Chess storage boxes

I have two sets that I leave up all the time, both avergae to above average wooden sets. One has a matching storgae box, one does not.

I am currently bidding on another nice wooden set that comes with a very nice storage box.

I do not use the storage boxes, I leave the sets up and ready. sometimes with current CC/online game positions setup on them.

Do most people use the storage boxes and keep the pieces stored away?

Yes... I have 3 storage boxes for different chess pieces..!!

  I have a cheap wooden box that holds my plastic set and a small, cheap wooden set. I have a decent HOS box that holds my older wooden set and an HOS coffer that holds my good set.
  The sets are usually in the boxes but my older wooden set is actually on a board right now (most of it anyway).

I don't leave my good set out on a board because when this cat's away my house cats may play.

A much less expensive alternative to a wood box for piece storage is an air-tight, transparent plastic food container.  Adding a few drops of water before sealing the container will help keep wood pieces from cracking in a dry environment.  These plastic containers are easily labeled, a convenience for those with many different sets.  The use of a slightly oversize plastic container means that pieces will less likely be broken from being jammed together.

These plastic containers might not impress a visitor as much as a nice wood storage box.  But somehow that's not on my priority list.

If you are a collector with a lot of sets without boxes, thechessstore.com sells very inexpensive cardboard boxes with dividers that can accomodate up to about 4" king and keeps your pieces separated so no knocks and nicks. I think these sell for around $5 each. Only thing is they are made for 32 piece sets so if you have double queens then ususally I put the 2 bishops together in the same compartment seems to fit the best.

FYI to OP, my sets are usually in their box at least until I get a proper place to display my nicer set.