8 Ways To Effectively Organize Your Tupperware Drawer

Tom Gaffey
by Tom Gaffey
Credit: Shutterstock / LaMerce

Tupperware and other containers have made storing all sorts of food products safe and easy. The only problem is that over time, the drawer you keep these amazing food vessels in can become full and disorganized. Eventually, you are often left with a scattered mess of mismatched containers, missing lids, and a chaotic mess of plastic. If you can relate to this, you should learn how to organize your Tupperware drawer once and for all.

If you want to effectively organize your Tupperware drawer, you should buy a food storage container set that is stackable, with color-coordinated and stackable lids. To organize an existing set, use a bin to store your lids and match like-sized containers together. Donate old Tupperware you don’t use, and discard any damaged containers. Give away old Tupperware, and only keep the containers you use.

If the thought of opening up your Tupperware drawer brings you dread because you aren’t sure what is going to cascade out onto the floor, this article is for you. Tupperware drawers can be a cluttered and stressful mess, but they don’t have to be. Below is a list of top tips to help keep your Tupperware drawer organized for good, as well as tips on what to look for when purchasing new Tupperware.


Eight Tips To Help Keep Your Tupperware Drawer Organized

1. Get Rid Of Mismatched And Incomplete Tupperware

One great way to make space and consolidate your Tupperware drawer is to get rid of useless pieces. If you have a container but are missing its lid, then get rid of it. Take all your containers out and pair them up with their corresponding lids.

If some of your Tupperware is mismatched or is missing pieces, then take it out and either repurpose it or recycle the Tupperware. This will free up space to help make organizing the area easier.


2. Give Away Old Tupperware You Don’t Use

If you have more Tupperware than you could ever use, then save what you love and donate your old Tupperware. Find a friend or family member who needs it, or when you make food for friends, insist they keep the containers. Less is more when it comes to organizing your Tupperware drawer. 


3. Avoid Buying Odd And Awkward-Shaped Containers

Tupperware comes in all shapes and sizes, but this isn’t necessarily a good thing. Try hard to resist the urge to buy every size and shape of the food storage container. The more uniquely shaped containers you have, the harder your Tupperware drawer will be to organize.


4. Only Purchase Stackable Tupperware

Whenever you shop for new Tupperware or other food storage containers, make an active effort to only purchase ones that easily stack. Most Tupperware stacks these days, at least to some degree. The easier your containers are to stack, the easier it is to keep the drawer organized.


5. Use A Bin To Keep Tupperware Lids Together

A Tupperware drawer can start getting messy and even topsy-turvy with an abundance of lids. If you don’t have a particular place for Tupperware lids, they can end up everywhere, and be difficult to find when needed.

Purchase a bin, ideally one with several compartments, and use it to organize and store all your food storage container lids. Place this bin in your Tupperware drawer, and this way all your lids will be in the same location.


6. Use Dividers To Create Sections In Drawer

Sometimes the best way to organize a Tupperware drawer is to compartmentalize it. If you have different types of Tupperware for specific purposes, then section off your drawer to make unique areas for each type of container. This is a great way to organize the chaos of your existing drawer.


7. Consider Color-Coded Tupperware

Nowadays you can get Tupperware that has a color that corresponds to specific-sized container. If you find yourself struggling to locate the right lid and container combination, then color-coded Tupperware may be a great solution. It can also make putting your Tupperware away and stacking it much easier.


8. Store Large Containers Separately 

If you do a lot of cooking and lots of bulk food prep, then you likely have several large Tupperware containers. These are good to have, but they can take up almost half the space in your Tupperware drawer. Furthermore, you usually use these giant containers less frequently. Therefore, consider storing these containers in a high cabinet shelf, or another lesser-used kitchen storage location.


Five Qualities To Look For In Tupperware To Keep It Organized 

Perhaps the best way to keep your Tupperware organized for good is to start from scratch with a new Tupperware set. Nowadays you can get a large pack of Tupperware of all shapes and sizes for less than $50. The key is to know what to look for when buying a new Tupperware set to ensure your drawer stays tidy.


1. Stackable Multi-Volumed Tupperware

One key quality to look for in a Tupperware set is stackability. These days, many plastic containers stack, but they don’t all stack equally well. Look for a Tupperware set where smaller and larger containers can stack. 

Many new sets have containers that hold different volumes but are the same diameter, or length and width. This means you can stack various-sized containers in one vertical tower. This helps save space and keep things orderly.


2. Stackable Or Streamlined Lids

In addition to stackable containers, you should also seek lids that stack easily. Many modern lids are designed to seal a container tightly and securely. While this is fantastic, it sometimes results in bulky lids that take up a lot of space.

Look for plastic container sets that have lids that stack easily. If you can’t find lids that stack, at least find ones that aren’t very bulky. This will make it easy to store lids together in a separate bin without it overflowing.


3. Universal And Practical Shapes

Next, you need to think about the shape of your Tupperware. Remember, less is more. You might think it’s a fun idea to have various container shapes, and some with separate compartments. While in theory this is great, in practicality it means a disorganized mess.

Instead, opt for a few shapes. Rectangle Tupperware is great, as is round Tupperware. Both shapes smartly use space, are stable, and are easy to stack. They also make great containers for your weekly meal prep.


4. Materials That Are Built To Last

Next, remember that you will likely use your Tupperware set for many years, especially if you keep your Tupperware drawer organized. Therefore you should opt for quality not quantity, and spend a few extra dollars to ensure your Tupperware will last.

It is your personal choice whether you opt for glass or plastic food storage containers. If you opt for plastic, make sure they are BPA-free so you can store hot liquids inside the containers. Consider quality Tupperware as an investment. 


5. Look For One Universal Set With Color Coding

The main goal when you are looking for a new Tupperware set is to find one complete set that satisfies all your food storage needs. If you cook a lot, choose a large set, which you can order online or find at wholesale clubs like Costco.

In addition to finding one large set, look for one that makes organizing even easier with color coordination. Many sets have different color lids to note the different sizes and shapes. This makes it even easier to keep all your similarly sized lids together.


Final Notes On How To Keep Your Tupperware Drawer Organized

If you are sick of plastic containers and lids falling on the floor every time you open your Tupperware drawer, then it is time to make some permanent changes to your Tupperware organization methods. 

To help effectively organize your Tupperware drawer, get rid of any mismatched or incomplete containers, and give away old Tupperware to friends and family. Always buy Tupperware that stacks, and try to avoid purchasing lots of different shapes. Find lids that stack easily, and store your extra-large Tupperware in a separate location.


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Tom Gaffey
Tom Gaffey

Tom Gaffey is an expert writer who currently resides in Washington D.C. Tom has a passion for real estate and home improvement writing, as well as travel and lifestyle writing. He lived the last twelve years in Hawaii where he worked closely with luxury resorts and event planners, mastering his knowledge of aesthetics and luxury products. This is where he found his passion for home improvement and a keen interest in DIY projects. Currently, Tom resides in Washington D.C, and also working on his debut fiction novel.

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