Took me a beat to work out the handles- they ARE long enough to knot both ends and still have a good-sized amount to grip.  I don't need the lids, given my plans for these, but it's nice to have.  They fit on the bottom of the bins when I'm not using them.  Currently storing bath towels in one, dish towels and aprons in another, sheets the third.  All of them have more room and I have a TON of dish towels.