Your Food Containers Need a Match-Up

Photo source: Flickr

There are few household cupboards more frustrating than the one containing food containers. Open the door and you may find a pile of plastic tubs, glass dishes, and loose lids, all apparently belonging to one another but rarely in the right combination.

If you’re constantly rummaging through the cupboard looking for a matching lid, it’s probably time for a reset.

Start by taking everything out. Put the containers in one group and the lids in another, then match them up. You’ll quickly discover how many containers have lost their lids—and how many lids appear to belong to containers that disappeared years ago.

There’s no need to keep a container simply because it’s technically usable. If it’s badly stained, cracked, warped, or has developed a persistent smell, consider whether it’s still worth keeping. Damaged plastic containers in particular may be better replaced rather than returned to the cupboard.

Once you’ve separated the useful ones, think about how many you actually need. A household that regularly cooks large meals may genuinely need a substantial collection, while someone who rarely stores leftovers might only use a handful.

Matching containers can be stored inside one another to save space. Keep their lids together in a separate section rather than balancing them loosely on top. A small basket or divider can stop the lids from becoming an avalanche every time you open the cupboard.

It can also help to keep a few different sizes rather than twenty containers that are almost—but not quite—the same size. Having one or two small containers, several medium ones, and a couple of larger options can cover most everyday jobs without filling an entire shelf.

If you use glass containers, check them for chips or cracks before putting them back. Damaged glass shouldn’t be used for storing food, particularly if it could break during handling or heating.

Finally, make the new system easy to maintain. When you buy a replacement container, get rid of an old one you no longer need rather than allowing the collection to grow again.

A food-container cupboard doesn’t need to be Pinterest-worthy. It simply needs to let you find the right container and its lid without muttering under your breath.