Keeping your Tupperware and plastic food storage containers organized can be a challenge. With so many shapes, sizes and lids, things can easily get jumbled and lost in the back of cabinets. But staying on top of your Tupperware organization is worth the effort. Knowing exactly where to find the right size container saves time and reduces frustration when packing lunches or storing leftovers.
Below are 18 smart ideas to keep your Tupperware neat, tidy and easy to access when you need it. Implement a few of these organization hacks, and you’ll be able to locate just the right container every time.
Utilize Tupperware Lids for Stacking
Tupperware is designed to stack efficiently when the lids are attached. But while the containers are in use, lids get separated and everything gets jumbled.
An easy solution is to make use of those orphan lids by stacking the containers on top of them. Lids can act as mini platforms to give each container its own spot and prevent them from getting all mixed up.
Stack smaller Tupperware bowls on top of circular lids, and stand rectangular or square containers upright inside larger, rectangular lids. Customize stacks according to the containers you use most. Having dedicated places for your Tupperware helps you put everything away correctly after washing.
Install Shelf Dividers
Installing shelf dividers in your cabinets provides organized homes for different Tupperware items.
Look for shelf dividers designed with expandable widths that can be adjusted to fit the exact dimensions of your cabinet shelves. Use them to separate Tupperware by size, keeping small, medium and large containers in their own sections.
Or, divide Tupperware by type, with sections for round, rectangular, square and specialty-shaped containers. You’ll be able to see everything at a glance and quickly grab what you need.
Group by Lid Type
Since matching lids with containers is one of the biggest challenges, storing Tupperware by lid type helps.
Have a shelf or bin just for circle lids of various sizes. Another can hold all the rectangular lids. Square lids can go in their own divider. Any containers with unique lids like shrimp cocktail bowls can be stored together.
With all lids grouped, it’s easy to find the right match when putting Tupperware away. This system also helps surface those lost, single lids creating disorganization.
Create Matching Lid and Container Stacks
One clever way to keep Tupperware pairs together is stacking them as you put them away.
Start with a lid, and place the matching container directly on top, upside down. Then make a stack by putting another upside-down container on the first, with the corresponding lid on top.
Keeping Tupperware stored in pre-made stacks ensures you always have the right lid and container ready to grab together. No more mixed mismatches.
Buy Lid Organizers
Plastic lid organizers are available to neatly hold Tupperware lids upright and make them easy to sort through. Lid organizers come in various sizes and can be used inside cabinets or sit conveniently on countertops.
Look for stackable lid organizers that allow combining units to accommodate different quantities of lids. Label each section or use dividers to keep lids sorted by shape, size or type.
As an affordable alternative, use lazy Susans or tiered plate stands from the dollar store to hold lids vertically. Keep one stand for each lid category to avoid chaos.
Hang Lids on Over-the-Door Racks
One challenge with Tupperware lids is their tendency to get stacked in chaotic piles inside cabinets. This makes matching a frustrating hunt.
Hanging lids vertically on over-the-door storage racks transforms that jumble into an organized system. Mount a rack on the back of a pantry or cabinet door to take advantage of unused space.
Use multiple racks divided into sections labeled by lid type or size. Hang lids from their built in finger holds for easy grabbing. You’ll be able to see every lid at a glance to find matches effortlessly.
Corral Containers in Drawer Organizers
Deep drawers are handy for storing Tupperware containers, but everything can get jumbled without dividers. Organizers are an easy solution for neatly separating and stacking containers.
Look for adjustable drawer organizers that can be expanded or contracted to fit your drawer dimensions. Or, make your own dividers by cutting boards or cardboard to size.
Group containers by size or type in each section. If needed, label them using sticky notes or other tags for quick identification. Pull-out organizers also work well to instantly see everything.
Use Interlocking Stacking Bins
Interlocking stacking bins create vertical storage that takes advantage of unused airspace. Bins come in different sizes and shapes to neatly hold Tupperware containers and lids.
