Collapsible Carts 

Two criteria for a cart might include the space to store it and the amount it will carry comfortably. The new breed of collapsible carts will surely meet your needs. Versatile and maneuverable, able to deal with a variety of surfaces, and lightweight and roomy seems to be the standard offered by manufacturers. Unlimited potential might be a better way to say it.

Collapsible cargo crates have become very popular items of late. It is surprising the amount of items that these carts can carry. Being about 18" high and only about 2" thick when folded, they are most impressive items of convenience, (picture plastic milk crates). Two very popular brands are 'dBest' and 'Rubbermaid.' Both feature collapsible handles and the ability to carry anything from groceries to files. If your work requires mobility, moving equipment, or files for training and presentations, you may find the collapsible crate-type of cart to be your greatest asset. The crates can be used for hanging folders to facilitate moving files securely.

For getting the groceries from the car to your house or apartment in the fewest trips, this is the solution. 'dBest' claims their products are strong enough to be used as seats and step-ups supporting up to 350 pounds. They offer dramatic evidence by driving a car over a collapsed crate. 'Rubbermaid' does not offer a lid on their unit. 'Olympia' offers what they label a 'tool carrier' that is rated for up to 80 pounds and will fold to only 3 inches thick. (No lid is offered with the tool carrier either.) Keeping it stored in the car, or a corner of the house, until needed, is the true advantage to these carry-alls.

One foldable cart that was most impressive, if you have a desire to move up to 350 pounds, would be Fold It's "Collapsible Beach/Utility Cart." This cart is made of marine grade aluminum, so it will hold up in either fresh or salt-water environments. There will be no risk of rust or corrosion, and clean-up will be a breeze. Features include a removable front panel, oversized rear wheels (20" air tires) and a long handle, this cart will go anywhere. It can hold nearly 6 cubic feet, is 55 in. deep, 30 1/4 in. wide and  23 in. high. When folded it will require less than 2 sq. ft. of space so it can be easily stored, or hung on the wall out of the way, since it only weighs 33 pounds. All of Fold It's products come with a two-year, limited warranty. If you spend a lot of time at the beach, this is a company that offers a couple of very useful products.

Collapsible carts can also be used for their convenience in travel and the office. These models come in varieties similar to a handcart design. In closing, one of the most popular, and adaptable, fold-up carts was the "Rolling Organizer and Saddle Bag" by 'Early Childhood Resources.' This is a cart made of plastic and canvas. With many zippered, and loop-over closures, pockets and dividers, everything will be kept in it's place. A cover is included. It is strong enough to carry heavier items, like books and tools, and still have them all easy to get to. It only weighs 11 pounds and the tote folds flat for easy storage. Teacher or handyman, this is one cart that will survive all you care to load on it.