Maya Ellison
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 first step to organising plastic containers is to take inventory of what you already have and get rid of any containers that are broken, discoloured, or lacking a lid. Once you have a sense of what you need, you can replenish your stock, ensuring you have containers suitable for your needs. From there, it's a matter of deciding on a storage system that works for you. This might involve storing containers and lids separately, sorting containers by size, or investing in new organisational tools like labels or plastic bins.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First step | Empty the cabinet |
| Second step | Match lids with containers |
| Third step | Get rid of containers without lids, lids without containers, and damaged containers |
| Fourth step | Sort containers by size |
| Fifth step | Decide on a reasonable number of containers to keep for each size |
| Sixth step | Choose the best containers to keep |
| Seventh step | Store containers with matching lids in larger plastic bins, nested to maximize space |
| Other tips | Store containers upside down to avoid dust, use labels, store in a kitchen drawer for easy access, use wooden or bamboo lids, use glass jars and bottles for canned fruits and pickled vegetables, use a kitchen pantry for bulkier items |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Sort containers by size
Sorting containers by size is a great way to organise plastic containers in the kitchen. It is a simple and effective method to keep your kitchen cabinets and drawers neat and tidy. It is also a good way to identify how many containers you have and if you need to replenish your stock.
First, take out all your plastic containers and assess what you have. You may find that you have an excessive number of medium-sized containers and not enough large ones, for example. Place them on a large flat surface so that you can see them all together. You can then begin to match lids with containers. Sort through and look for any containers that are cracked, cloudy, or scratched, and recycle or repurpose them.
Once you have assessed your collection, decide on a reasonable number of containers to keep for each size category: small, medium, and large. Select the best containers in each category and set the rest aside to be repurposed or recycled.
There are various ways to store your plastic containers. You can store them in larger plastic bins, nested to maximise space, along with their matching lids. Alternatively, you can use a kitchen drawer to keep them sorted by size. Place tension rods near the top of the drawer to create compartments for different-sized containers. You can also use decorative box shelves or magazine holders to create instant compartments and keep containers grouped by size.
If you have a larger-sized drawer, you can divide the depth of the drawer in two, using DIY drawer dividers or a large container to separate lids from containers. You can also use two sturdy baskets to separate tops from bottoms, which is a good solution if you don't have enough drawers and need to use cabinet or pantry space.
Sun Tea: Plastic Container Safety
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Match lids with containers
Matching lids with containers can be a challenging task, but it is not impossible. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Firstly, take out all your plastic containers and lids and lay them out on a flat surface. This will allow you to see everything you have and make it easier to sort through. Look for lids that don't fit any containers and containers without lids, as well as any damaged containers that need to be recycled or repurposed.
Once you have sorted through all the pieces, it's time to match lids with their corresponding containers. This may take some trial and error, but it is important to be patient and take the time to find the right fit. You can also sort the lids and containers by size to make the process easier.
To save space and keep things organized, it is recommended to nest and stack containers and lids together. Designate a specific spot for each set of containers and lids, and consider using labels to remind yourself where everything is stored. You can also use magazine holders or desktop mail sorters to store lids while creating a shelf for their matching containers.
Another idea is to use a wall-mounted pot rail or an over-the-door rack to hang lids, especially if you have limited drawer or cabinet space. You can also slide pot handles through the lids and hang them up, or use a pegboard to hang both pots and lids together for easy access.
By following these tips, you'll be able to match lids with containers and create a functional and organized system for your plastic containers in the kitchen.
Plastic Containers: Film Development and Prevention
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Store in labelled bins
Storing plastic containers in labelled bins is a great way to organise your kitchen. It is a simple, effective method to keep your plastic containers in order and ensure you can always find what you need.
Firstly, take stock of what you have. Empty your chosen cabinet and lay out all your plastic containers and lids. Match lids to containers and decide which you will keep and which you will recycle or repurpose. You may want to set aside any containers that are cracked, cloudy or scratched, as these can allow harmful chemicals to leech into food. If you have containers without lids, consider repurposing them for non-food storage.
Next, sort your containers by size. You may decide to sort them into small, medium and large piles. This will help you decide how many of each size you need to keep and how best to store them. You may decide to store each size separately in larger plastic bins, nested to maximise space, along with their matching lids. Alternatively, you could store the lids separately in a bin, standing up on their side in a magazine holder.
