How to Organize Tupperware: 15 Foolproof Ways to Store Food Storage Containers
Tupperware and food storage containers are a necessity in every home, but they can be so difficult to organize. There are tons of different sizes, they can take up a lot of space, and there are all those pesky Tupperware lids that seem to get in the way. While looking in that cabinet, you might be wondering how to organize Tupperware.
Need more ideas? 7 Easy Steps to an Organized Pantry or The Best Storage Solution for Bulk Baking Supplies
Stacking them just right can be a hassle, so people just end up throwing them in a drawer or a cabinet where it just becomes a jumbled mess.
But making sure you know how to organize Tupperware and food storage containers properly is one thing that will save you a massive headache later on.
Why is organizing Tupperware important?
Have you ever needed a food storage container for some leftovers but couldn’t find it in the pile of mismatched containers? Or, even worse, you find the perfect-sized container but can’t find the matching lid? It’s so frustrating!
To save yourself some time and energy later on, take an hour or two to reorganize your food storage containers. Storing Tupperware in an organized, maintainable system is one of the best things you can do for your kitchen (and your sanity).
How to Organize Tupperware: What to Do Before You Start
Before we get into my favorite ways to organize containers and my tips for storing them, there are a couple of things you’ll need to do.
First, take out all of your containers.
One of the first things you have to do when you’re organizing any room or drawer is to take everything out. You need to see exactly what you’re working with!
Pull out all of your Tupperware containers and lids and set them somewhere, like your counter or table, so you have plenty of room to sort through them.
Now it’s time to declutter.
Decluttering is an important step of any organization project, and it’s definitely a big part of organizing the Tupperware drawer!
I’m sure you have old containers that have been forever changed from the stains of curry or spaghetti… if those stains aren’t coming out after multiple washes, it’s probably time to just throw those out.
There’s no point in hanging on to an old container if you’re constantly reaching for the unstained Tupperware first.
Likewise, if your container is cloudy, scratched up, or has a weird texture—it’s time to get rid of those.
Disruptions in the surface of your containers mean the plastic has been weakened, and you don’t want to use compromised plastic containers when reheating or storing food.
Plastic Tupperware tends to last around 5 years. If you’re taking really good care of them, you could probably make yours last longer, but it’s probably a good rule of thumb to replace your food storage containers when they’re between 5-10 years old. Keep that in mind when you’re decluttering your Tupperware.
(Remember, this tip is just for plastic containers. If you have glass Tupperware, those can last basically forever!)
Make sure every Tupperware container you own has a lid.
It’s easy for lids to get lost, and there’s no point in saving a container if you can’t find the lid to go with it.
And don’t feel bad for getting rid of a perfectly good container if you never use it. If you have any strange sizes that don’t seem to fit anything, just throw it out or donate it if it’s in good condition. Don’t let containers you never use take up room in your cupboard.
Now that you’ve decluttered your containers and have only kept the ones you like and use, it’s time to store them.
How to Organize Tupperware: 15 Ways to Organize Food Storage Containers
There are many different ways to organize and store various sizes of food storage containers so you and your family can stay organized. Here are the top 15 ways to help you do just that!
1. Designate a cupboard or a few drawers just for Tupperware containers.
Depending on how much space you have in your kitchen, you might be able to use an entire cabinet for your food storage containers, or you might only have a single drawer for them.
No matter how much room you have (or don’t have!) make sure you designate one specific cabinet, shelf, or drawer just for your food storage containers.
Way too often I see people just cram their Tupperware wherever they can. This only leads to headaches and messes.
If you need to reconfigure your kitchen cupboards and drawers to find a designated area to store Tupperware, do it. It’ll make it so much easier to sort through your containers later if it’s all in the same spot.
2. Group similar containers together.
Remember how you pulled out all of your containers at the very beginning of this process? Perfect. Now make sure they’re all sorted.
Separate your Tupperware. Put similar containers together. Do you have a bunch of containers of the same size or a set from the same brand? Great, put them together.
When you group your containers, you’ll create a system that will help you and your family know what container goes where, and it’ll be a lot easier to maintain in the long run.
