Ah, the plastic container drawer. It’s the Bermuda Triangle of the kitchen, where lids disappear and mismatched containers multiply. But fear not, because we’ve uncovered a professional organiser’s simple hack that will revolutionise the way you store your plastic containers and reclaim your kitchen sanity.
The common plight of the plastic container drawer is a familiar one to many of us. You open the cupboard to a cascade of containers and an avalanche of lids, each one seemingly belonging to a container from another dimension. It’s a frustrating and all-too-common scenario that can make meal prep a chore and clean-up a nightmare.
Enter the wisdom of a professional organiser, Julie Whiting from The Decluttering Co, who has shared a game-changing tip on social media that’s so straightforward, that you’ll wonder why it wasn’t part of your routine all along. The secret? Store your plastic containers with their lids on. It’s a simple switch that can save you time and frustration.
‘It means grab-and-go. No rummaging. Also, you can immediately see any orphans and discard them, rather than not knowing which sets are complete,’ Whiting explains. This method not only streamlines your storage but also helps you quickly identify and eliminate any container or lid that doesn’t have its mate.
Many of us have been hesitant to adopt this method due to concerns about space. After all, it seems logical that nesting containers within each other would save more room. However, Whiting points out that this common practice is precisely what leads to the chaos. ‘Space is usually the reason. Secondly, the lids may not be quite dry out of the dishwasher, and we are busy—so it’s tempting to throw the unmatched odds in the drawer and deal with the issue later. But we have to remember that getting organised is self-care for our future selves.’
If you’re worried about space, Whiting suggests a decluttering session. Pare down your collection to the essentials, and don’t be afraid to let go of kitchen gadgets that are gathering dust. ‘Sacrifice other kitchen non-essentials to give the plastics more space. How often do you REALLY use that popcorn maker/cupcake stand/crockpot? Good containers are used often and they are important.’
Whiting also sheds light on why the plastic container drawer becomes a hotspot for mess. It’s a mix of containers from various sources—purchases, hand-me-downs, and takeaway containers—that contribute to the jumble. And while nesting different types of containers might seem like a space-saving solution, it only leads to frustration when trying to find a matching set.
For those who prefer nesting, Whiting advises that it can work if you’re dealing with identical containers. Otherwise, it’s best to store them with their lids on. And when it comes to the eternal debate between drawers and cupboards, drawers win hands down. They bring items to you, making it easier to find what you need without creating a mess.
If you’re stuck with cupboards, consider using a large tub or basket to contain your containers. This makeshift ‘drawer’ can be pulled out into the light, making it easier to find what you need without the risk of an avalanche.
Organising your kitchen can be a simple yet impactful way to streamline daily routines and reduce frustration. Whether you choose to adopt this plastic container storage method or have your own system in place, finding what works best for you is key.
What are your go-to strategies for keeping your kitchen organised? Have you tried this approach, or do you have a different method that works well? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
Also read: Kmart’s $5 berry storage container—is it helping or hurting?
