Chloe Zhang
Plastic containers are essential for storing leftovers, bringing lunch to work, and organizing your fridge and pantry. However, the clutter they can cause is a nuisance. To organize your plastic containers in cabinets, you should first clear out the cabinet and match lids with containers. Get rid of any containers that are cracked, cloudy, or scratched, as well as any that don't have matching lids. Then, decide how many containers you need and for what purposes. You can use various inexpensive methods to organize your containers, such as placing lightweight acrylic trays on your cabinet shelves, using tension rods to create compartments in drawers, or utilizing baskets and bins to separate containers and lids.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First Step | Clear out the cabinet and match lids with containers |
| Containers to Keep | Containers with matching lids, undamaged containers |
| Containers to Discard | Containers without lids, damaged containers |
| Containers to Purchase | Containers for specific purposes, e.g., light plastic containers with tight lids for packed lunches |
| Storage Solutions | Baskets, bins, magazine holders, plate racks, shelf inserts, drawer dividers, pegboards, tension rods, adhesive liners, labels |
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What You'll Learn
Declutter and recycle old containers
Before you start organizing your plastic containers, it's important to declutter and recycle old containers to free up space. Take everything out of your cabinet and sort through the items. Match lids with containers and identify any containers without lids or lids without containers. These can be recycled or repurposed, especially if they are cracked, cloudy, or scratched. You can also recycle containers and lids that are in good condition but that you no longer need.
Consider donating containers and lids that are still in good condition and have matching pairs. Shelters and soup kitchens often accept donations of plastic containers for storing and giving away leftovers. You can also offer them to friends or family members or look for local buy-nothing groups or Freecycle initiatives.
If you have a lot of plastic containers, you might want to consider investing in new, matching sets that can be stacked and stored efficiently. This will help you save space and create a more organized cabinet.
During the decluttering process, it's important to be mindful of the types and number of containers you truly need. Assess your lifestyle and habits. For example, if you often have leftovers, aim to keep a reasonable amount of containers that can hold a week's worth of meals for you and your family.
By decluttering and recycling old plastic containers, you can create a more functional and organized cabinet while also reducing waste and helping those in need.
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Sort by size and type
Sorting by size and type is a great way to organize your plastic containers and maximize cabinet space. It's a simple and inexpensive method that can be adapted to fit any cabinet size.
First, take out all your plastic containers and lids. Match lids with containers and identify any "orphans" – lids or containers without their corresponding pair. You can recycle unmatched containers, as well as any that are cracked, cloudy, or scratched, as these can allow harmful chemicals to leech into your food.
Next, identify the different sizes and types of containers you have. You can then begin sorting them into groups. For example, you might have a group for large containers, medium containers, small containers, and another for water bottles. If you have a lot of containers of a similar size, you can further divide them by type. For instance, you might separate round containers from square ones.
Once you've sorted your containers, it's time to organize them in your cabinet. You can stack containers of the same size and type together to make the most of your cabinet space. Place the larger stacks at the back of the cabinet and the smaller ones at the front for easy access. You can also use dividers or baskets to separate the different sizes and types of containers, making it easier to find what you need.
Keeping lids with their corresponding containers is essential to maintaining organization. You can use a plate rack or magazine rack to organize lids by size, placing it inside your cabinet or on the counter for easy access. Alternatively, you can store lids in a basket or use a pot lid organizer with customizable lengths.
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Use baskets or bins to separate containers and lids
Using baskets or bins to separate containers and lids is a great way to keep your plastic containers organised in your cabinets. This method is especially helpful for those with limited drawer space. It is also a good way to keep containers and lids together in one place, making it easier to find what you need.
Firstly, collect all your plastic containers and lids. Then, sort through them, pairing as many containers with their matching lids as possible. Once you have done this, get rid of any unmatched lids, as well as any containers that are cracked, cloudy, scratched, or discoloured. You should also get rid of any containers that you know you will not use.
Now, it is time to organise your containers and lids into your chosen baskets or bins. You can use any kind of basket or bin, as long as it fits in your cabinet with the opening side facing upwards. Place the baskets or bins inside your cabinet, and fill them with your plastic containers and lids. You can use multiple baskets or bins to separate different types or sizes of containers and lids, or to keep containers and lids separate. For example, you could use one basket for containers and another for lids, or use one basket for large containers and another for small containers.
