All products featured on Epicurious are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Figuring out how to organize Tupperware and other plasticfood storage containerscan be a challenge for even the most meticulous and design-savvy among us. And while I don’t necessarily consider myself superorganized, I’ve always been particular about anything that requires storage space in the kitchen. Well, almost anything. For years, I angrily shoved thin plastic bowls and flimsy coordinating lids into a Drawer of Doom.
At one point, my Tupperware collection looked like it was curated by a toddler who only sourced his items from the saddest shelves at thrift stores. In reality, a few pieces had accidentallycome home with my son从托儿所(这是在之前的时间,场地se) while others had been left behind by well-meaning relatives and drunk dinner party guests. Most of the containers I’d intentionally acquired were either missing their lids, missing completely, or stained by some tomato-based sauce. (And for the record, none of it was actually Tupperware—a mid-level-marketing brand founded in the 1940s whose name has become synonymous with plastic food storage containers, much like Kleenex has with tissues.)
Then I reada book about decluttering(and no, it wasn’tMarie Kondo’s, but I’ve read that, too), in which the author suggested storing food storage containers with the lids on. At first, the idea seemed ridiculous; I was already short on space for this stuff. But by the time I found lids to fit my undamaged containers, what remained actually took up less space than the mess of plastic I’d been wrangling into itsdrawerfor years. And you know what? I still hadplentyof food storage containers. But since nearly everything was from a different brand or line, it wouldn’t nest or stack. So I finally trashed it all in favor of a small, matching set and I haven’t looked back.
Sure, the occasional random piece still ends up in my dishwasher from time to time, but now that I have a single food storage containersystem(and very few dinner guests) it’s much easier to spot the oddballs and return them to their rightful owners. And the best part is that my food storage containers drawer is no longer a Drawer of Doom.
If your food storage containers have become impossible to organize for whatever reason, it’s time to consider a fresh start. Here's how to organize Tupperware (or other storage containers):
Figure out how many storage containers you really need
Yes, the internet is full of hacks and racks for organizing plastic lids and containers, but if you need to build or buy something just to organize your overflowing storage container collection, you probably have too much of it. You only need as much as you use on a daily basis, plus maybe a few extra pieces for unexpected leftovers and overzealous meal prep.
Pick a system and stick to it
Committing to a single food storage container system isn’t all about aesthetics. In a good set, the pieces nest for easy storage and stack neatly in the fridge or pantry. And when everything is from the same line, it’s so much easier to find the right lid.
What to do with your old storage containers
I know, I know. We all hate to throw things out—especially plastic things—and these containers are supposed to help us create less waste. But if you’ve gotten rid of superfluous containers and lids and what’s left is stained, warped, or starting to get a weird texture from years of use, it’s time to toss or recycle them (check here to see what’s recyclable). Then you can pat yourself on the back for using them as long as you did and buy yourself a nice new set that will help you keep single-use plastics out of the landfill for another few years.
If you’re ready for a new food storage container set and your old pieces are still in good condition, you can offer them up in your local Buy-Nothing group, donate them to an organization that delivers warm meals to people in need, or send them just about anywhere with a small child. I also like to use the smaller containers to organize nails, screws, and other little pieces of hardware.
Ready to streamline your food storage system? Here are seven sets to get you started, beginning with the top choice fromour extensive in-house testing.
.png)
