Alexei Volkov
Plastic containers are essential in the kitchen for storing leftovers, packing lunches, and organising the fridge and pantry. However, they can quickly become a source of clutter and frustration when not properly organised. The key to taming the chaos of plastic containers is to establish a systematic approach to sorting, storing, and maintaining them. This involves assessing your current collection, matching containers with lids, sorting by size, and implementing creative storage solutions. By taking control of your plastic container collection, you can maximise kitchen storage space and make meal preparation and storage a more seamless and enjoyable experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First steps | Empty the cabinet, match lids with containers, and get rid of containers without lids, broken containers, and containers with cracks, scratches, or cloudiness. |
| Sorting containers | Sort containers by size (small, medium, large) and decide on a reasonable number to keep for each size. |
| Storage | Store small, medium, and large containers separately in larger plastic bins, nested to maximize space. Keep lids with containers or store them separately, standing up on their side in clear magazine holders. |
| Labels | Use labels to indicate what is stored in hard-to-reach areas of cabinets. |
| Pantry | Use a pantry for bulkier items or seasonal goods. Use a wooden shelving unit with adjustable shelves and add bottle racks to protect bottles from falling over and getting scratched. |
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What You'll Learn
Sort by size
Sorting your plastic containers by size is a great way to organise your kitchen and ensure you have the right container for every occasion. First, take out all your plastic containers and matching lids and lay them out. This will help you to see what you are working with. You can then sort the containers into three categories: small, medium, and large.
Once you have sorted your containers by size, it will be easy to see if you have too many of one size and not enough of another. Decide on a reasonable number of containers to keep for each size category. For example, if you often take packed lunches to work, you may need more small or medium-sized containers. If you often have leftovers, you may need a larger number of medium or large containers.
After deciding on the number of containers to keep for each size, select the best containers to keep and set the rest aside. You can repurpose these containers for non-food storage purposes or recycle them if they are damaged.
Finally, you can decide on the best way to store your sorted plastic containers. One option is to store the containers separately in larger plastic bins, nested to maximise space, along with their matching lids. Alternatively, you can store the containers upside down to avoid dust, with their lids standing up on their side in clear magazine holders. This method allows you to easily see which containers are in use and which are free to be added to your shopping list.
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Recycle old containers
Recycling old containers is a great way to reduce waste and help the environment. Here are some tips to recycle and repurpose your old plastic containers:
First, assess the condition of your containers. If they are cracked, cloudy, scratched, stained, broken, or missing a lid, it's best to recycle them. You can recycle any brand of plastic food storage containers through programs like TerraCycle's Rubbermaid Food Storage Recycling Program. They accept all brands of food storage containers, and you can ship them for free through UPS using a prepaid shipping label. Make sure to collect at least seven pounds or 20 containers to limit the environmental impact of transportation.
If you have containers that are still in good condition but no longer suitable for food storage, you can repurpose them for other uses. For example, you can use them to store non-food items such as craft supplies, office supplies, or children's toys. You can also use them as give-away containers when you fix meals for friends or family, so you don't have to worry about getting your containers back.
Another option is to get creative and upcycle your containers. Remove the labels, clean the containers, and decorate them if desired. You can use them to store random assortments of leftovers or as inconspicuous containers to hide treats. You can also donate your containers to local community organizations, such as soup kitchens, which often accept these types of donations.
Finally, be mindful of the types of containers you acquire in the future. Opt for more sustainable options, choose restaurants that use environmentally friendly packaging, and reduce your waste by ordering smaller portions or appetizers instead of large meals. Remember to check with your local recycler to understand the specific types of plastic they can process.
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Store in a kitchen drawer
A kitchen drawer is a great place to store plastic containers, especially if you have a lot of them. To start, take out all your plastic containers and lids and lay them out on a flat surface. Match the lids with their respective containers, and identify any "orphans", i.e., lids without containers and vice versa. Recycle or repurpose containers that are cracked, cloudy, or scratched, as these could allow harmful chemicals to leech into your food.
Once you've matched all the lids and containers, sort them by size: small, medium, and large. Decide on a reasonable number of containers to keep for each size category, and select the best ones to retain. You can set the remaining containers aside to be repurposed or recycled.
Now, you're ready to store your plastic containers in a kitchen drawer. Nest the containers as much as possible to maximise space. You can store the lids in clear magazine holders, standing up on their side, and place the containers upside down in the drawer to prevent dust from collecting inside. This way, you can easily see what you have and find what you're looking for at a glance.
If you have multiple drawers available for storage, you can separate the small, medium, and large containers into different drawers. Alternatively, use larger plastic bins to store each size category separately, nesting them within the bins to make the most of your storage space.
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Use clear labels
Clear labels are a great way to organise your plastic containers in the kitchen. This is especially helpful if you store your plastic containers in a deep corner cabinet or a pantry, where items can easily get lost at the back. You can buy labels that are dishwasher-safe, or use markers to write directly on the containers.
If you use labels, you can categorise your containers by size, type, or colour. For example, you could have a label for small, medium, and large containers, or for containers with lids of a certain shape or material. You could also use labels to indicate what each container is typically used for, such as "leftovers" or "lunch boxes". This will help you to quickly find the right container for the task and ensure that you don't accidentally use a container meant for something else.
Labelling can also help you keep track of your containers and lids. You could label each container and its corresponding lid with a matching symbol or code, so that you always know which lid goes with which container. This will save you time and frustration when you're trying to find the right lid, and it will also help you identify if any lids or containers are missing.
Using markers to write directly on the containers can be a flexible and cost-effective way to label your plastic containers. You can use different colours to colour-code your containers, and easily wipe off and change the labels as needed. This is a good option if you don't want to commit to permanent labels or if you like to change up your organisation system occasionally.
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Keep in a pantry
Keeping plastic containers in a pantry is a great way to utilise that space. If your pantry has shelves, invest in some sturdy baskets to hold your containers and lids. Baskets are a great way to create boundaries on open shelves, and they are easy to pull out and put back. If you have a lot of containers, you could even label the baskets so you know what is inside.
If your pantry is a cabinet, you could use a desktop mail sorter in a pull-out drawer to maximise space. Use the sorter for lids, and stack the containers by size towards the front of the cabinet. Alternatively, use tension rods to create compartments in a small drawer, with one large compartment for containers, one medium for water bottles, and one small for lids.
If you have a lot of containers, you could invest in a ready-made storage system, like a pull-out pantry. These are designed to fit standard-sized cabinets and are a great way to keep everything in one place.
Before you start organising, it's a good idea to go through your containers and get rid of any that are cracked, cloudy, scratched, or don't have matching lids. You should also decide how many containers you actually need—for example, if you prepare a week's worth of meals to keep in the fridge, you'll need quite a few.
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Frequently asked questions
Start by taking out every item and assessing what you have. Get rid of any containers that are broken, discoloured, or don't have a matching lid. Then, sort the remaining containers by size—small, medium, and large. Finally, decide on the best way to store them. For example, you could store small, medium, and large containers separately in larger plastic bins, with their matching lids.
If you have a lot of plastic containers with lids, you could store the lids upright on their side in clear magazine holders on a shelf. Then, store the containers upside down to avoid dust accumulation. Alternatively, if you have a kitchen drawer that is easily accessible, you could store the containers and lids there.
If you have containers without lids, you could recycle your existing collection and invest in a new set. Alternatively, repurpose the containers for a function other than food storage. For example, you could use them to store non-food items such as stationery or cosmetics.
