I bought this after using a wicker hamper with a lid. I hated having to remove the bag and when my daughter made a "mess" of her clothes I could never easily just toss stuff in the basket without first removing the lid. I eventually bought this hamper and LOVE it. It has handles so no need to remove a liner bag to carry down to the washer. I especially love the top with its flip down panels. I personally prefer having a cover so you can't see all the messy clothes but dislike most designs requiring removal of the lid to access the hamper. This gives me the covered look with the uncovered convenience. I recommend it to everyone I know! I plan on buying another one to store toys in our playroom.