Now, decide on a labelling system. You could label the bins by size, type or colour. You could also label the shelves in your cabinet to remind you what is being stored in each area. This is particularly useful if you have deep cabinets where items can get lost at the back.
Finally, put everything away. Stack your containers and lids and store them in your chosen bins. You could also use a wall-mounted file holder for small lids, or a desktop mail sorter in a pull-out drawer to maximise space.
Best Places to Buy Plastic Containers for Jello Shots
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Recycle old plastic ware
Recycling old plastic ware is a great way to declutter your kitchen and give new life to these items. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Sort and Categorize: Begin by sorting through all your plastic containers, including Tupperware, takeout containers, and plastic bags. Check for any signs of damage, warping, or melting, and discard any containers that are no longer safe to use. You can also discard any containers that are stained or discolored, as these may not be desirable for reuse. Once sorted, categorize the containers by type, size, and shape. This will help you see what you have and make it easier to organize and store them efficiently.
Donate Usable Items: Consider donating usable plastic containers to local charities, community centers, or shelters. These organizations often require food storage containers and may be happy to take them off your hands. Ensure the containers are clean and in good condition before donating.
Recycle Responsibly: For the remaining plastic items that are no longer usable or wanted, recycling is the best option. Check with your local recycling center to understand what types of plastic they accept and how it should be prepared for recycling. Some centers may require you to separate different types of plastic, so it's important to understand their guidelines. Clean and dry the containers before recycling, and remove any non-plastic components, like lids, which may need to be disposed of separately.
Repurpose and Reuse: Get creative and find new uses for your old plastic ware. Plastic containers can be used for arts and crafts, organizing drawers, or even as plant pots. You could also cut up larger plastic containers to create scoops or funnels for your pantry or laundry room. Reusing and repurposing gives these items a new lease of life and ensures they stay out of landfills.
Store Efficiently: For the plastic ware you decide to keep, invest in some organizational tools to store them efficiently. Stackable bins or baskets can make use of vertical space in your pantry or cupboards, and dividers can help you keep different sizes and types of containers separate and easy to find. Clear, labeled boxes can also help you quickly identify what you're looking for.
By following these steps, you can effectively recycle and reorganize your old plastic ware, contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle and a neater, more functional kitchen.
Creating a DIY Chicken Feeder: Molding Plastic Container Sides
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Use a kitchen drawer
Using a kitchen drawer is an excellent way to store your plastic containers. It is a space-efficient storage solution, especially if you have a deep drawer that can be dedicated solely to your plastic containers.
Firstly, take out all your plastic containers and assess what you have. Get rid of any containers that are broken, discoloured, or no longer have matching lids. Then, decide how many containers you need based on your habits. For example, if you often take packed lunches to work, you may benefit from having more lightweight plastic containers.
Next, sort your containers by size, perhaps into small, medium, and large categories. This will help you decide on a reasonable number of containers to keep for each size. You can then decide on the best way to store your final collection. For example, you may wish to store the different sizes separately in larger plastic bins, with the lids nested inside.
When storing your containers in a drawer, it is important to keep them organised. You can use drawer dividers to separate your containers by size or type, preventing them from sliding around and getting disorganised or damaged. Alternatively, you can use a pegboard to organise the drawer, with adjustable pegs to customise the drawer layout according to the contents. If you have glass containers, you may wish to use a drawer mat to protect both the kitchenware and the drawer from scratches.
To save space, it is recommended to store the lids vertically, allowing them to air dry after washing and making them easier to find. You can store the lids in a basket or use a lid organiser with a customisable length.
Plastic Shampoo Containers: Where to Buy Them?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The first step is to take out all your plastic containers and assess what you have. Get rid of any containers that are broken, discoloured, or no longer have matching lids.
Sort your containers by size—small, medium, and large. Decide on a reasonable number to keep for each size, selecting the best containers in each category. You can repurpose or recycle the rest.
Store your plastic containers in larger plastic bins, nested to maximize space. Keep small, medium, and large containers in separate bins, along with their matching lids. You can also store lids upright in clear magazine holders and place the containers upside down on shelves to avoid dust.
A kitchen drawer is an excellent place to store your plastic containers as you can easily find what you're looking for. You can also utilize deep corner cabinets, ensuring you clearly label the shelves so you know what's stored where.
When your containers are empty, store them with their matching lids. Regularly take stock of what you have and identify your habits to determine how many containers you need. This will help you replenish your stock and ensure you always have the right container for every occasion.
