I have received some requests recently for guidance on how to organize food storage containers in the kitchen. I know this is a common source of frustration in the kitchen. Here are some simple and easy tips.
- Pull out all of your food storage containers from your kitchen cabinet(s) and spread them all out onto your kitchen countertops or your kitchen table.
- Sort through them all and match up each container with its corresponding lid.
- If you have any containers that are missing a lid or any lids that are missing a container, either repurpose them elsewhere in the house, or toss them.
- If you have any ‘coupled’ container sets that are not in good shape, toss them.
- Sort your usable ‘coupled’ container sets into groups that make sense for your collection (e.g. Small, Medium, Large; or Square, Rectangle, Round; or etc.).
- Now look at each grouping and ask yourself this question: “How many container sets do I really need/use?”
Really think about the answer to this one. Think about a time when your refrigerator has been packed with the most number of food-filled storage containers (most likely after a holiday gathering, or some other large gathering you hosted). Which size(s) and/or shape(s) did you use the most/least? Just how many storage containers did you have left in your cabinet(s) at that time? The answers to these questions will help you decide just how many and which shape/size container sets you really need to keep. As for the others, you can either repurpose them elsewhere in the house or you can donate them.
- Now that you know how many container sets you want to keep, nest one of your container groupings within each other (e.g. small within small, round within round, etc.) and set their corresponding lids in a stack next to the nested set of containers. Do the same thing with the other container groupings.
- It is finally time to put your containers back into your cabinet(s). You certainly have options here. As always, it is a matter of personal preference. Here are just a couple of ideas:
- Place a grouping of containers onto a shelf of your cabinet. Next to that grouping, prop up the matching lids against the wall of your cabinet. Do the same with your other groupings.
- –OR– Place a grouping of containers onto a shelf of your cabinet. Either behind, on the same shelf, or on the shelf above/below that grouping, place a containerized collection (i.e. in a basket or larger plastic container) of the matching lids. Do the same with your other groupings.
- –OR– Some people prefer storing their food storage containers in a drawer(s), instead of a cabinet(s). You can consider the suggestions referenced in the two points above for drawers as well. In the following photo example, notice the short curtain rod separating the containers from the lids. It just gives the lids a little extra support as you rummage through them.
I hope you found these tips to be helpful! Thank you again for stopping by & Thank you for organizing with me!
– Beverly