Cleaning & Organizing Organizing Kitchen Organization

18 Smart Tupperware Organization Ideas

Affordable and Modern Ideas for Food Storage Containers

Slightly raised view of food storage containers tupperware organized in a drawer

The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

Tupperware is essential for any household; it's critical when you have leftovers or bring food to a friend. Tupperware organizers seem a must since storing and organizing them is notoriously difficult. Everyone's been there—once you finally find the container that's the right size, there's no lid in sight.

Fortunately, you can transform into a Tupperware organizer with these helpful organization tips to help you put away or find the container you're looking for easily.

  • 01 of 18

    Use a Pull-Out Drawer

    pullout drawer of tupperware

    @sophiesorganizingsolutions

    Think like a Tupperware organizer or an organization expert: What is the best way to save space in your Tupperware cabinet or drawer? Stack your containers in ascending order, with the biggest on the bottom.

    Tupperware of the same size nestles together, so it makes sense to have a bunch of the same type if you start from scratch. This method will work even if you have containers of slightly different shapes and sizes.

    The key to maintaining a system like this is to be mindful of the size of each container when you're putting them away. It can feel like an extra step, but it pays off for maintaining order.

    Tip

    Store lids vertically instead of horizontally. Each cover will be easy-to-see, so you can grab the one you need without digging through a messy pile.

  • 02 of 18

    Install Built-in Dividers

    tupperware with built in dividers

    @theorganizerbunny

    It can seem like there's no good place to put Tupperware lids. Click them on top of each container, and you run out of storage space, but storing them under containers gets messy and disorganized (a recipe for losing lids).

    These built-in drawer dividers keep lids seamlessly divided yet easy to spot, while the bottom of the drawer is home to stacked containers. This Tupperware organizer idea also works for other containers with lids, like pots, pans, and casserole dishes.

    Dividers are helpful, but if you don't have the space for them, even just storing the lids vertically in size order makes a big difference in Tupperware organization.

  • 03 of 18

    Create a Tupperware Shelf

    wire shelf for tupperware

    @organizingforlife

    If you have a big family, order takeout regularly, or entertain a lot, you probably have a lot of Tupperware, which may not all fit in a drawer. Consider turning a designated shelf in a pantry or on wire shelving into a Tupperware organizer system sorted by size; it's easy to find things and aesthetically pleasing.

  • 04 of 18

    Divide Drawers Horizontally

    bamboo drawer organizer

    @urbanorganyze

    Turn a drawer organizer into a Tupperware organizer by dividing your Tupperware drawer horizontally instead of vertically. This creates two equal compartments: one for lids and the other for containers. This organizer is adjustable and will fit most drawers, particularly wide or narrow ones.

    Continue to 5 of 18 below
  • 05 of 18

    Stack Vertically

    tupper stacked in cupboard

    @organizd_by_roxanne

    If you have abundant space to store Tupperware like this full cupboard, keeping the lids on the Tupperware and stacking each container on top makes sense. Not only does this create a visually pleasing system, but you only have to grab one thing and have both the top and the bottom ready to go.

  • 06 of 18

    Use Wire Shelves

    tiered tupperware storage

    @shipshapebysydney

    As with most small space organization ideas, it always makes sense to create space using tiers. A wire cooling rack with legs makes a shelf where storage containers can rest below and on top. Pop-top storage gets its shelf and bigger containers stacked.

  • 07 of 18

    Divide by Size

    tupperware drawer with dividers

    @ew_kitchens

    Food storage containers and lids come in all shapes, and sometimes the ones you have available don't fit together. Install drawer organizer dividers in your Tupperware drawer (most larger, modern kitchens have a designated space for Tupperware). Custom wooden dividers look lovely and will last a long time. You can achieve the same idea on a budget using plastic dividers you install yourself.

  • 08 of 18

    Consider a Custom Organizer

    revashelf pull out

    @revashelf

    This pull-out Tupperware organizer is functional and attractive. The shelf uses clip-on lid dividers and customizable chrome U-pegs to keep everything in its place, so nothing slides or topples over when you close the drawer.

    Continue to 9 of 18 below
  • 09 of 18

    Add Wired Storage

    wire storage tupperware bins

    @joanna_organize

    Wired bins are great for Tupperware organization because they keep everything contained while allowing you to see each lid. Clear acrylic bins also work well for this type of organization.

  • 10 of 18

    Arrange Lids by Color

    tupperware lids arranged by color

    @nycneat_louisa/@neworleansneat ⠀⠀⠀

    Organize your Tupperware storage in a rainbow. This peg organizing system also works well for pot lids or baking sheets. This organizer looks fun and playful; seeing your plastic food containers is exciting.

  • 11 of 18

    Declutter Your Cabinet

    tupperware the drawer organizer

    @simplespaces_organizingco

    Purge containers that don't have lids or have warped in the dishwasher to eliminate clutter. Once only useful containers remain, add drawer dividers, and tidy what's left.

  • 12 of 18

    Organize With Bins

    wire bin tupperware storage

    @gettingitdoneorganizing

    If your cabinets are complete and you don't want to call a pro, you may need to purchase additional storage for your Tupperware. Wire bins with easy-to-pull handles nestled on an island or pantry shelves work well. You can easily pull them out for a better look and pick out what you need.

    Continue to 13 of 18 below
  • 13 of 18

    Use a Bin for Stasher Bags

    stasher bag storage

    @my.lesswastejourney

    If you use Stasher bags or other flexible storage instead of Tupperware, try storing them in a structured bin somewhere you can easily reach. A sturdy woven container fits well in a pantry, and it's easy to pull out and put on a counter so you can dig through it.

  • 14 of 18

    Arrange by Type

    tupperware storage

    @edit_bysarahgreig

    Try sorting your items by use, and put frequent things in the front and occasional or rarely used items in the back. This Tupperware storage cabinet went from chaotic to organized.

  • 15 of 18

    Get the Same Type of Tupperware

    vertical storage

    @spacesbyemily

    If you have the bandwidth and the budget, it can be helpful only to use storage containers of the same brand. Keep the system the same means you will have a bunch of bases and lids that fit together, so you spend less time rummaging around for the right one. The lids that latch at four points keep food extra fresh, and they're great to pack in school or work lunches because the tops don't budge.

  • 16 of 18

    Leave Room for New Containers

    tupperware drawer that has extra space

    @simplespaces_organizingco

    Seeing a Tupperware drawer that isn't stuffed to the gills is wonderful. When creating a Tupperware organizer, account for extra room for additional containers you know you'll acquire. For example, when your takeout comes in plastic containers, you can save and reuse them instead of feeling guilty about throwing them away.

    Continue to 17 of 18 below
  • 17 of 18

    Use Your Tupperware in the Refrigerator

    organized refrigerator

    @afreshspace

    It seems obvious, but you won't have as much Tupperware to store if you use it. Instead of just for the occasional leftover, use glass containers to store food on hand: put lemons in water in a big round container (this helps them keep for longer) or cut veggies somewhere where you'll see them.

  • 18 of 18

    Store Tupperware in an Upper Cabinet

    tupperware storage cabinet

    @afreshspace

    This neat cabinet makes clean work of Tupperware storage. The lid storage holder is a great idea, and notice how the lids that don't fit are matched with their bottom. If you have the room, using an upper cabinet as plastic container storage is effective because, unlike a lower drawer or cabinet, you can't just throw things in there— each item has to be placed.

Tupperware is essential for every home cook and can quickly get disorganized. These clever ideas for how to store food containers will make your Tupperware cabinet, shelf, or bin so much easier to navigate.