Omar Khalid
Keeping plastic containers organised can be a challenge, especially when they come in all shapes and sizes. The first step is to declutter and recycle any containers that are cracked, cloudy, or scratched, as these can be unsafe for food storage. Next, sort the containers by size and type, pairing each container with its lid. You can then decide how many containers you need to keep, based on your household's requirements. Finally, it's time to store your plastic containers in a way that maximises space and keeps them easily accessible. This could involve using baskets, shelves, or drawers, with various dividers and tension rods to create compartments and keep things organised.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of containers | Only keep the required number of containers to store one week's worth of leftovers |
| Container type | Choose one or two styles that nest easily |
| Sorting | Sort by size and type, and keep lids near their corresponding containers |
| Storage | Use a large tub to create a pull-out drawer system, or use sturdy baskets to store containers and lids |
| Labelling | Add quick labels to help everyone know where items are and where they go |
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What You'll Learn
Sort by size and type
Sorting plastic containers by size and type is a great way to organise your plasticware collection. This method is inexpensive and easy to implement. It also helps you identify where you may have too many containers and where you may need more.
First, lay out all your plasticware on a large, flat surface. Then, sort the containers by size: small, medium, and large. You can then decide on a reasonable number of containers to keep for each size category. Select the best containers to keep and set the rest aside to be repurposed or recycled.
Once you have decided on the number of containers to keep for each size, you can then organise them in a way that suits your kitchen. If you have drawers, you can use tension rods to divide the drawers into sections for small, medium, and large containers. You can also use a desktop mail sorter in a pull-out drawer to maximise space with its small, slender compartments. Stack the containers by size towards the front of the cabinet.
If you have cabinets, you can use lightweight acrylic trays on your cabinet shelves to create makeshift pull-out drawers. You can also use two sturdy baskets to separate the containers by size. If you have a large cupboard, you can use large tubs to create your own pull-out drawer system. Place the containers in the tubs with the lids stacked around the sides.
To make the most of limited cabinet space, fill an undershelf basket with container lids and place the containers underneath. Magazine holders can also be used to store lids while acting as a shelf for their matching containers.
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Use a pull-out drawer system
If you're looking for a way to organise your plastic containers, a pull-out drawer system could be the answer. This system is ideal if you have limited space and want to keep your containers neatly stacked and easily accessible.
One option is to purchase a set of pull-out cabinet organisers that fit your cabinet size. These organisers turn your cabinets into drawers, making it easier to access both lids and containers. They come in various colours and sizes, with high sides to keep items upright. Some options include the Seinloes Expandable Pull-Out Cabinet Organiser ($60 at Amazon) and the Songmics stackable set of four shelves ($32 at Amazon).
If you're looking for a more affordable option, you can create your own pull-out drawer system. Purchase a large tub from a dollar store and use a shoebox or any storage tub to separate lids, stacking containers around the sides. You can place a few of these organised systems within a cupboard and attach labels to easily identify the contents.
To further maximise space, you can use a desktop mail sorter in a pull-out drawer to organise lids in the small compartments, while stacking containers by size towards the front of the cabinet. Alternatively, use tension rods or drawer dividers to separate lids from containers and keep them standing vertically for easy access.
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Stack containers with lids
Stacking containers with lids is a great way to save space and keep your plasticware collection organised. To begin, sort the containers by size – small, medium, and large. This makes it easier to identify how many containers of each size you need to keep and whether you can repurpose or recycle any of the others. Once you have decided on the number of containers to keep, select the best of each category and set the rest aside.
Next, you can start stacking the containers. If you have a drawer, use it to your advantage. Nest the containers by placing the smaller containers (with their lids on) inside the larger ones. This method ensures that the lids stay with their corresponding containers and don't get lost. Place the larger containers at the bottom of the drawer or shelf and stack the smaller containers on top. If you have a lot of containers, you can also stack them vertically, creating several separate sections in the drawer or on the shelf.
To make the most of limited space, use undershelf baskets. Fill these baskets with the lids, sorted by size, and place the containers underneath. This way, you can quickly grab a container and its matching lid without having to search through a pile of plasticware. If you have a cabinet, you can create makeshift pull-out drawers by placing lightweight acrylic trays on the shelves and covering the bottom with an adhesive liner to make sliding the trays easier.
Another way to keep the lids organised is by using magazine holders. Place them flat inside a drawer and use them to store the lids while the corresponding containers are stacked on top. You can also use desktop mail sorters, which have small, slender compartments perfect for storing lids. These methods ensure that your lids are easily accessible and don't get lost in a disorganised cabinet or drawer.
By stacking containers with lids, you can efficiently organise your plasticware, maximise storage space, and easily access the containers and lids when needed.
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Recycle old containers
Recycling old containers is an effective way to organise your plastic containers. It is the first step in any organising project to clear out the space that needs to be organised. Start by taking everything out of the cabinet and matching lids with containers. Look for lids that don't fit any containers and containers without lids. You may come across containers that are cracked, cloudy, or scratched. These containers should be recycled or repurposed for non-food storage items.
Next, decide how many containers you need. One piece of advice is to keep only the required number of containers that you need to store one week's worth of leftovers. Another is to keep only nesting containers. Sort through your containers so that you're only keeping containers that nest easily. This will help to keep everything together.
Finally, recycle the rest. You can also repurpose containers that are in good condition. For example, you can use them to send meals to others.
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Use a large tub with smaller tubs inside
One of the most effective ways to organise plastic containers is to use a large tub with smaller tubs inside. This method is ideal for those who have a drawer or spare space to utilise. The first step is to sort the containers by size—small, medium, and large. This makes it easier to identify how many containers of each size are needed. Once this is done, decide on a reasonable number to keep for each size and select the best containers in each category. The remaining containers can be recycled or repurposed.
After sorting and purging, place the small, medium, and large containers separately in larger plastic bins, with the lids. Nesting the containers as much as possible will help to maximise space. This method is also useful for storing toys, games, craft sets, and building sets in a playroom. It can also be used for long-term storage needs, such as holiday decorations.
To organise the large plastic tubs, use smaller tubs inside to divide the space and categorise items. For example, one large tub could contain several small tubs, each dedicated to a specific category of items. This helps to keep things neat and tidy without taking up too much space.
Additionally, consider using clear or frosted containers to easily identify the contents. Magazine holders can also be used to store lids while acting as a shelf for their matching food storage containers. It is important to keep lids near their corresponding containers to avoid a cluttered cabinet.
Finally, labelling the tubs can be extremely helpful, especially when storing items in deep corner cabinets. This ensures that nothing gets lost at the back of the cabinet and that everything is easily accessible.
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Frequently asked questions
First, clear out your cabinet or drawer and match lids with containers. Get rid of any containers without lids, any lids that don't fit, and any containers that are cracked, cloudy, or scratched.
Sort the containers by size and stack them with their corresponding lids. You can use baskets, magazine holders, or small tension rods to separate containers and lids into compartments.
If you don't have enough drawers, add some thoughtful shelving to maximize vertical space. You can also use undershelf baskets or pull-out cabinet organizers to make the most of your cabinet space.
Only keep the number of containers you need to store one week's worth of leftovers. You can also limit yourself to one or two styles of containers that nest easily.
