Sofia Martinez
Empty plastic containers can be a nuisance to store, but there are several ways to keep them organised. It's important to first decide on a reasonable amount of containers to keep, and then decide how to get rid of the rest. You can repurpose the containers you don't need, for example, as drawer dividers, donation bins, or even as teaching aids. If you have too many containers, you could also sell them at a garage sale or donate them to a charity. When storing containers you want to keep, it's recommended to categorise them by function rather than size, for example, grouping containers used for grains or snacks.
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What You'll Learn
Stacking containers inside each other
Firstly, decide on a reasonable amount of containers to keep. While stacking containers saves space, it can still be easy to accumulate too many, leading to clutter. Assess your needs and the storage space available, and only keep what you can comfortably store.
Next, organise the containers by function rather than just size. Group containers by their common use, such as for grains, snacks, or off-season clothing. This will make it easier to retrieve the right container when needed and help maintain a neat and orderly storage system.
When stacking containers, consider using vertical storage solutions. Stacking containers vertically, like files in a filing cabinet, can optimise space utilisation, especially in drawers or cabinets. You can also store lids vertically, either in a separate container or attached to the bottom of the containers themselves.
To further enhance organisation and save time, label the containers, especially if they are being stored in different areas. This is particularly useful if you tend to be forgetful, as labels will help you quickly identify the right container and prevent clutter from building up.
Lastly, regularly reassess your collection of containers. Every few months, check which containers have reached the end of their shelf life or are no longer needed. Repurpose, upcycle, or donate these containers to make room for new ones or create more storage space.
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Grouping by function
Grouping empty plastic containers by function is an effective way to organise your storage. This method is recommended by Maria Baer, an organisation expert and founder of The Baer Minimalist. She suggests grouping containers by their typical use, rather than by size. For example, you might group all containers used for grain storage in one section and those for snacks in another. This approach ensures that when you need to store grains or snacks, you can easily locate the relevant containers, without having to search through a disorganised collection of various shapes and sizes.
To implement this system, start by gathering all your empty plastic containers in one place. Sort through them, discarding any that are broken or no longer useful to you. Then, decide on several broad categories of items you regularly store and assign a group of containers to each. For example, you might have groups for grains, snacks, leftovers, and bulk ingredients.
Within each function-based group, you can further organise by size. For instance, within your 'leftovers' group, you might have one small container for individual servings and one large container for family-sized meals. This way, you can easily select the right container for the portion size.
If you have a large number of containers, you might like to create subcategories within each function group. For example, within your 'snacks' group, you could have subcategories for 'salty snacks' and 'sweet snacks'. This allows you to be even more specific when locating the right container for the job.
Remember, the key to successful function-based grouping is to tailor the categories to your specific needs. Consider the types of items you regularly store and create groups that reflect your storage habits. This will help you maintain a neat and efficient storage system.
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$28.99
Using them for donations
Empty plastic containers can be used for donations in several ways. Firstly, they can be utilised as donation bins or vessels themselves. This involves filling the containers with items you wish to donate and then dropping them off at a designated location, such as a thrift store or charity. This approach not only helps you declutter but also provides a convenient way to contribute to those in need.
Secondly, empty plastic containers can be donated directly to organisations or individuals who can repurpose them. For example, schools and teachers often appreciate receiving containers for classroom use or storage. Similarly, some companies, such as New Moon Refillery, accept donations of glass or plastic containers for reuse, as long as they meet certain criteria regarding cleanliness, dryness, and the absence of strong odours or excessive residue.
When preparing your empty plastic containers for donation, it is essential to ensure they are clean and sanitary, especially if they will be used for storing food or other sensitive items. It is also worth considering the condition of the containers and whether you would use them yourself. If they are in good condition and free from excessive wear and tear, they can be valuable donations to those in need.
Additionally, it is important to match containers with their corresponding lids. This ensures that the donations are useful to the recipients. You can also get creative and repurpose containers for specific donation needs, such as using shoe box-sized containers as drawer dividers or donating them to teachers for classroom storage.
