Pantry Organization: Pros and Cons of Clear Storage Containers

Search ‘pantry organization’ on Pinterest and you’ll find numerous pages of perfectly arranged, color-coordinated shelves filled with healthy ingredients and snacks. However, the time it takes to achieve such a pantry versus the time it takes for an average family to mess it up again is disproportionate. Is it worth buying fancy pantry organizer containers? Home organization TV shows like Netflix’s The Home Edit and Tidying Up with Marie Kondo have led many to stores like The Container Store to buy clear storage containers. Here, we review the pros and cons of these containers.
The Pros of Clear Storage Containers

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Aesthetic Value

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For many, a beautiful, organized pantry brings a sense of calm and well-being. Ordering your pantry can offer mental health benefits in a world where little else is in your control. Your boss might be difficult, your car might need repairs, and your favorite TV show might be canceled. But look at that lovely, perfectly organized pantry! Your beans, grains, and granola are stacked beautifully.

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Inventory Visibility

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On a practical level, clear storage containers let you easily see what you have and what you’re running out of. For example, no more realizing there’s only half a bowl of cereal left when you’re about to pour it for your kids. If you’re in a hurry to go to the grocery store, take a quick photo of your organized pantry and you’ll know what you need to buy.

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Sustainability

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According to Kati Wadsworth, a professional organizer in Florence, Alabama, vacuum-sealed containers help keep food fresh and reduce food waste. They’re also greener than plastic baggies and help cut down on single-use plastic. Making your containers last as long as possible ensures they stay in good condition.

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The Cons of Clear Storage Containers

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Price

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Clear storage containers can be expensive. Our favorite five-piece OXO set is around $55, while a 20-piece set from the same brand, which might be needed to organize your entire pantry, is more than $220. The satisfaction of using a tightly sealed, aesthetically pleasing container must outweigh the cost.

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Time Consumption

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The time spent using storage containers is also a consideration. Buying groceries, unloading them, and putting them away is already time-consuming. Adding the extra step of transferring new items from their packages to storage containers can be a hassle.

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Safety Concerns: When it comes to clear storage containers, safety should be a primary consideration. Adrienne Nolan-Smith, founder of WellBe, recommends glass containers to avoid potential hazardous chemicals from plastic leaking into your food. Always look for ‘BPA free’ on the packaging to ensure the containers are safe for use.

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Tips for Using Clear Storage Containers:

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01. Know Your Inventory: Before purchasing clear storage containers, make a list of the items you plan to store and the quantity you’d like to keep on hand. This will help you select the right size containers to fit your needs, as suggested by Wadsworth.

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02. Measure Your Space: Knowing the dimensions of your shelves or drawers is crucial before buying containers. This ensures you get the right sizes to maximize space utilization.

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03. Label Everything: When storing food in a container, use a dry-erase marker to write the expiration date directly on the container. This prevents you from forgetting how old an item is and helps you use it before it spoils.

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04. Save Cooking Instructions: Before discarding the original packaging, save any cooking instructions. Attach them to the container to help you remember cooking times and methods.

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05. Work With What You Have: Instead of buying new sets, consider repurposing existing containers. For example, Mason jars are sturdy, washable, and come in various sizes with interchangeable lids available.

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06. Wash Them Regularly: Regularly wash your containers, especially if they are frequently used. Hands touching the containers can introduce germs, so it’s important to keep them clean. Most containers are dishwasher safe, but ensure they are completely dry before use to prevent food from clumping.

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