Easy Methods to Upgrade Your Food Storage Containers

Whether you're hosting guests regarding holiday meals and parties, planning more food prep because holidays approach, or are simply wanting to stop doing battle with lots of mismatched plastic tubs and lids, now is the ideal moment to upgrade and reorganize your food storage containers. This might seem like a fluffy project when confronted with everything else clamoring for your attention with the next few weeks, but it's a relatively low-effort endeavor will save you time, annoyance, and quite possibly spoiled food.


Here are two common sorts of food storage containers, and how you can update them.


Storage Containers to get Leftovers
If you have a new drawer, cabinet, or shelf overflowing with excess plastic storage pots, you're in good company. Ditto if several of all those containers don't have matching lids--or for those who have a whole mess of lids without containers--and if any of these are semi-melted from one lots of times in the microwave, discoloured with tomato sauce, or only plain tired.


Upgrades


Ruthlessly weed out any containers that aren't in top shape. This consists of those orphans without lids, truck tops without mates, and containers this don't close, are damaged, and also are dirty beyond cleaning. Also be realistic about how exactly many containers you truly have; unless you regularly do many cooking at once or use multiple containers fairly often, you should be in good shape with somewhere between 12-20 pieces.


Strongly consider updating part or most of your collection to glass containers. These are generally sturdier compared to their plastic counterparts; can safely start the freezer, microwave, oven, and dishwasher (which isn't true of many plastic models); and don't absorb odors and stains the best way plastic can. I like Pyrex's storage units, which come in several izes and shapes and are inexpensive.


If you favor to stick with plastic, or simply aim for a few plastic containers on hand, go for a set that's built to neatly stack or nest. Rubbermaid has a quality options.
Planning to send guests home with leftovers this season? Stock a few (and I emphasize several! ) plastic takeout containers inside good condition, or buy one or two sets of inexpensive Ziploc or Glad containers you won't mind parting with.


Storage Space Containers for Dry Goods in addition to Pantry Staples
In working in kitchen organizing projects with people, I come across a massive amount preventable messes (like bags involving flour that leave piles regarding white in cabinets) and a great deal of food that gets wasted because it's forgotten about while in the depths of the pantry or since it goes bad before it's had, like bags of pretzels that go stale because they're not re-closed tightly. While I think transferring every last little bit of dry food to its very own storage container is overkill, I take into account choosing a few reliable containers for pantry staples, perishable appetizers, and mess-prone supplies is an alternative way to go.


Upgrades


Decide what should enter containers. Before you invest in anything, take a close look at what's in your cabinets to ascertain what would be better stored in a container. Common candidates: flour, glucose, bagged pasta, bagged snacks (like pretzels), dried beans, and any dry resources you buy in bulk.


interested in what you're storing? Opt pertaining to glass or clear plastic storage units (I'm a fan of Ikea's low-cost but sturdy Burken series). if you don't have ample counter or corner space, you may be improved off with square containers, that'll take up less room. irrespective of the material you choose, consider labeling your containers therefore you (and others in your household) may remember what's in each.


with regard to staples like flour, sugar, their tea bags, and coffee beans, take a look at Simplehuman's Slim Canisters, which are available in 5 different sizes. I seemed to be recently introduced to these, and also I'm in love. They employ a handle on the side, open considering the press of a button (leaving you using a free hand), have a designated spot for any label on the top, and--perhaps my favorite feature--have a liner that happens for cleaning. They're also attractive enough (depending on your style) to keep out, and now have a finish that repels fingerprints. the downside? They're not cheap, but they could be worth the investment for the staples you employ most often.


Finally, for straightforward, easy, effective storage, pick up a couple of Mason jars, or clean and repurpose other glass jars (such as the ones once held jam or honey). make absolutely certain to opt for containers without having chips, major scratches, or ill-fitting or rusted lids.


Take some time frame this week to weed available your old, tired, ineffective food storage containers along with replace them with some new models for getting your kitchen and pantry healthy for the holidays ahead.