How To Organize Glass Food Storage Containers [4 Crucial Tips]

It's the bane of every home cook's existence, a messy cabinet of glass containers! Even when everything else in the kitchen is neat and tidy, food storage containers always find a way to get disorganized. It's no wonder why – a too-large collection of various sized containers with removable lids, half of which have gone missing, is a recipe for disaster. We've researched various storage methods to get your glass food storage containers organized.

To properly organize your glass food storage containers, you first need to streamline your collection. After that, designate one large cabinet or drawer for containers equipped with organizational dividers will ensure that everything stays in its proper place. Here are some pointers we'll delve into later in the article:

  • Each container needs a proper lid.
  • Make sure your cabinet is big enough for the job.
  • Lids should be stored separately.
  • Organizational tools are your best friends.

We know how stressful a messy kitchen can be, and that's why we're here to help. Keep reading for an in-depth guide on how to organize your glass food storage containers, so you always know where to find what you're looking for.

Vintage Kitchen Hutch with baking ingredients, How To Organize Glass Food Storage Containers [4 Crucial Tips]

Streamline Your Tupperware Collection

stocked kitchen pantry with food - glass jars and glass containers of cereals, jam, coffee, sugar, flour, oil, vinegar, rice

We know how it is – half of the storage containers in your cabinets have come from unknown sources. Whether you forgot to return one to your in-laws or accidentally snagged one while bringing home leftover brownies from the bake sale, one thing is clear, food storage containers accumulate like mad! Before you can even begin to develop a new storage system, take inventory of what you have.

Don't Be Afraid To Say Goodbye

Think honestly about how many containers you really need. Do you live alone? Then 20 Pyrex dishes may not be necessary. If you have six kids and need to meal-prep for the week, then your situation is probably different. Take your circumstances into consideration and de-clutter accordingly.

The sizes and shapes of the containers you decide to keep matters as well. It's best to have a collection that varies in size for two reasons:

  1. It is much easier to store glass containers that can stack into each other to save space in your cabinet.
  2. Using the smallest vessel necessary to store your leftovers will save space in the fridge. So toss any repeat contenders in favor of a set of staggered sizes.

Every Bottom Needs A Top

Although they won't be stored this way, fit each container with its proper lid before storing it. If it doesn't have one, throw it away. Likewise, any leftover lids can also go in the trash. Try to maintain a strict 1:1 ratio of bottoms to tops. Stray covers and mismatched sets are nothing but unnecessary clutter.

Choose The Right Cabinet

In order to ensure no lids get lost in the shuffle, it's best to have one designated location for all of your storage containers. A cabinet is best, but if your kitchen has a large drawer (both deep and wide) that can work. The trick is to make sure you're not doing any cramming. Everything should comfortably fit with a little room to spare – a cabinet packed to the brim will seem disorganized even if it's technically not.

Store Lids Separately

It may be tempting to store containers with the lids on to make sure they don't get separated down the line, but trust us, it's not a good idea. If you have containers in various sizes, they should easily fit into one another in a neat stack. That way, you can store five containers and only take up the space of one! As long as you have a good storage method for lids, this won't be a problem.

Check out even more tips about lid storage "Should You Store Tupperware With Lids On?"

Organizational Tools Work Wonders

Don't be afraid to get some help from outside sources. There are myriad tools and dividers you can utilize to make the most out of a small space.

Keep Your Lids In Check

We know how easily lids can become cluttered and eventually go missing. We suggest having some type of organizer to hold them upright and within reach. An adjustable rack comes in handy and can be customizable based on your needs.

Check out this adjustable bamboo lid organizer on Amazon.

Try A Lazy Susan

If your cabinet is deep but not very wide, it may help have a rotating organizer. This way, you won't have to remove containers to reach a certain one all the way in the back. Simply swivel your organizer to find what you need.

Check out this swirl around food storage organizer on Amazon.

Stacked Drawers Create Space

If your storage space has considerable height, drawers might be your best option. This will create two levels of organizational ability where there otherwise would have only been one. Plus, pull-out drawers make for easy access to your containers.

Check out these sliding baskets with handles on Amazon.

Are Glass Storage Containers Better Than Plastic?

You may have noticed that we've put an emphasis on how to store your glass storage containers, not plastic. This is because we think that glass is a notably better option when choosing between the two. Here's why.

Glass Is Better For The Environment

Glass storage containers are simply more sustainable than plastic. First of all, it will last you much longer. Glass storage containers are usually made from extremely resilient glass that is difficult to break or chip. Plastic, on the other hand, will crack much sooner. And when it is time to replace your glass containers, they can be recycled, unlike most plastic ones.

Glass Is Better For You

There has been a lot of talk over the last few years about whether toxins in plastic food storage containers can leach out into your leftovers – and unfortunately, those claims are true. Especially when heated up (like in the microwave), plastic containers can release chemicals into your food. Using glass avoids the issue altogether.

Can Glass Storage Containers Go In The Oven?

Freeze it, microwave it, and yes, even bake it! Glass storage containers are generally oven-safe, but it's a good idea to check whether the particular one you're using says so. Cheaper brands may only be oven safe up to a certain temperature, so we suggest checking the bottom of the dish (or even the brand's website) just to make sure.

To learn how to clean your containers, check out this article "How To Get Stains Out Of Tupperware [3 Easy Methods]"

What Are The Best Glass Storage Containers?

There are a few key things to look for when buying a new set of storage containers. You want something that's going to be leak-proof, durable, and relatively affordable. Keep reading to find the storage containers that best fit your criteria.

Best Bang For Your Buck

If you're looking to start fresh and overhaul your whole food storage collection, look no further than this Bayco 24 piece set. Coming with nine different sizes at only $35.99 (that's $3 per container), your kitchen and wallet will both be happy with this purchase.

Check out this Bayco 24 piece glass food storage container set on Amazon.

Best For Meal Prep

If you like to plan your week's meals ahead of time, this multi-colored set is for you. With ten containers coming in five different colors, you'll be able to remember exactly which meal is for what day.

Check out these meal prep containers on Amazon.

Best For Hot Meals

There's nothing worse than soggy food. These glass containers have steam release valves on their lids so steam can escape and ensure your leftovers never get soggy.

Check out these glass food storage containers with ventilated lids on Amazon.

Best Sustainable Option

Perfect for lunch on the go, these Gramercy Kitchen Co. containers have bamboo lids and come with a set of bamboo cutlery. Eliminate the need for plastic utensils and do yourself a favor – get these containers!

Check out these glass food storage containers with bamboo lids on Amazon.

Live Your Life Clutter Free

Now that you have the best information at your disposal, there's no excuse to leave your glass container cabinet looking messy. Remember, before you start organizing, think about downsizing – the key to organizational bliss is often minimalism. Have fun and enjoy your newly organized kitchen!

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