So, with it being right after the holidays, go clean out your food storage containers. Find those that belong to others and put them in a bag to be returned to friends and family. Take the time to match up all of the lids with containers to make sure everything has a partner. Throw out any that are scorched from one too many times in the microwave. Have too many? Donate them or give them to your child's teacher.
(On a side note: I LOVE food storage containers for my classroom. They're great for storage, art projects, snacks, art supply storage, etc. I happily buy sandwich meat in reusable containers each week so that I can save the containers.)
Be realistic about how many to keep as well. I realized I had 10 too many tiny containers. (What would I really use them for?) So I decided to take them into school to use with dice. As much as I didn't want to "get rid" of them since they're brand new, I knew I'd never use them. Time for a new use.
Once you figure out what to keep and ditch, find a way to organize the containers and lids so you can put them back in the cupboard. I have a food storage organizer from the Container Store and love it. I'm short at just 5'2", and we don't have many cupboards, so I needed something to hold containers and lids so that I could easily access them.
Good luck!
The BEST thing I ever did by way of plastic containers was get rid of them!!!! I have come to learn that they are of no use. I always store leftovers in the dishware I own topped with a lttle plastic wrap or the lid that goes with the dish. I have kept everything down to the bare minimum by way of dishware as well. My life is so much better. Also, sandwich bags for the occasional smaller left overs and freezer bags to store items in the freezer. I am a very clean person by nature, so I don't have left overs in my fridge for more than a day or two anyway. I just don't seem to need plastic ware anymore. I have lived this way for about two years and it is gr8! So freeing!
ReplyDeletehehe I had the same problem with my containers. Until I found a container big enough to hold all the lids. The lids are what are difficult to keep to together.. they slide and then you lose them somewhere in the cupboard. So glad I have them placed in a container.
ReplyDeleteCheck out my blog:
thediydreamer.blogspot.com
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ReplyDeleteOh how I dread the tupperware cabinet. Always an avalanche. :-)
ReplyDeleteI have glass pyrex storage containers that I have used for the past ten years. I have about ten of them of varying sizes and I love them. They go in the freezer, the microwave, and the oven (without the lid). A few are casserole size so they eliminate the need for any other casserole dishes.
ReplyDeleteAbout 3 years ago, I switched to a new system that I will probably use forever! I buy the deli-style clear plastic containers in large packages from Gordon Food Service. I buy small medium and large containers and the beauty of it all is that they all use the same lids! I usually don't microwave in them but I do freeze soups, stocks, etc. in them and I do run them through the dishwasher (top rack). I don't feel guilty throwing old leftovers out that are too gross to clean because these are meant to be disposable. Hope it works for you!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the link to the container store!
ReplyDeleteI use the lock and lock containers and the lids give me fits for storage... I'm going to order one of the organizers tonight!
Ha! I just did this today!
ReplyDeleteHello(:
ReplyDeleteThis is such a fantastic idea! I knew I was reading your blog for a reason! :D I am going to start off the New Year organized....and by the time December rolls around I will have to do it again. Scratch that NEXT WEEK I will have to do it again.
Victoria from Unlock Your World
www.vi-key.blogspot.com
As a future educator I can tell I am going to love your blog! (In my last quarter of school!) You have some great organizational tips!
ReplyDeleteThis is so helpful! Every week I organize them, and then my husband just sort of throws them in the cabinet when he empties the dishwasher. UG! Need to get to Container Store and purchase one of those organizers. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great idea going to try that at my house thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteI always store mine with the lids attached. No matter how you try and organize them it's a PITA to find matching parts. For a few years now we've done this and it saves us so much time. Just reach in the cupboard and grab and you know you don't have to go back in for a lid.
ReplyDeleteMe also own pack of 20, size 1 plastic storage bins in my kitchen and I am very happy to use them because they are easy to organised and affordable one. Organizing storage bins require more time if they are in large number.
ReplyDelete