Square or rectangular bins keep rectangular containers upright and easy to access. Long, narrow bins are ideal for holding circular lids of various sizes. Shallow bins can hold containers stacked horizontally.
Mix and match bin sizes based on your container collection. Labels help identify what’s inside each bin. Stacked bins preserve cabinet shelf space while keeping Tupperware visible and organized.
Store Seasonally
Tupperware needs change by season based on how often you pack lunches or make batches of freezer meals. Keep your collection organized by storing seasonally.
Keep a basic set of your most-used Tupperware containers handy year round. Box up special containers only needed during certain times of year like school lunch containers or freezer meal prep boxes.
Swapping seasonal sets twice per year prevents cabinets from getting overly crowded with containers you won’t use for months. It also surfaces lids and containers packed away that can get lost in storage.
Display on Spice Racks
Mounted spice racks give you plenty of storage space for neatly lining up Tupperware containers in an upright position for easy grabbing.
Use hooks or shelf brackets to securely mount racks inside cabinets or on walls. Sturdy metal racks with adjustable shelves provide versatility. For a budget option, use wooden dowels as pegs in a ladder-style rack.
Organize Tupperware by size or type on each shelf. Place labels at the end of shelves to easily identify categories. This vertical storage style eliminates the need for stacking and digging.
Utilize Wall Grid Systems
Heavy duty wall grids like those used for hanging tools and sports equipment are great for getting Tupperware off crowded shelves. The slotted panel design lets you customize storage exactly as needed.
Hang containers and lids from grid hooks, keeping like items grouped in sections across the grid. Or, mount sturdy baskets and bins to hold divided categories of Tupperware organizing vertically and horizontally.
Wall grid systems take advantage of unused wall space while getting everything up off the counter and making it easily visible and accessible. Systems can be expanded as needed.
Store in Shallow Pantry Pull-Outs
Shallow pull-out drawers designed for pantries are perfect for neatly arranging Tupperware containers in single layers. Customize drawer organizers or trays with dividers to separate different types of containers and lids.
Pull-out shelves bring storage items right to you without the hassle of digging and searching. For large Tupperware collections, install pull-outs stacked vertically to multiply your storage space.
Shallow drawers prevent messy stacking so you can instantly see what you have. Easily return containers and lids to the right organized sections after washing.
File Away in Drawers
Turn standard file drawers into smart Tupperware storage with just a few tweaks. Use sturdy cardboard or plastic to create custom dividers that separate the drawer into organized sections sized for your containers.
Stand small to medium rectangular containers upright in the divided compartments. Stack round containers nested inside one another, with lids nearby. Wide, shallow drawers work best for laying out larger containers horizontally.
File drawers provide the ideal storage amount for organizing your go-to containers while keeping bulky Tupperware stored away elsewhere. Install label holders on the front of drawers to identify contents.
Carousel Corner Lazy Susans
Maximize cabinet corners with two-tier lazy Susan turntables designed just for 90-degree spaces. The spinning carousel design provides double the storage.
Use one tier to neatly line up Tupperware lids around the edge for easy access to any size. Stack containers in the center. On the lower tier, keep larger containers or specialty items like bento boxes.
Spinning corner carousels bring hidden cabinet space to life and make items accessible. Avoid “black hole” disorderly corners by installing corner lazy Susans.
Tuck into Baker’s Racks
The generous shelving and vertical storage capacity of baker’s racks are ideal for getting disorganized Tupperware straightened up. Use shelves, hooks and bins to categorize containers and lids.
Rectangular wire bins can hold divided stacks of same-sized containers. Use hooks underneath shelves for hanging round lids in rows. Keep one shelf just for mismatched lids and containers that get lost in the shuffle.
Baker’s racks utilize air space efficiently while keeping everything visible. Place your storage rack in a corner to save space.
Attach a Lid Storage Rack
Lids are easily misplaced, resulting in disorderly Tupperware cabinets. A storage rack attached inside the cabinet door provides a handy home just for lids right where you need them.
Choose an over-the-door rack with strong mesh pockets that can hang heavy lids without sagging. Use a rack with adjustable pockets or dividers to organize lids by size and shape.
