Food container storage is a sore spot for most people, but it doesn’t have to be that way. The following products and strategies can help you tackle this area, so you always have a matching container and lid ready for your leftovers.

Clear everything out and assess

Take everything out of your food container drawers and cabinets, and lay the lids and containers out on a counter or table. Make sure you can see everything so nothing goes overlooked. Toss or repurpose any old, stained, bent, and cracked pieces. Match every container and its lid, and get rid of lone pieces without a match.

If you find that you don’t have as many pieces as you thought, it could be time to buy new ones. The following sets are rated for their durability, cost, and ease of use.

Budget-Friendly and plastic: Rubbermaid Easy Find Vented Lids Food Storage Containers 

The stackable lids on these Rubbermaid containers have a pop-top vent so you can reheat your leftovers without worrying about making a mess in the microwave. Plus, you can choose between a two, three, eight, twenty-one, or thirty-pack, so you’ll never be without a container again.

Leak-proof and glass: Ello Duraglass Glass Food Storage Mixed Set

Glass containers are a durable option, and they are usually odor and stain-resistant. This eco-friendly set from Ello has a spill-proof locking lid mechanism, so you won’t have any leakage in your fridge or on your counters. If you’re worried about the glass being too fragile, the extra thick silicone sleeve protects the glass from chips and breaks.

Collapsible and rubber: Progressive International CB-20 Storage Bowls

Your kitchen drawers are precious real estate, so saving space wherever possible is a bonus. These rubber bowls have snap-on lids and are microwave, dishwasher, and freezer safe. After use, the bowls collapse a third of their original height for easy storage.

Plan and pick your organizers

To pick which organizing products can help you best, you’ll need to measure your storage area. Use your measurements to choose lid organizers, totes, and other accessories that will fit comfortably in your drawer or cabinet. Appropriately-sized organizing solutions can encourage you to follow through with better storage habits. Consider the following sorting products:

Lid storage 

When it comes to storing your lids, you can go one of two ways: vertical or horizontal. However, it’s often best to store lids vertically on their sides to see all of them at a glance. Stacking lids on top of each other horizontally can leave you digging and pulling out every lid to find the right one.

Lids of the same size should be grouped from largest to smallest. This adjustable bamboo lid organizer has multiple adjustable dividers to keep your different-sized lids separate in a tight and upright position.

Container storage 

The best way to store food containers is to nest them by size, but resist the urge to stack all containers together in one pile that could topple and spill. This stackable drawer or these mesh drawers can help you group your containers by size in the drawer and on top of it—every size container can have its own home!

Don’t be afraid to try different storage methods if one isn’t working. Your kitchen should work for you and not against you.