Omar Khalid
Plastic containers can be a challenge to organize due to their varying sizes and tendency to multiply quickly. However, with the right strategies, anyone can keep their plastic to-go containers neat, tidy, and under control. This introduction will present practical advice and creative solutions for tackling the ubiquitous issue of plastic container organization. From decluttering tips to clever storage ideas, this topic will empower readers to take control of their plastic container collections and transform their kitchen cabinets and drawers into efficient, well-organized spaces.
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What You'll Learn
Declutter and sort items before buying containers
Before buying containers, it is important to declutter and sort your items. This will help you determine what type and how many containers you need. Start by assessing how many containers you truly need. A good rule of thumb is to keep only enough containers to store one week's worth of leftovers for yourself or your family. This will prevent an excessive amount of containers from accumulating in your kitchen.
Next, go through your current collection of containers and decide which ones to keep and which ones to let go of. Recycle or dispose of containers that are warped, stained, or do not have matching lids. You can also choose to keep only the containers that are in good condition or the ones you frequently use. If you have a lot of containers from takeout or recycled food products, consider switching to reusable containers that you already own when storing leftovers. This will reduce the number of plastic containers you need to keep and help the environment.
You can also repurpose your takeout containers by donating them to local shelters or soup kitchens, which often welcome donations of plastic containers for storing and distributing food. Alternatively, look for recycling programs that specifically accept plastic takeout containers, such as the Terracycle program.
Once you have decluttered and sorted your items, you can assess how many containers you need to purchase and what type will best suit your needs. This will ensure that you only buy the necessary containers and avoid wasting money or creating additional clutter.
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Use a variety of container sizes
Keeping a variety of container sizes is a great way to ensure you have the right container for the right purpose. However, it can be challenging to organise plastic to-go containers of different sizes. Here are some tips to help you organise your plastic containers efficiently:
Firstly, it is important to declutter and sort your containers. Get rid of any containers that are cloudy, scratched, or past their prime, as compromised containers are not suitable for reheating or storing food. You should also discard containers without lids, those that don't fit in your dishwasher or refrigerator, and any plastic takeout boxes or yogurt pots that you may be holding on to. Additionally, consider recycling specialised "uni-task" containers, such as those designed for a specific food item, as these take up unnecessary space and can be replaced by plain rectangular containers.
Once you have decluttered, you can organise your remaining containers by size. This will make it easier to find the right container for your needs and prevent your containers from becoming disorganised. You can use a variety of methods to sort your containers by size. One method is to use a plate rack or bamboo dish drying rack to arrange and divide the lids by size. This allows you to easily find the right lid and keeps everything neat and tidy. You can place the rack inside your kitchen cabinets or on the counter for easy access.
Another option is to use small tension rods, which can be extended to fit any size drawer and help keep lids organised. For the containers themselves, you can use cloth book bins turned on their sides as dividers. Any type of basket or bin will work, as long as it fits in your cabinet or drawer. You can also use adjustable drawer dividers or a large container inside a drawer to separate the lids from the containers.
If you have the space, you can dedicate a drawer to your containers. Separate the containers and lids, storing them in different drawers or keeping them together in one deep drawer. Stacking containers inside each other and placing the lids vertically between them is a space-efficient method recommended by kitchen designer Stephanie Nix. This approach ensures easy visibility and access to your containers.
By following these tips, you can effectively organise your plastic to-go containers of various sizes, making the most of your storage space and ensuring you always have the right container for your needs.
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Stack containers inside each other
Stacking containers inside each other is a great way to save space and keep your plastic to-go containers organized. Here are some tips to help you get started:
First, take inventory of your containers and sort them by size and shape. This will make it easier to stack them neatly and efficiently. Get rid of any containers that are not clear, as it can be difficult to identify the contents of opaque containers, leading to food wastage. It is also a good idea to discard any containers that are damaged, mismatched, or no longer useful to you.
Next, separate the containers and their lids. You can then stack the containers inside each other, with the smallest at the centre, and the largest at the periphery. This way, you can easily view and access the containers without having to unpack the entire stack. If you have a lot of containers, you can further organise them by placing the stacked sets into larger containers or bins. For example, you could use a large plastic bin to hold multiple sets of stacked circular containers, with their lids stacked neatly behind them.
If you have limited space, you can nest smaller containers inside larger ones. However, ensure that they are still easily accessible. You can also use small drawers or baskets as "catch-all" systems for your containers and lids. If you have the space, dedicate one drawer for containers and another for lids. If you only have larger drawers, you can divide the space in half to keep the tops and bottoms separate.
For larger containers with lids, you can save space by using an undershelf basket. Place the lids in the basket and put the containers underneath. This method keeps them together while maximising storage space.
By following these tips, you can effectively stack your plastic to-go containers inside each other, saving space and maintaining organisation in your kitchen.
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Store in a dedicated drawer or basket
Keeping your plastic containers in a dedicated drawer or basket is a great way to organise them. This method allows you to keep items separate, while accommodating a variety of container sizes and shapes. If you have enough space, it is recommended to use one small drawer for containers and another for lids. If you only have access to a larger drawer, you can still 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.
If you are using a basket, any kind will work, as long as it fits inside your cabinet or drawer with the opening side up. You can also use soft-sided book bins on their sides as dividers. For drawers, you can use tension rods to keep lids under control, or add a magazine rack or file sorter to the inside of your cabinet door for hidden, easy-to-reach storage.
Before you start organising, it is a good idea to declutter and only keep what you need. Aim to have anywhere from six to 15 pieces, with more small containers than large. Only keep containers that fit in your dishwasher and are the right size for your usual needs.
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Label containers and their storage location
Labelling containers and their storage locations is a great way to keep your plastic to-go containers organised. This method is especially useful if you are working with a large number of containers and want to ensure that they are returned to their proper places.
Firstly, decide on a labelling system that works for you. You can use stickers, tags, or markers to label your containers. Colour-coding or numbering the containers and their respective storage locations can be helpful. For example, you could use a colour or number to indicate the type of container (e.g. small, medium, or large) and its designated storage area.
Next, assign a specific location for each type of container. Consider the size and quantity of your containers when choosing a storage area. Deep drawers or cabinets are often recommended for plastic container storage, as they allow for stacking and provide easy access. You can also utilise shelves, baskets, or bins to separate different types of containers.
Once you have designated storage areas, clearly label these locations. This can be done with physical labels or by creating a map or chart that outlines where each type of container belongs. If using physical labels, consider placing them inside the shelves or drawers to indicate the specific spot for each container.
Finally, maintain the organisation by consistently returning the containers to their labelled locations. This step is crucial in ensuring the effectiveness of your labelling system. It may be helpful to involve other household members in this process so that everyone knows where the containers belong.
By implementing this labelling system and maintaining organisation, you can efficiently manage your plastic to-go containers and maximise the use of your storage spaces.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use cardboard boxes, shoeboxes, or reusable grocery bags to organize your plastic containers. You can also repurpose a large container to store smaller containers.
You can store plastic to-go containers in a kitchen drawer or a deep cabinet. If using a drawer, separate the containers and lids into two drawers or halves of a drawer. If using a cabinet, use a bamboo dish rack, small tension rods, or a magazine rack to organize the lids.
Aim to have anywhere from six to 15 containers of varying sizes. Keep only the number of containers you need to store one week's worth of leftovers.
