Ethan Clarke
Plastic containers are useful for storing food, but they can be tricky to store. Many people struggle with a cluttered collection of containers and lids, which can cause frustration and even food waste. To avoid this, it's important to have an organised system in place. This involves sorting through your containers, getting rid of any that are damaged, mismatched or unused, and finding a storage solution that works for your space. Whether you use drawers, cabinets or baskets, there are many ways to store your plastic containers efficiently and neatly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of containers | Only keep the number of containers you need for one week's worth of leftovers |
| Container condition | Recycle or repurpose damaged containers |
| Container type | Clear containers are preferable to "mystery containers" |
| Container size | Keep a variety of sizes to suit your food containment needs |
| Container organisation | Stack containers and lids together in ready-made compartments |
| Container separation | Keep lids separate from containers to save space |
| Container labels | Label containers by size, type, or color |
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What You'll Learn
Stack containers and lids together
Stacking containers and lids together is a great way to save space and keep your plastic ware collection organised. Before you begin, it's important to declutter and recycle any damaged containers, orphan containers, or those without matching lids. You should also decide on the number of containers you need to keep, based on the size of your collection and the space available in your cupboard.
Once you've decided on the number of containers to keep, sort them by size and type. You can then begin stacking them together with their corresponding lids. If you have limited space, it's recommended to keep lids separate, as this makes it easier to nest containers and save space. You can use a variety of storage solutions to separate and stack your containers and lids, such as baskets, bins, or magazine holders.
For example, you can use a large container or basket inside a drawer or cabinet to store lids, with the matching containers stacked around the sides or towards the front of the cabinet. Alternatively, you can use a desktop mail sorter or magazine holder in a pull-out drawer to separate and stack lids, with containers stacked by size towards the front. If you have a smaller collection of containers, you can use a compact pull-out storage unit or stack them together in a larger tub or shoe box, with lids separated and stacked around the sides.
To make your storage system even more efficient, consider labelling your containers and lids by size or type, so you can easily find what you're looking for. This will help you maintain an organised system and make the most of your cupboard space.
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Store lids separately
Storing lids separately from their containers can be a great way to save space and keep your plasticware collection organised. This is especially true if you have limited space, as it allows you to nest containers within each other. It also lets lids air-dry properly after washing, preventing trapped moisture in the sealed container.
There are several ways to store your lids separately. One method is to use a magazine holder or file holder, either lying flat in a drawer or attached to the inside of a cabinet door. This keeps the lids organised and easily accessible. You can also use a desktop mail sorter, placed in a pull-out drawer, to maximise space with its small, slender compartments.
If you have a larger drawer, you can divide it in two with a simple wooden panel or a large container to separate lids from containers. You can also use storage boxes or baskets within a drawer to contain all the lids, stacking 'like with like' to maximise space. For deeper drawers, consider using expandable dividers or peg board-type products.
If you're storing your plasticware in a cupboard, you can use a large tub or several small baskets to separate lids from containers. You can also use undershelf baskets, which slide into your cabinet and provide extra storage space for lids. To make the most of your cupboard space, try using shelf risers to keep stacks separate, or insert pull-out drawers within the cupboard to make accessing your plasticware easier.
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Use clear containers
Using clear containers is a great way to keep your plastic ware collection organised and easily accessible. Clear containers allow you to see what's inside, reducing the time spent hunting for matching lids or the right-sized container. This is especially helpful if you store your plastic ware in a deep cabinet or drawer, where items can easily get lost at the back.
To make the most of clear containers, sort your plastic ware by size and type, and keep lids near their corresponding containers. Magazine holders can be useful here, acting as shelves for containers while storing their lids flat. Alternatively, use a desktop mail sorter with slender compartments to store lids, and stack containers by size towards the front of the cabinet.
If you prefer to keep lids and containers together, clear containers are still a good option. By keeping your plastic ware transparent, you can quickly identify sets and sizes, even if they are stacked or stored in a pull-out drawer system.
Clear containers also help you keep on top of food waste. Being able to see your leftovers clearly may make you more likely to eat them, and they also make it easier to identify old or spoiled food.
Finally, clear containers can be a good way to identify any excess plastic ware. If you can clearly see that you have more containers than you need, you may be more inclined to recycle or repurpose them.
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Recycle containers
Recycling plastic containers is an important step in reducing plastic waste and creating a more sustainable environment. Here are some tips for recycling plastic containers:
- Sort and Separate: Begin by sorting your plastic containers by size and type. Separate the containers from their lids, as this will give you more space and make it easier to organise.
- Assess and Purge: Go through your collection and assess the condition of each container. Recycle or repurpose damaged containers, as they may allow harmful chemicals to leech into food. Also, consider repurposing or recycling specialised "uni-task" containers that are no longer useful.
- Clean the Containers: Before recycling, make sure to clean your plastic containers thoroughly. Remove any food residue or oil by rinsing and soaking them. While it is still likely to be recycled either way, cleaning ensures that your plastic containers do not ruin a whole batch of otherwise recyclable materials.
- Check Local Recycling Programs: Different areas may have varying guidelines for what types of plastic are accepted for recycling. Always check your local programs or guidelines to confirm which plastic containers can be recycled in your area.
- Storage Solutions: If you have a large collection of plastic containers, create a dedicated space for them in a cupboard or cabinet. You can use storage tubs, baskets, or dividers to separate containers and lids, making them easier to access and preventing clutter.
- Repurpose Creatively: If you have excess plastic containers that you no longer need for food storage, consider repurposing them for other uses. For example, you can use plastic containers to hold recyclable materials that don't belong in your curbside recycling bin, such as film plastic or baby food pouches.
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Label containers
Labels are an essential part of keeping your plastic containers organised. They help everyone in your household find what they're looking for and know where things belong. You can print labels by size, type, or colour—choose a system that works for you and your household.
If you have a large collection of containers, it may be helpful to label the cupboards or drawers where they're stored. For example, you could label a drawer 'round containers' or 'small containers'. That way, you'll know exactly where to look when you need a particular container.
You can also use labels to indicate where different types of lids are stored. If you're storing lids separately from containers, it can be helpful to label the lids by shape or size. For example, you could have one section for round lids and another for square or rectangular lids. Alternatively, you could use a magazine holder or basket to store lids and label it accordingly.
If you're short on space, you can use labels to maximise the space you have. For example, you can use adhesive liners or grippy liners to make sliding trays easier and label these so family members know where to return items.
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Frequently asked questions
First, go through your plastic containers and discard any that are damaged, grotty, or missing a lid. Only keep what you need for a week's worth of leftovers.
It is usually best to keep lids separate from containers so you can nest containers together and save space. You can use a basket, bin, or shelf to store lids separately in a cupboard or drawer.
Stack containers together by size and type. You can use baskets, bins, or shelf inserts to separate containers and lids and make the most of the space. Label containers and lids so you can easily find what you need.
You can use a variety of storage solutions to organise plastic containers in a cupboard, such as wire racks, pull-out drawers, shelf risers, or tension rods.
