Is your kitchen cabinet overflowing with mismatched lids and stained plastic containers? You’re not alone. Week #31 of the Weekly Declutter Challenge is all about food storage containers, and let me tell you—it’s one of the most satisfying categories to tackle.
As someone who values both function and beauty in the home, I believe even the inside of your cabinets should be organized and intentional. In this post, I’ll walk you through how to declutter your containers, why I personally switched to glass, and the simple leftover food system that’s changed my kitchen routine for the better.
Why Food Storage Containers Deserve a Spot in Your Decluttering Plan
Food containers are one of those sneaky clutter categories that build up over time. You buy one or two, inherit a few from takeout orders, and before you know it, you’ve got a cabinet that looks like a plastic avalanche waiting to happen.
The problem isn’t just visual—disorganized containers lead to:
- Wasted space
- Wasted time (hunting for lids!)
- Wasted food due to improper storage
- More single-use plastic waste
If you’ve ever opened a drawer and had ten lids fall out, it’s time for a refresh.
Step-by-Step: How to Declutter Food Storage Containers
Here’s how to tackle this project in under an hour:
- Empty the Entire Space
Pull out every container, lid, and bin from your cabinet or drawer. - Sort and Match
Pair each container with its matching lid. If it doesn’t have a partner, it goes. - Inspect for Damage
Toss anything that’s cracked, stained, or warped from microwave damage. - Purge Excess
Be honest—how many containers do you really use each week? Donate the extras. - Store Smart
Nest your containers by size and store lids upright in a bin or drawer divider like this one
My Favorite Food Storage Upgrade: Switching to Glass
A few years ago, I ditched most of my plastic containers and replaced them with a set of glass meal prep containers. And I haven’t looked back.
Here’s why I love glass:
- Non-porous: Glass doesn’t absorb food odors or stains like plastic can.
- Safer to reheat: No worries about plastic leaching chemicals in the microwave.
- Longer lasting: A good glass set can last for years with proper care.
- Visually appealing: Clear glass lets you easily see what’s inside.
✨ I personally use these glass meal prep containers with locking lids (affiliate link). They come in a set of 10 and stack beautifully in the fridge.
My Life Hack: Store Leftovers as Full Plated Meals
Here’s a tip that truly changed my meal prep game: Instead of storing all the mashed potatoes in one big bowl and all the chicken in another, I portion out full plates of food in individual containers.
Why?
Because no one in my house is going to open the fridge and say, “Hmm, I think I’ll just eat a bowl of green beans.” But if there’s a full plate already prepared with chicken, potatoes, and green beans? That’s dinner!
This method saves time, reduces food waste, and makes life so much easier when you’re juggling a busy schedule. I even send these ready-to-eat meals with my husband when he’s on the road. Everything is portioned, reheatable, and packed with love.
Here’s the exact meal prep set I recommend (affiliate link)—durable, easy to clean, and a total game changer.
Make the Switch Slowly (If You Need To)
Don’t feel like you need to toss all your plastic containers overnight. Start by replacing the ones that are stained, warped, or missing lids. Over time, build your glass collection by purchasing a set here and there—or ask for a set as a holiday gift!
And if you’re limited on space, consider using a lid organizer (affiliate link) to keep everything tidy. You’ll be amazed how much calmer your kitchen will feel with one simple drawer organized.
🛒 Shop My Favorite Food Storage Essentials
I’ve rounded up all of my favorite food storage and kitchen organization items in one convenient Amazon list! From the glass meal prep containers I personally use to lid organizers and drawer dividers, these essentials will help you declutter your space and simplify your meal prep. [Click here to shop the full list.]
Ready to Declutter?
Decluttering your food storage containers might seem like a small task, but the benefits go far beyond a neater drawer. You’ll spend less time searching, enjoy fresher meals, and maybe even fall in love with your leftovers again.
And if you’re following along with my Weekly Declutter Challenge, don’t forget to share your before-and-after pics in the private Facebook group or tag me on Instagram @divineelementsofdesign.
Let’s simplify together. You’ve got this!
As always, if you need help getting your home and life organized, register for my free “5 Days to an Organized Home & Life” email course. Each day you will receive strategies for keeping your home & life organized and having a “company ready” home at all time. You can register for the free course at www.decoratorsvoice.com/free5daycourse
For information about my Full Home & Life Organizational Strategies course, please visit www.decoratorsvoice.com/homestrategiescourse. In this course, you’ll receive tons of useful information, a one on one private consultation, access to my private Facebook group, and a physical Divine Life and Home Planner.
Thanks for stopping by. If you have any organizational or decorating questions, please do not hesitate to ask. I would love to hear from you. For information concerning our decorating services and products, please visit www.divineelementsofdesign.com.
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