Food storage containers are a kitchen essential, helping us store and preserve leftovers, meal preps, and various ingredients. However, the struggle to keep these containers organized is a common challenge for many. The mismatched lids, cluttered cabinets, and the eternal search for the right container can be frustrating. Fear not! In this blog post, we’ll explore the best ways to organize food storage containers, making your kitchen more efficient and your cooking experience more enjoyable.
If you are new to the blog, welcome! I blog about cleaning, decluttering, and organizing. You can find more free printables to help you get organized in the drop down menu under the Printables category. Today, I’ll cover 8 easy ways to organize food storage containers.
You can get your printable Daily Housekeeping Routine and Cleaning Checklists here. This 15 page printable kit is delivered digitally to your email for you to print and personalize.
It includes a daily schedule, calendar pages, and deep cleaning checklists for every room and area of your home. Today, I’ll show you 8 easy ways to organize food storage containers. You can also check out this post on 8 Smart Ways to Organize Your Kitchen Drawers.
8 Easy Ways to Organize Food Storage Containers
- Declutter and Evaluate:
Before diving into organization methods, take a moment to declutter. Get rid of containers with missing lids or lids without matching containers. Evaluate your collection and keep only what you need and use regularly. This step is crucial to create a more streamlined and organized storage space.
- Invest in a Matching Set:
Consider investing in a matching set of food storage containers. Opting for a uniform set not only looks aesthetically pleasing but also makes it easier to stack and organize. Look for sets that come with lids that can be nested inside each other to save space. I have also found that square and rectangle shaped food storage containers are easier to store and take up less cabinet space. Round containers are a little more challenging.
- Drawer Dividers:
Drawer dividers are not just for utensils; they can work wonders for organizing food storage container lids. Designate a drawer for your lids and use dividers to keep them neatly separated. This eliminates the need to rummage through a pile of lids to find the right one.
- Stacking and Nesting:
When storing containers, stack them according to size. Stackable containers save space and make it easier to access the one you need. For containers with matching lids, consider nesting the lids within each other or attaching them to the corresponding container. This prevents them from getting lost and keeps everything in one place.
- Clear Containers:
Invest in clear food storage containers. Then, you won’t have to guess what is inside each time you open the fridge. Transparent containers allow you to see the contents easily, eliminating the need to open each container to identify its contents. This not only saves time but also helps reduce the risk of food spoilage as you can quickly check the freshness of the stored items.
- Labeling:
Labeling your containers can be a game-changer. Use a label maker or even simple masking tape and a marker to indicate the contents and date of storage. This small step can prevent confusion and help you keep track of the freshness of your stored items. You can find my Free Printable Food Labels here.
- Utilize Vertical Space:
Make the most of your cabinet space by using vertical organizers. These can be racks or shelves that allow you to stack containers vertically. Utilizing vertical space can significantly increase your storage capacity and make it easier to see and access your containers. Can you store the lids vertically? If you can, it will be easier to locate the matching lids if they are stored upright like a file cabinet.
- Dedicated Storage Zone:
Designate a specific area in your kitchen for food storage containers. Having a dedicated zone makes it easier to maintain order and ensures that containers don’t end up scattered throughout the kitchen. This could be a cabinet, pantry shelf, or even a designated drawer.
By implementing these organization tips, you can transform your food storage container chaos into a well-ordered and efficient system. Maintaining an organized kitchen not only saves time but also enhances your overall cooking experience. So, declutter, invest in matching sets, utilize clear containers, and take advantage of vertical space to create a harmonious and functional food storage system in your kitchen.
Recent Comments