To make finding the right lid even easier, try arranging and dividing your lids by size in a plate rack or magazine rack, and placing this inside your basket or bin. You could also use a pot lid organiser with a customisable length. Alternatively, place tension rods near the top of your basket or bin to create multiple compartments for different sizes or types of lids and containers.
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Create makeshift pullout cabinets
If you're tired of blindly fumbling around in a dark cabinet for food storage containers, it's time to create your own makeshift pull-out cabinets. This easy kitchen drawer organizer hack will revolutionize the way you store your plastic containers and lids. Here's how to do it:
Choose the Right Trays
Select lightweight acrylic trays that will fit comfortably on your cabinet shelves. The trays should be easy to slide in and out, providing smooth access to your plastic containers.
Prepare the Cabinet Shelf
Cover the bottom of your cabinet shelf with an adhesive liner. This simple addition will make sliding your trays much easier and prevent any unwanted sticking or resistance.
Organize Your Containers
Now it's time to organize your food storage containers with lids. Stack your containers and lids together, keeping them organized and easily accessible. You can use book bins and flip them on their sides to create separate sections for different sized containers.
Mount a File Holder
For small kitchen organization, consider using a wall-mount file holder. This can be a great way to store lids or smaller containers, keeping them off your main shelves and creating more space.
Customize Your Drawers
Depending on your cabinet setup, you can also create pull-out drawers. Measure the narrow areas between your cabinets and appliances to install pull-out drawers that utilize this space efficiently. You can purchase products to modify your stock cabinetry, such as installing pull-out shelves within your cabinets to easily reach items at the back.
Additional Tips
When creating makeshift pull-out cabinets, consider the following tips:
- Building a variety of drawer box sizes will give you more versatility. Consider the items you'll be storing and build boxes that suit your needs.
- For tall items, sloping sides on your drawers will keep them stable while still allowing you to see everything on the shelf.
- For small items, such as spices or canned goods, opt for lower sides (typically around 3 inches) so you can easily read labels.
- For tippy plastic storage containers or stacks of plates, go for higher sides (around 6 inches) to provide more stability.
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Use a plate rack to organise lids
If you're looking to organise plastic containers and their lids in your cabinets, one option is to use a plate rack. Plate racks are a great way to keep your lids contained and in order. They can be freestanding or mounted on a wall, and they can also be placed inside a cabinet door or on a countertop.
If you opt for a freestanding plate rack, you can place it inside a deep drawer to keep your lids separate from the containers. This is a good option if you want to keep your countertops clear and have limited cabinet space. You can also use a dish drying rack with tall dividers to organise your lids.
If you'd prefer to mount your plate rack, you can install it on the inside of a cabinet door or on a wall. This is a great way to save space while still keeping your lids easily accessible. You can also use tension rods to create compartments in a small drawer and store your lids upright.
When using a plate rack to organise your lids, it's important to keep the most frequently used lids front and centre, with the less-used ones at the back. This will help you stay organised and make finding the right lid a breeze.
By utilising a plate rack, you can efficiently organise your plastic container lids, making them easily reachable and ensuring they don't get lost in the depths of your cabinets.
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Frequently asked questions
Start by taking everything out of the cabinet and matching lids with containers. Get rid of containers that are cracked, cloudy, or scratched, as well as any that don't have lids.
Get rid of any unmatched pieces or containers that are past their prime. You can also repurpose containers without lids for non-food storage purposes.
Use a combination of baskets, bins, and dividers to separate containers and lids by size and type. You can also use a magazine rack or file sorter on the inside of the cabinet door for easy-to-reach storage.
Shelf inserts of different widths and heights can help you maximize cabinet space without stacking. You can also use a plate rack to organize lids, or turn cloth book bins on their sides to create dividers.
Create your own makeshift pull-out cabinets by placing lightweight acrylic trays on your cabinet shelves. You can also use labels to remind yourself what's stored in the back of deep cabinets.