Lastly, it is worth noting that while donating empty plastic containers is a great option, it is essential to be mindful of how many containers you keep. Assess your storage space and only keep a reasonable number of containers that you know you will use. This prevents the accumulation of clutter and ensures that your donations are truly beneficial to those who receive them.
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Selling them
If you're looking to sell empty plastic containers, there are several options available to you. Firstly, it is important to assess the condition of the containers and ensure they are clean, unbroken, and have matching lids. Sort the containers by size and type, and consider printing labels to make it easier for potential buyers to identify the different containers. You can then explore various platforms to sell your containers.
One option is to utilise online marketplaces such as Facebook Marketplace or apps like LetGo, which are popular choices for selling items, including storage containers. These platforms provide a wide reach and convenience in connecting with potential buyers. Alternatively, you can explore offline options by contacting local schools or after-school programs, as they often require storage containers for various purposes. Teachers may also appreciate receiving donated containers for their classrooms.
When storing your empty plastic containers before selling them, it is important to keep them in a safe and clean area. Consider using a kitchen pantry or cabinet, and utilise accessories like drawer dividers or shelf organisers to keep the containers neat and tidy. Ensure the lids are stored vertically to allow for easy access and air drying if needed. By presenting your containers in an organised and well-maintained manner, you can enhance their appeal to potential buyers.
To enhance the appeal of your containers, consider taking high-quality photos from multiple angles to showcase their condition and any unique features. Provide detailed descriptions, including dimensions, material, and any special characteristics, such as airtight seals or leak-proof capabilities. You can also bundle containers of various sizes together to create a more attractive offering for buyers who may appreciate a variety of options.
Lastly, be responsive and communicative when interacting with potential buyers. Provide additional information or answer any queries promptly, and be open to reasonable negotiations to increase the likelihood of a successful sale. By following these steps, you can effectively sell your empty plastic containers and find them a new home.
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Storing them in a designated space
Storing empty plastic containers in a designated space is an effective way to keep your home organised and clutter-free. Here are some detailed tips to help you maximise your storage space and maintain a tidy area:
Firstly, it's important to designate a specific area for storing your empty containers. This could be a shelf, a cabinet, or a designated storage area in your home. Decide on a space that is easily accessible and practical for your needs. Once you have chosen the storage area, you can begin to organise your containers in a way that makes sense for you.
One method is to categorise your containers by function rather than just by size. For example, group containers by their intended use, such as those for grains, snacks, or specific food items. This way, when you need a container for a particular purpose, you can easily locate the right one without rummaging through various sizes and shapes. It also helps to ensure that you don't end up with too many containers of one size and not enough of another.
Another tip is to utilise nesting containers that stack easily, one inside the other. This maximises your storage space and keeps your designated area tidy and efficient. If you have containers with lids, consider storing them separately. You can stack the bases together and place the lids in a shoebox-sized plastic container or a drawer. This makes it easier to locate the right lid without disturbing the stacked containers.
Additionally, only keep a reasonable number of containers that you think you will use again. It's easy to accumulate a large number of empty containers, but they can quickly become clutter if you have more than you need. Assess how many you realistically require and consider repurposing or donating the excess. You can also set a timeframe, such as three months, and if you haven't used a container within that period, it may be time to let it go.
Finally, maintain your designated storage space by periodically reorganising and decluttering. Check for any broken containers or lids and discard them. You can also label your containers to make it easier to find what you need and keep your storage area in circulation.
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Frequently asked questions
You can stack the containers with their lids on in a cabinet. If you have a lot of containers, you can also stack them vertically in a drawer or use a shoebox-sized plastic container to store the lids while keeping the containers nearby.
Assess how many containers you reasonably need and get rid of the rest. You can sell or donate the excess containers.
Categorise containers by function rather than size. For example, group all containers used for grains in one section and those for snacks in another.
Reorganise your containers every few months. Check which containers have reached the end of their shelf life, and repurpose or upcycle those that you never use.
You can repurpose empty containers for drawer dividers, donation bins, or storage for off-season clothes.