Door racks conveniently tuck lids out of the way but keep them accessible and separate from containers for easy matching after washing.
Use Drawer Storage Bins
Plastic bins designed to slide and stack neatly inside kitchen drawers provide compartmentalized storage to organize Tupperware lids and smaller containers.
Look for bins with built-in handles and rubber feet to prevent sliding. Bins in a variety of sizes allow choosing the perfect fit for each drawer. Label the fronts to identify contents.
Keep one bin for circular lids, another for small containers, and a third for rectangular lids. Custom sort bins based on your most used items. Stacked bins maximize drawer space.
Store Lids in Coffee Pod Drawers
Inexpensive coffee pod drawers provide the perfect vertical solution for tidying up random lids taking over cabinet shelves and drawers. The divided plastic compartments keep lids separated and upright for easy grabbing.
Use one drawer just for round lids, organizing smaller to larger going left to right. Another can hold all the rectangle and square lids standing upright. If needed, label lid types on the front for quick reference.
Storing lids vertically eliminates messy stacking and digging through piles. Lids snap securely in place so you can pull the drawer out to easily find what you need.
Attach Undershelf Baskets
Small mesh baskets with hooks for attaching underneath cabinets provide handy homes for corralling Tupperware lids near where you use them.
Hang a basket near the prep area to toss clean lids waiting to be put away. Another basket can hold lids pulled out while meal prepping or packing lunches.
Undershelf bins keep lids from cluttering up counters but still within arm???s reach. Install several small baskets to organize lids by type or size.
Use Interlocking Drawer Organizers
Interlocking drawer organizers allow you to fully customize your Tupperware drawer with dividers and compartments sized exactly right for your collection. Sections neatly stack, sort and divide containers and lids.
Built-in side handles make organizers easy to remove and replace as needed. Mix and match organizers to create the optimal layout for your most-used Tupperware items.
Containers stay neatly stacked in their assigned compartments instead of getting all jumbled together in one big drawer.
Sort by Color Coding
Color coding your Tupperware lids with paint pens or sticky dots helps match containers and lids by sight. Assign one color dot to each container size.
Organize cabinets with like colored lids grouped together: small blue lids in one bin, large red lids in another. Or place different colored sticky dots on shelves to define each lid section.
Color coding helps identify sizes and types faster when putting containers away. It also helps kids put things back correctly. Extend the system to storage bins and baskets.
Store Nested in Stackable Crates
Perforated plastic milk crates or storage bins stack neatly while allowing ventilation and visibility. They are ideal for nesting Tupperware containers to prevent jumbling.
Use labeled crates to group Tupperware by type or size, like one for bowls, one for small round containers, another for freezer containers. Nested containers stay put and don’t get mixed.
Crates can be stacked vertically to multiply storage. Just stack the most used sizes on the bottom for easy access. Crates keep your Tupperware collection organized and protected.
File in Accordion Organizers
Accordion-style desktop filing boxes provide compartmentalized storage for corralling Tupperware lids and small containers. Individual clear-view compartments keep everything neatly separated and visible.
File lids upright by descending size order left to right. Use dividers to create sections for different lid types and shapes. File small containers like reusable sauce and dressing pods in the upright compartments as well.
Accordion organizers are ideal for organizing inside cabinets or can sit conveniently on countertops. Easily find the right lid or container filed neatly in its designated spot.
Conclusion
With some clever organization solutions, you can conquer the clutter and disorder of exploding Tupperware collections. Application of labels, dividers, racks, bins and drawer organizers streamlines the storage process.
Grouping lids and containers by type, size or color coding eliminates the scramble to find matching pieces. Stacking tricks, lid racks and vertical storage keep everything visible and within reach inside cabinets.
Take time to customize an organizational system tailored your Tupperware collection and kitchen storage space. Investing a little effort into smart Tupperware organization saves huge headaches down the road. You???ll be amazed at how efficient meal prep becomes when you can easily find the right container every time.