How Do I Organize My Kitchen Empty Containers?

Kitchen organization is crucial for maintaining a functional, efficient, and clutter-free space, especially when it comes to food storage containers. Whether you're dealing with an overflowing drawer of mismatched lids and containers or simply want to make your storage solutions more accessible, the key lies in smart, sustainable organizing methods. In this blog post, we'll explore practical ways to organize empty kitchen containers, creating a system that works for your lifestyle. With easy-to-implement tips, you'll be able to transform your chaotic cabinet into a streamlined, tidy space. 

Clear Everything Out and Start Fresh:

The first step to organizing any space is to empty it, and your container storage is no exception. Pull out every single food container and lid from cabinets, drawers, and wherever else they're stashed. Lay them out on a clean surface, such as your kitchen counter or table. This not only allows you to see what you have but also gives you a chance to deep-clean the storage area. Emptying the space is essential for a proper reset; it helps you visualize how much space you’re working with and reveals any duplicates or broken items you no longer need. Once everything is out, take the time to clean the drawers and shelves. This step will make the final result more satisfying and ensure a fresh start for your organization's project.

Sort Your Containers by Type and Size:

After clearing the space, the next step is to categorize your containers by size, shape, and type. This sorting will help you see which containers go together and which are unnecessary. Place square, rectangular, and round containers into separate piles. Similarly, group the lids with their matching containers. The sorting process can reveal patterns in your storage habits and help you identify containers that are never used or that lack a matching lid. One useful tip is to prioritize stackable containers, which save space and nest easily within one another when not in use. By focusing on stackable designs, you'll maximize your storage area and maintain order without crowding the cabinet.

Purge the unnecessary items:

As you sort your containers, now is the perfect time to declutter. Get rid of any containers that are cracked, stained, or missing lids. This will instantly free up space in your cabinets. Similarly, eliminate any redundant items that serve the same purpose—keeping ten containers when you only use five doesn’t make sense. Being selective with your container collection ensures that the storage space is reserved for items that genuinely add value to your kitchen. By discarding broken or unused items, you can streamline your organizational process and avoid future chaos in the cabinet.

Use drawer dividers or storage bins:

Investing in drawer dividers or small storage bins is a great way to compartmentalize your containers and lids. If your containers tend to shift around every time you open a drawer, dividers will keep everything in its place. Alternatively, you can use clear bins to group similar items, such as placing all lids in one bin and the containers in another. Storage bins help in creating dedicated zones for different container sizes or types. This prevents containers from being scattered and makes them easier to locate when you need them. You can label the bins for additional clarity, ensuring that every family member knows where to put the items back.

Designate a Space for Lids:

One of the biggest struggles in container organization is keeping track of the lids. It’s common to open a drawer only to find a dozen lids that don’t fit any containers. To avoid this, create a designated space specifically for lids. You can store them vertically in a drawer, using a divider to keep them upright, or in a shallow bin inside your cabinet. Some people prefer to store lids in a separate drawer, making keeping track of them easier. Alternatively, consider purchasing containers with attached lids. This way, you never have to search for a matching lid again. Storing lids properly is crucial to maintaining an efficient system and reducing the stress of mismatched sets.

Consider vertical storage solutions:

When you have little room horizontally, consider it vertically. There is plenty of vertical space in many kitchen cabinets, but it is rarely used. To make the most of the vertical space in your cabinet, you can utilize this by adding shelf risers or stackable bins. Stackable storage containers reduce clutter and provide easy access to necessary goods without disrupting other contents. For instance, stack less often used containers higher up and position your most utilized containers on the bottom shelf. By arranging in this manner, you may use the vertical space for containers that are not commonly accessible while still having quick access to vital objects. 

Label Everything:

Keeping your kitchen organized can be achieved with a few basic but effective labels, particularly for containers and their lids. Make a method to determine each item's proper place or use labels to indicate the capacity or purpose of each container. Labels like “Large Containers” or “Round Lids,” for instance, can help you keep everything in its proper place. For a neat, polished appearance, you can use label makers, sticky labels, or blackboard labels. Labels will not only help you keep your area tidy, but they will also make it simpler for other family members to follow your established routine. 

Adopt a rotation system:

An often-overlooked part of kitchen container organization is rotation. A rotation system, commonly known as “First In, First Out” (FIFO), ensures that the containers you use regularly are easy to access. This system is especially useful if you store leftovers or meal prep frequently. Keep the most recently used containers in the front and rotate older containers to the back of the cabinet. FIFO not only helps with food storage but also prevents clutter, as you’re always moving items through the system rather than letting containers pile up in an unorganized fashion. This method keeps your cabinet in consistent order.

Create a maintenance routine:

Ultimately, system maintenance is the secret to long-term success in kitchen organizing. Keeping your containers organized is a continuous process that needs constant maintenance, not a one-time event. Make a plan to check your cabinet or drawer of containers every few months to make sure everything is still organized. As necessary, make changes, such as swapping out damaged containers, getting rid of extra stuff, or rearranging the arrangement to make it simpler to access. Maintaining your clutter control regimen will help you prevent it from getting out of hand. Keeping a kitchen that is both functional and well-organized only takes a little work. 

Optimize for convenience and efficiency:

When organizing your containers, think about how you use them on a daily basis. For example, if you often prep meals in advance, make sure your most-used containers are easy to grab and store. Efficiency should be your goal, with everything in a convenient location. Place your containers near the refrigerator or food prep area so that transferring food into them is quick and seamless. This mindful arrangement will save time and effort, helping your kitchen stay organized and reducing the stress of searching for containers when you need them most.