Plastic Storage Containers

Today there are plastic storage containers for everything imaginable. There really is no excuse not to have your stuff contained in an accessible and safe container. But there so many colors, styles, and varieties it can be confusing trying to figure out what type of storage solution is best for your needs.

Memories

The silent generation was never at a loss for storage ideas. Anything and everything was re-purposed from its original use to store something else! My dad used old jars to store nuts, bolts and screws in the workshop. He simply fastened the lid to the underside of a shelf and then screwed the jar to it. An ingenious storage idea really when you come to think of it.

My mother still uses the large square mayonnaise jars for storing bulk food items like sugar. Her jars have been around for a long time! Mayonnaise is not even sold in those types of jars anymore. We must have gone through a lot of mayonnaise in our family!

Glass jars with rusty lids will not do for storage containers today. Your contemporary storage needs are complex.

Sure you need containers for food storage and nuts and bolts, but what about recyclables, computer discs, books, sports equipment and shoes?

You need storage for those items too!

A Primer on Plastic Storage Containers

• If possible use containers with hinged or "winged" lids. You just know that the pop off lid is going to go missing so if it is firmly attached to the container you are less likely to lose it!


• there are lots of varieties of large plastic storage containers, but just remember that somebody has to lift it or move it so do not pick a size you cannot handle.


• make sure you label the container so you know what's inside!


• Storage containers come in both open and closed varieties. The word "bin" is generally used to refer to open storage.


• Clear plastic is always the best recommendation because you can see what is inside. The only time clear plastic would not be your best choice is when you are storing something that must be protected from light.


• use a plastic storage bin for items that you need to access regularly and will not be damaged by exposure to the elements.


• buy stackable plastic storage containers to make good use of vertical space.


• use specially designed storage containers for underbed storage - there is so much space under there that is wasted.


• The evidence shows that it is safe to heat food in plastic storage containers. Safe for humans anyway - the food storage container might not like it! Read about it at Good Housekeeping.