Basically, you need to organize Tupperware before you can properly store it.
3. Invest in stacking containers.
I’m not saying you have to have a perfect set of Tupperware from the same brand in the same style with the same color lids. You can definitely still organize your food storage containers even if they are mismatched, so don’t go out and buy a whole new set if you don’t want to.
However, if you don’t have tons of room for Tupperware, consider looking into stackable containers. You can usually find a complete set like this that will let you nest your containers and it will save you tons of space.
4. Hang under-the-shelf storage baskets for extra Tupperware storage space.
If you’re wasting a lot of space up at the top of your cupboard, you can also hang some storage shelves or baskets from the top of your cupboards.
Use that area for extra containers (if you have any small ones that would fit) or slide your lids up there!
5. Create extra shelves in your cupboard.
If you don’t want to use an under-the-shelf storage basket, but you need a bit more room on your shelf, you can add mini shelves (like these) to give yourself another level.
6. Add pull-out drawers to deep cabinets.
If you have deep cabinets or cupboards and your Tupperware keeps getting lost in the back, add some pull-out baskets or drawers. You can just slide the drawer right out and easily reach those containers at the very back.
These pull-out shelves are amazing!
Or, if that’s not a possibility, grouping them in smaller baskets you can pull out works too. Here’s a great example.
7. Grab a Tupperware pegboard or make one yourself!
Pegboards are a great way to keep things organized. You can make space for your smaller Tupperware containers, and have a great way to keep all of the lids standing up and organized according to size. You can purchase your own customizable pegboard set on Amazon to help you store your Tupperware!
If you don’t want to buy one, you should be able to make one yourself pretty easily. Just pick up some pegboard, cut it down to the right size, and then decide where you want the pegs to go!
8. Add dividers to your drawer to keep things extra tidy.
I love adding dividers to my drawers. It will give you zones within your drawer and keep everything in its spot.
If you don’t want to invest in a bunch of dividers, you can always get tension rods to give yourself smaller sections or zones. (Check out more details on the tension rod method here.)
It’s basically a DIY Tupperware organizer!
9. Don’t store containers with the lids on.
I cannot stress this enough… take those lids off before you store your Tupperware!
I know keeping the lids on might seem like the easiest way to keep your containers and lids together, and while that’s kind of true, it will also prevent you from nesting your containers.
You’ll end up wasting a lot of space that way, so make sure you separate lids and containers when you’re putting them away!
10. Use a large container for the lids.
Designate a large container you don’t use for leftovers as your lid container. You can set it on one of the shelves or in a drawer and sort your lids within that container. But make sure you’re not just throwing them into that container or it will get untidy quickly.
If you have a lot of Tupperware, consider getting a few different containers and labeling them by the size of the lid. This can help you keep everything neat and tidy.
11. Get a lid organizer.
If you really want to take things to the next level and a large container isn’t going to work for you space-wise, consider purchasing a lid organizer.
This is my personal favorite way to organize and store Tupperware lids. It makes it really easy to store lids!
I also love this organizer!
12. Use a dish drying rack or plate rack instead.
If you want to save money and want a Tupperware organizer without buying one, you can always use a spare dish drying rack if you’ve got one lying around.
You’ll still be able to sort out your lids by size and keep them standing up fairly well. You can also use plate racks to get the same effect. (I’ve even heard of people using old CD racks!)
13. Save shelf space by using the door.
If you’re low on space, you can use an over-the-door cabinet rack. It might not give you as much organization as a lid organizer, but it’s a great hack to try if you’re low on storage space!
You can also use an old magazine rack with command hooks to accomplish the same thing. I’ve even seen someone make an over-the-door organizer out of an old cereal box, so there are tons of options for you no matter what your budget is.
14. Put your lids under your containers.
If you don’t have any extra space for under-the-shelf baskets or over-the-door racks, then just put the lids right under the containers.
You might have to get creative if you have multiple sizes nesting inside of a larger container, but you can always place the largest lids under the containers, and then nestle the smaller lids to the side.
It won’t be the most organized, and you’ll have to make sure to maintain it (sometimes those lids on the side can get jumbled together), but you can make it work.
