Three years ago, I needed some boxes with a hole in the middle to support a pole but, like you,I have very very little storage. So I came up with a design that would allow me to fold the boxes more or less flat when not in use, by use of hinged sides. As a result, I have SIX boxes that are two foot cubes but when collapsed, they occupy as much as space as two boxes.
They are made from half inch plywood, so they can be painted a billion ways, are light enough to be carried by one person and are strong enough to support large adult actors standing on them. My first design had cupboard handles on two corners. This is now being upgraded to have a handhold cut in each side of the box.
The lids have bracing so that when placed into the box, they hold it all firm, and the hole in the top allows them to be popped off easily.
If you want any more details, just let me know
Rob
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Robert Forbes
Managing Director
Mountain Dream Productions
Victoria BC
info@mountaindreambc.com------------------------------