

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Milwaukee M18 18V Cordless Jobsite Radio

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Deal: Free with qualifying purchase

The M18 Bluetooth Jobsite Radio is yours free when you buy the M18 18V Cordless Combo Kit.

Whether you’re listening to Chris Stapleton or Metallica, the Bluetooth jobsite radio delivers clear, balanced sound with dual woofers and high-range tweeters. Stay connected up to 120 feet, tune AM/FM stations with 18 presets and enjoy up to 13 hours of max-volume playback on an M18 battery.

Built tough for the jobsite, its metal grille resists water, dust and hard impacts. Charge your devices via USB-C and power the speaker with any M18 battery or the included AC adapter for total versatility.

How to Shop

Head to The Home Depot now and give your toolbox a spring refresh during the Tool Savings Event! Browse by brand, deal or tool type to find exactly what you need this season.

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How Much Drivers Pay for Auto Insurance in Every State

Wondering what the average auto insurance cost is in your state? Or questioning how your state compares to the rest of the country? Bankrate did a study recently, gathering the prices as well as some insights into the reasoning behind the price differences.

If you’re planning on moving in the near future, this information might help you decide on a location, or at least budget if it turns out your new home is in a more expensive state.

Factors That Can Impact Your Rates

Several variables go into calculating your auto insurance rate. Bankrate says location accounts for most of these factors. According to their report, “an insurer might consider road conditions, the number of licensed drivers, uninsured driver statistics, traffic density and the cost of living as it relates to repair and labor costs when calculating your rate.”

There are climate, historic, and legal factors as well. Bankrate says that “other considerations include factors like weather conditions, local claims history and state laws that specify the minimum insurance drivers are required to carry.” The company looked at the average rates for both full coverage and minimum coverage to give readers a clearer picture of the cost to insure a car in each state.

Cheapest Car Insurance

Bankrate lists out the full coverage averages by their annual costs, but breaks down the minimum coverage costs by month as well.

Full Coverage

The five cheapest states to insure your car with full coverage are:

• Idaho at $1476/year
• Vermont at $1610/year
• Maine at $1687/year
• New Hampshire at $1694/year
• Indiana at $1709/year

Minimum coverage

The five cheapest states to insure your car with the minimum coverage are:

• Wyoming at $22/month or $265/year
• Iowa at $28/month or $335/year
• Vermont at $29/month or $351/year
• South Dakota at $31/month or $374/year
• North Dakota at $33/month or $397/7ear

Most Expensive Car Insurance

Full coverage car insurance will cost you more than the minimum, but it may save you money should you end up in an accident. When looking at the average auto insurance costs in the most expensive states, that difference is usually around $3000/year.

Full Coverage

The five most expensive states to insure your car with full coverage are:

• Louisiana at $4135/year
• New York at $4090/year
• Florida at $3884/year
• Nevada at $3568/year
• New Jersey at $3254/year

Minimum coverage

The five most expensive states to insure your car with minimum coverage are:

• New York at $148/month or $1773/year
• New Jersey at $118/month or $1413/year
• Maryland at $92/month or $1101/year
• Louisiana at $91/month or $1087/year
• Connecticut at $91/month or $1089/year

Source

Car Insurance Rates by State for February 2026, Bankrate, 2026.

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