Alexei Volkov
Plastic containers are essential for storing leftovers, packing lunches, and organising your fridge and pantry. However, they can quickly become a cluttered mess of mismatched containers and missing lids. To organise your plastic containers, start by taking out all your containers and assessing what you have. Get rid of any damaged or discoloured containers and those without matching lids. Sort the remaining containers by size and type, and decide on a reasonable number to keep for each size. You can then store them in labelled drawers, baskets, or plastic bins, with lids nearby or in a separate compartment. For deeper cabinets, use lightweight trays or baskets to create makeshift pull-out drawers for easier access. Choose nesting containers that stack easily to maximise space, and consider investing in drawer dividers or shelf inserts to keep your containers from sliding and to divide tall shelves.
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What You'll Learn
Sort by size and type, keeping lids with containers
Keeping your plastic containers organised can be a challenge, but it's not impossible. One of the most effective ways to do this is to sort by size and type, keeping the lids with their corresponding containers. This method helps to avoid the clutter and chaos of mismatched containers and missing lids.
Begin by taking all your plastic containers out of their storage space. Match lids with containers, identifying any "orphans" without pairs. You may also come across containers that are cracked, cloudy, or scratched. These should be recycled or repurposed for non-food storage, as damaged containers can allow harmful chemicals to leech into food.
Once you've cleared out any unmatched or damaged containers, it's time to sort the remaining containers by size. Divide them into small, medium, and large categories. This will help you 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, selecting the best from each category.
Now that you've curated your collection, it's time to store them. Keep the lids with their matching containers. You can use various tools to organise them effectively. For example, use a desktop mail sorter in a pull-out drawer to maximise space. Stack the containers by size towards the front of the cabinet, with lids stored in the small compartments of the sorter. Alternatively, use magazine holders, lying flat, to store lids while acting as a shelf for their matching containers. If you have a larger drawer, you can keep the lids and containers together by dividing the depth of the drawer in two or using a large container inside the drawer to store the lids.
By sorting your plastic containers by size and type and keeping the lids with their corresponding containers, you can transform your storage space from chaotic to organised.
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Use drawers, baskets, or bins to separate containers
Drawers, baskets, and bins are a great way to organize plastic containers. They can help you separate containers by size and type, keeping lids with their corresponding containers to prevent clutter.
If you have a large drawer, you can keep the tops and bottoms separate by dividing the depth of the drawer in two or using a large container inside the drawer to store lids. You can also use tension rods to create compartments within the drawer, designating one large compartment for containers and a smaller one for lids. This helps maximize storage space and prevents lids and containers from mixing.
Baskets are another excellent option for organizing plastic containers. Sturdy baskets can accommodate a wide variety of containers and lids, keeping them safe, easily accessible, and clutter-free. You can use baskets inside cabinets or pantries to create a "catch-all" system for your containers.
Clear or frosted plastic bins are also useful for organizing plastic containers. Sort your containers by size and type and keep the lids nearby. Plastic bins are durable, easy to clean, and maximize storage space. They are available in various sizes and styles, making them perfect for sorting and storing items efficiently.
Overall, drawers, baskets, and bins provide versatile and effective solutions for organizing plastic containers, helping you separate and store them neatly while maximizing storage space.
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Stack containers inside one another to save space
Stacking containers inside one another is a great way to save space when organising plastic containers. This method, also known as nesting, is a simple and effective way to keep your containers tidy and accessible. Here are some tips to help you maximise your storage space using this method:
Firstly, it is important to sort through your containers and match them with their corresponding lids. This will help you identify any containers that are missing lids or any lids that no longer have a matching container. It is recommended to recycle containers that are damaged, discoloured, or no longer have a matching lid.
Once you have sorted through your containers, the next step is to sort them by size. Group your containers into small, medium, and large sizes. This will make it easier to stack them inside one another. You can then decide on a reasonable number of containers to keep for each size category and set the rest aside to be repurposed or stored elsewhere.
When stacking your containers, start with the larger ones on the bottom and work your way up to the smaller ones. This will help you make the most of your space and prevent the smaller containers from getting lost or buried at the bottom of a stack. You can also utilise larger plastic bins or baskets to store your nested containers, maximising space and keeping them together in one place.
If you have a drawer available, you can use it to store your nested containers. Drawers provide easy access and visibility, making it simpler to find the container you need. Drawer dividers or tension rods can be used to separate different sizes or types of containers within the drawer, keeping them organised and preventing them from sliding around or becoming disorganised.
By following these tips, you can effectively utilise the stacking method to organise your plastic containers and make the most of your storage space.
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Use clear containers to easily find what you need
Using clear containers is a great way to easily find what you need. Clear containers are ideal for storing items in closets, basements, garages, under the bed, or other tucked-away areas. They allow you to see exactly what's inside without having to lift and search through multiple boxes. This saves time and keeps your storage space tidy.
Clear containers are also useful in the kitchen for organizing food storage containers and lids. You can use lightweight acrylic trays or baskets on cabinet shelves to create your own pull-out cabinets. This makes it easy to find and access the container you need, preventing a cluttered and chaotic cabinet.
Additionally, clear containers can be used to sort and store lids separately from their corresponding containers. This helps to keep lids organized and easily accessible, preventing them from getting lost in the depths of a disorganized cabinet. You can use magazine holders, desktop mail sorters, or small compartments to store lids upright by size or type, making it simple to find the right lid quickly.
When choosing clear containers for storage, look for those made of durable and shatterproof material, such as BPA-free PETG clear plastic. These containers are easy to clean and maintain, ensuring a tidy and organized storage space. Remember to measure your storage space and choose containers that fit well, maximizing your storage capacity.
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Label containers for easy identification and access
Labelling plastic containers is a great way to keep your storage system organised and easily accessible. It ensures that everyone in your household can find what they're looking for and knows where to return items.
One simple method is to use a permanent marker to write directly on the containers. This works well on smooth plastic, but the markings may wear off over time due to rubbing, scuffing, or exposure to moisture. If you want to avoid writing directly on the containers, you can use masking tape or painter's tape. Write on the tape with a Sharpie, and stick it to your container. This method is cost-effective and allows you to remove the tape before washing.
Another option is to use adhesive labels. You can write on these with a permanent marker or use a label maker. Labels are ideal if you need to make frequent changes or if you want to remove them in the future. To ensure the labels stay put, you can apply a layer of packaging tape over them. This method works well for long-term storage.
If you're labelling food storage containers, consider using erasable markers, such as EXPO Low Odor Wet Erase Markers. These allow you to quickly wipe away the markings and relabel as needed. You can also use a small whiteboard or laminated paper mounted on your fridge or freezer to keep an inventory of leftovers.
Additionally, when organising your plastic containers, consider using baskets, drawers, or shelves to separate different sizes and types. Keep lids near their corresponding containers to avoid a cluttered cabinet. You can also use tension rods, magazine holders, or desktop mail sorters to create compartments and keep your containers organised and easily accessible.
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Frequently asked questions
Sort the containers by size (small, medium, and large). Then, decide on a reasonable number for each size and select the best containers to keep. Store the different sizes separately in larger plastic bins, nested to maximise space.
Sort the lids by size or container type and arrange them on a shelf. Keep the lids near their corresponding containers. If you are using a drawer, divide the depth of your drawer in two and store the lids in one section and the containers in the other.
Place lightweight acrylic trays on your cabinet shelves to create makeshift pullout cabinets. You can also use a desktop mail sorter in a pullout drawer to maximise space. Alternatively, use clear or frosted containers to declutter your cabinet.
