I have helped friends move house, and I have helped friends de-clutter their kitchens. One thing I can say for sure is that most people own around 2 big packing boxes full of plastic containers. And these take up 2 whole cupboards in a kitchen. It is extremely hard to find a container and lid that match because there are usually around 10 brands and styles and shapes, and many parts are missing too. Not much of the large collection of plastics is even helping life in the kitchen. And all the chaos means more and more get purchased and much ends up in landfill.
I did have a collection like this once. I got sick of searching. I am really into cooking and I also like to cook in bulk so I need easy access to containers and fast when I have a big pot to portion out and freeze.
So I went to Kmart and bought a new set of plastics in ONE BRAND/STYLE and only in TWO or THREE SIZES . I have never wasted time finding a lid or matching container since. I really have better things to do with my time. I think mine are 750ml and 350ml. Plus after this photo I bought a couple of 500ml.
In the photo you can see my plastics collection. They are from Kmart, very affordable. Besides what is in this drawer, there are some in the freezer and some in the fridge but these are all I have. There are a few old ones left from the previous brand but the newer ones are all from Kmart and I only use the two sizes.
The unexpected upsides. 1. How little space they now take up in my kitchen drawer and my freezer as they all stack and fit together. 2. How much easier it is for the family to put away the plastics neatly.
If you really don’t want to buy new containers, find a friend and swap with each other so you each focus on one brand, then donate the leftovers. You will find that you don’t need as many now, as you will always find a set. Once you take the step you will spend very little time or money on plastics again.
Be the boss of your plastics and make your kitchen a calmer space.
Siobhan
Into the clearing 