For buckets I use a lot or carry heavy items, I made a couple of strap carriers. Material is relatively inexpensive. Some strapping and velcro (or sew if you have a heavy-duty machine is all it takes. I made straps so two pass under bucket, then attach to a loop around the bucket just below the bottom lip. One of the two straps passes over the bucket and serves as the carrying strap. I added a section of PVC to the carrying strap for comfort when carrying heavy items. Straps are easily removed and placed on a different bucket. I’ve found this distributes the weight and the buckets last much longer.