Omar Khalid
Plastic containers are essential for storing leftovers, but they can quickly take over your kitchen cabinets and drawers if not properly organised. The key to storing plastic containers is to maximise space while ensuring accessibility. One popular method is to nest containers of similar shapes and sizes, with lids stored separately in a bin or basket. This allows for efficient stacking and makes it easier to find the right lid. Another option is to invest in new sets of containers that are designed to nest easily, reducing clutter. For those with limited space, switching to smart silicone bags or glass canning jars can be a more space-efficient alternative to plastic containers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sort containers by size | Small, medium, and large |
| Store containers separately | In larger plastic bins, nested to maximize space |
| Store lids separately | In a bin or vertically in a basket |
| Use dividers | DIY drawer dividers, adjustable pegboards, or shelf inserts |
| Use stackable containers | Stack by size at the front of the cabinet |
| Use clear containers | For easy identification |
| Use decorative box shelves | For instant drawer compartments |
| Use labels | For accountability and location identification |
| Use sturdy baskets | To accommodate a variety of containers and lids |
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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 keep your storage space organised and easily accessible. It is a simple, effective method that can be adapted to suit your space and the amount of plasticware you have.
Firstly, take stock of what you have. Go through your plastic containers and decide which ones to keep. Throw out any that are broken, discoloured, or do not have matching lids. You could also consider getting rid of any odd-shaped containers that do not stack well. If you have a lot of containers, decide how many you realistically need and recycle the rest. It is recommended to keep enough containers to store one week's worth of leftovers.
Now that you have decided which containers to keep, sort them by size. You can categorise them into small, medium, and large sizes. This will help you see how many containers you have in each size and if you need to get rid of any more. For example, you might realise that you have an excessive number of medium-sized containers and decide to get rid of some of them.
When it comes to storing your containers, there are a few options. If you have multiple sizes, you can store them in larger plastic bins, nested together to maximise space. Keep the matching lids together with their corresponding containers. You can also store the lids separately in their own bin. Alternatively, if you have drawers, you can keep the lids and containers together, with the lids stacked underneath or placed nearby in the same drawer.
To make the most of your space, you can use dividers to separate your containers by size and type. You can purchase adjustable drawer dividers or create your own using lightweight acrylic trays or book bins placed on their sides to act as dividers. This will help keep your containers organised and prevent them from mixing.
If you have a cabinet or pantry space, you can use baskets or wire baskets to store your containers and lids. Baskets are great for accommodating a wide variety of containers and keeping them safe and easily accessible. Wire baskets are also useful as you can see what's inside them, even if they are placed high up in a cabinet. You can also use shelf inserts of different widths and heights to add more usable storage space and prevent containers and lids from mixing.
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Stacking and nesting
One way to organise your plastic containers is to use a large plastic bin to store the small, medium, and large containers separately, with the lids. This is a good way to keep the containers together and makes it easier to retrieve a container and lid that will accommodate your leftovers. You could also store the containers and lids separately, with the lids in a bin by themselves.
Another option is to use a basket to store the containers and lids. Good, sturdy baskets can accommodate a wide variety of containers and lids and keep them safe and easily accessible. If you have a larger drawer, you can keep the lids and containers together, but separate by using a large container inside the drawer to store the lids.
If you have a lot of containers, it is a good idea to use stackable containers to save space. You can also use wire baskets that can be clipped onto shelves to store lids and smaller items. These baskets are easily moved around and you can see what is inside them, even if they are placed high up.
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Using dividers
Drawer dividers are a great way to organise plastic containers and prevent them from sliding around, getting disorganised, or chipped. They can be adjusted to the height of the drawer and moved around to fit your needs. For example, you can place containers in one compartment and sort the lids according to type in the other two.
If you have a larger drawer, you can divide the depth of your drawer in two, using DIY drawer dividers or a large container inside the drawer to store lids. You can also use a large container inside the drawer to store lids.
If you don't have a lot of drawer space, you can use a pullout shelf or lightweight acrylic trays on your cabinet shelves to create separate sections for your plastic containers. You can also use a desktop mail sorter in a pullout drawer to maximise space with its small, slender compartments.
If you're looking for a super-simple solution, turn a cloth book bin on its side and use it as a divider in your cabinet or drawer.
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Storing lids separately
Keeping lids separate from their containers is a great way to organise your plasticware. This method can help you avoid a cluttered mess of lids and containers, and make it easier to find what you need.
Firstly, sort through your collection of plasticware and decide which items to keep. Only keep the number of containers you need to store a week's worth of leftovers. This will ensure you have a manageable amount of plasticware to store. Once you have decided on the containers to keep, you can decide on the best storage method for your space.
If you have a larger drawer, you can keep the lids and containers separate by using a drawer divider. You can purchase a divider, or make your own by placing a large container inside the drawer to store the lids. If you don't have a large drawer, you could use a sturdy basket to store your plasticware. Baskets are a great 'catch-all' system, and can easily accommodate a variety of containers and lids.
Another option is to use a plate rack to organise your lids. Arrange and divide the lids by size, and place the rack inside your kitchen cabinet, or on the kitchen counter for easy access. You could also use a magazine rack or file sorter inside your cabinet door for hidden, easy-to-reach storage. If you're storing lids in a drawer, it's best to store them vertically so they can air dry after washing.
If you have a deep, lower corner cabinet, you could store your plasticware in a large plastic bin, with the lids stored separately in a bin. This method keeps the lids and containers together, whilst still being separated.
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Using baskets and bins
Baskets and bins come in a variety of sizes and can accommodate various container sizes. You can designate specific baskets or bins for different-sized containers, such as small, medium, and large. This helps to maximize space and keep your collection organized. Additionally, you can use smaller baskets or bins to separate lids by size or type, ensuring they don't get mixed up with other lids.
For kitchen storage, you can utilize baskets or small drawers to sort and store plastic containers and their lids. If you have limited drawer space, you can use a larger container inside the drawer to separate the lids from the containers. Alternatively, you can use an undershelf basket inside your cabinet to store lids, with the corresponding containers stacked neatly below. This helps to save space and makes finding the right lid and container a quicker, more efficient process.
Baskets and bins are also useful for organizing items beyond plastic containers. For example, you can use them in the bathroom to store skincare products, bath essentials, or even laundry pods. In the bedroom, they can be utilized for storing makeup, jewellery, or seasonal clothing under the bed. In the living room, baskets and bins can help declutter by providing a home for items such as magazines, toys, and blankets.
Overall, using baskets and bins is a versatile and efficient way to store plastic containers and other items in your home. They help maximize space, keep things organized, and can even add a decorative touch to your living space.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to keep only the required number of containers that you need to store one week's worth of leftovers. Choose containers that nest easily and stack them inside each other, with the lids on or separate, depending on your preference and available space.
Keeping the lids on plastic containers can make it harder to stack them and take up more space. It is often best to keep the lids separate so that the containers can be nested and save space. However, keeping the lids on can eliminate the "search" for matching lids and prevent containers from getting dirty.
You can store lids separately in a larger container or basket, arranging and dividing them by size to make it easy to find what you need. Alternatively, you can use a plate rack, magazine rack, or file sorter to organise the lids.
Yes, you can consider using glass storage containers with snap-on lids or super versatile smart silicone reusable bags, which take up less space and can fold flat when not in use.