15. Build a Pull-Out Organizer
If you or someone you know is handy with a saw, you could create the ultimate way to store Tupperware and food storage containers by building a pull-out organizer!
The instructions are very thorough and the end result is stunning! Get the instructions for making your own pull-out organizer here!
A Few More Tips for an Organized Tupperware Collection
Keeping your Tupperware drawer organized will help you feel more in control of your food storage containers. While you don’t need to buy new food storage containers as you organize your Tupperware drawer, I do have two suggestions in regard to purchasing new storage containers.
Invest in Coordinating Tupperware That Nest Together Well
Investing in coordinating Tupperware that nest together well is a smart strategy for maintaining an organized kitchen. This approach allows for efficient use of storage space, as nested containers fit into each other, significantly reducing the room needed. If you don’t already have food containers that nest inside each other, I highly suggest purchasing some.
All the containers you already have in your Tupperware cabinet might nest inside each other in a way, but getting a set of matching Tupperware storage containers is insanely helpful if you want to maximize space. Each container fits seamlessly in the other which will really help you save space when organizing Tupperware.
Matching containers and lids also eliminates the frustrating search for the correct lid to fit a specific container, as all components are designed for each other. This reduces clutter and the chaos of mismatched containers and lids, ultimately making your kitchen a more functional and enjoyable space.
With a set, you can also more easily find Tupperware organizers designed to fit sets just like yours and you can even store your Tupperware lids separately without worrying about mismatched lids that don’t fit any of your food storage containers. (This also eliminates the stress of lidless containers. No one likes putting food in a food storage container only to discover you have no lid for it!)
If you already have containers, you might wonder why you should buy additional containers. While buying a brand new matching set isn’t cheap, it’s a great investment in the long run for organized Tupperware and keeping everything neat and tidy.
Consider Purchasing Glass Tupperware That Will Last
If you have kids, you probably think plastic food containers are the best choice, especially if you keep your containers in lower cabinets that your kids can reach.
But glass Tupperware is a great investment for your kitchen. First, glass containers are super durable! They are resistant to wear and tear, and with proper care, they can last for many years, offering excellent value for money.
Unlike plastic, glass doesn’t absorb odors or colors from food, so your containers will remain clean and fresh with no residual smells or stains. They are also microwave-safe, allowing you to heat your food directly in the container, saving you time and reducing your washing up. They are also dishwasher safe, of course.
When it comes to health considerations, glass is a non-reactive material, meaning it won’t leach any chemicals into your food, even when heated. This makes glass an excellent choice for those concerned about the potential health hazards of plastics.
Furthermore, glass Tupperware is environmentally friendly. If you have any broken containers, they can be easily recycled.
Another thing I love about glass containers is that you can easily see what’s inside without needing to remove the lid. They can even be used as serving dishes because the glass looks nicer than plastic. Look how nice they can look!
In conclusion, while the initial cost of glass Tupperware may be higher than plastic, they are a worthwhile investment for any kitchen. (You just might need to store Tupperware in upper cabinets while your kids are young.)
3 Glass Tupperware Sets I Like:
This set of four 3-cup dishes. Get it here.
This set of two 6-cup dishes. Get it here.
This 6-piece set with different sizes. Get it here.
How to Organize Tupperware: What comes next?
There is more than one way to organize your Tupperware drawer or kitchen cabinets, so create a system that works best for you! Once you do and you’ve got your organized Tupperware drawer, here comes the hard part… maintenance!
It’s easy to just throw your Tupperware or the lids back into the cabinet or deep drawer when they’re clean, without taking the time to put them back into their proper place. Trust me, I have 3 kids… I see it all the time. But maintenance is an important part of organization.
Make sure you find a system that works for you and your household. Take an extra 30 seconds to put your Tupperware in the right spot, even if you have to unstack your pile or reorganize the lids. It only takes a little longer, and it will help keep your kitchen clean and tidy.
Teach your kids which kitchen cabinet or kitchen drawers each storage container goes in and encourage them not to leave them on the kitchen counter. In time, the whole family will get better at keeping everything neat.
Now go out there and conquer your Tupperware! You can do it.
