Depends on what size the snake is your wanting to house. My adults are staying in Sterlite bins that measure 33"L x 12"H x 16"W. Which is big enough to have a hide, a bowl they can soak in, and a basking area. Ive also constructed plactic perches screwed in the sides so they can climb and sit above the floor of the cage. Why waste all that overhead space?
I agree 100% that plastic bins are the way to go! Make sure they have good locking lids, some brands lids arent the best.
If you have a soldering iron its easy to make vent holes in the bins. Just be sure you do it in a garage or somewhere with ventilation cuz the burning plastic smell is very strong!
Whatever the size of your snake just make sure the bin is not TOO big to make him feel unsafe.
I just use aspen shavings and sometimes newspaper. I havnt gotten in the fancy cypress mulch yet, but ive heard good things about it.