Asked on Dec 29, 2016

What are the best ways to store Tupperware lids?

Sharon
by Sharon
Does anyone have a means of storing Tupperware lids? I currently have the standing up against the cabinet wall and the back wall. Other non-essential dishes hold up the other side. The cabinet is a corner cabinet so the dishes in the back area are not used except for family gatherings. I have that hard plastic Tupperware lid holder, but I'd have to use at leas 3 of them to hold all my lids. The other problem with that is you have to hang them somewhere - 3 of them makes it even more difficult.
  63 answers
  • Sru8346798 Sru8346798 on Dec 29, 2016

    Stand them up in a clear lucite container that you can slide in and out of the cabinet like a drawer.

  • Bee Bee on Dec 29, 2016

    that is the best idea. I thought everyone did that...

  • Toc15434384 Toc15434384 on Dec 29, 2016

    there is a dish rack with vertical slats or just use a shoebox

  • GmaGpa GmaGpa on Dec 29, 2016

    Letter organizer Perfect


  • Judy Riley Judy Riley on Dec 29, 2016

    I keep my small ones in a Nestle"s ice cream tub(its plastic) and the large ones in a dollar store plastic bin

  • Pom6362415 Pom6362415 on Dec 29, 2016

    I use a vintage wire dish drainer to store my plastic lids.

  • B_r12916267 B_r12916267 on Dec 29, 2016

    I found a plastic container at Target made for just that purpose. It has a straight side and a rounded side which is perfect and it fits great in my cupboard. I think I found it in the "plastic" storage section at Target.

  • Linda Linda on Dec 29, 2016

    Why not a plastic file folder with enough slats to do the job.

  • Karen Merritt3 Karen Merritt3 on Dec 29, 2016

    I screwed an Ikea plastic foldable trash can to the inside of my cabinet door. It stores a lot of lids. You can use as many as needed.

  • Deb Titus Deb Titus on Dec 29, 2016

    I use an old plastic dish drying rack! All of my lids fit in it and are easy to find as they all sit on their edges. Even the smallest ones don't get lost as they stay in the utensil drying part.

  • Karen Karen on Dec 29, 2016

    I have a small "shelf" screwed to the cupboard door (inside) for the small lids and all the rest on edge in a Dollar Store rectangular plastic basket. The basket comes out like a drawer.

  • LaFawne LaFawne on Dec 29, 2016

    I use a heavyduty plastic tub (solid color to match my decor). It holds all my tupperware and the lids fit neatly right beside the stacked dishes. I just pull it out and select what I need, then slide it right back into the cabinet! Much cheaper than those sliding shelves, and works like a charm. Just measure your cabinet to see what size tub you need.

  • Terry Zier Terry Zier on Dec 29, 2016

    I put the lids in a dish rack (the kind you use when you wash your dishes) and I used a dish tub (the kind you put in the sink for fine washables or whatever) for the tupperware bottoms. It takes up less room and it has everything neatly put away this way and easier to find. I bough my rack and tub at Walmart, but you could also maybe look at the Dollar Store.

  • Sandra Tunnicliff Sandra Tunnicliff on Dec 29, 2016

    I use a clear plastic shoebox from the dollar store. Extra large lids can be stacked underneath or between the box and the cabinet wall if they don't fit. The box really holds a lot!

  • Dianna F Dianna F on Dec 29, 2016

    In one cupboard for plastic ware, I used a small tension rod on one side and put my lids inside that upright. and plastic ware stacked on the other side.

  • CecileH CecileH on Dec 30, 2016

    I have a plastic crate like a long milk crate I keep on the second shelf in my lower cupboard, all like size lids are put together. The shelf above has all the containers stacked together, works for me but the men in my house still seem to find Tupperware difficult to deal with! lol

  • Karenka Karenka on Dec 30, 2016

    I just use a sturdy shoebox. Easy to pull out the whole box to find the lid I want and then return to cabinet. For the really large lids, I only have a few stacked, they lie flat under the stacked bowls they fit. My shoebox is over 20 years old, never replaced and still holding up.

  • Bee16639025 Bee16639025 on Dec 30, 2016

    Just an idea: Why not get rid of at least half of those bowls & lids? When will you ever need all of them at one time? Decluttering is very freeing and will give you lots more space!

    • CecileH CecileH on Dec 31, 2016

      When I make lunches Sunday night we go through 25-30 containers for just my husband alone! I make up the full week's meals on Sunday and only add the hot portion to his lunches the night before. So then add in the containers used for left-overs and you would be surprised how many containers you can go through in a short period of time!

  • Christie Decker Christie Decker on Dec 30, 2016

    As a person who has a freezer to put away summer garden (or in season buys) produce, yes, I use a lot of plastic ware as well. Comes in very handy for things you don't want to can, like berries.


    While I don't have a hint to help, I appreciate some of these answers others have provided and just want to say I am grateful for the helpful ones. Blessings!

    • JoEllen JoEllen on Jan 02, 2017

      I wrap everything in Saran Wrap then put into plastic bags! The plastic bags can be used again and again if you don't defrost in them.

  • B_r12916267 B_r12916267 on Dec 30, 2016

    Maxine, sorry I don't have an IPhone, but I found one on EBay (the storage bin), just do a search and you will see it, Good Luck!! "Kitchen Pantry Organization Plastic Dish Rack Storage Stores Lids Various Shapes"

  • Vicki-lou Waller Vicki-lou Waller on Dec 30, 2016

    I have a large tub and I have all big containers in the bottom and on the top I have two baskets, one holds small containers (everyday use) and the other holds all the lids to all of the containers :) If I need a big container I just lift the lid with the baskets find what I want and then return. I have a lot of containers as I share a lot of my cooked food with others so this works really well for me :)

  • Ruth Ruth on Dec 30, 2016

    Contack Tupperware at one time they sold bins that attach to inside cupboard doors to store lids in. I put them up on the inside of my long doors where we keep trash cans.

  • Tam 15076171 Tam 15076171 on Dec 30, 2016
    I stack all my bowls or whatever together and I have one of the plastic stacking bins like you would use for onions, potato's etc. and it fit right inside the cabinet and that's what I put all the plastic lids in. Before I did this my husband said why don't you get rid of some of this plastic crap to which I promptly replied telling a woman to get rid of her Tupperware or even plastic butter bowls w/lids is like asking her weight, age, whether she dyes her hair... in other words something you just don't do.
  • Sherry Fram Sherry Fram on Dec 30, 2016

    I use mesh magazine holders & letter organizers from Walmart or Target.

  • Marna Short Marna Short on Dec 30, 2016

    You can buy different configurations of hard colored plastic dish drainers for washing and drying dishes if you still do a few by hand...they make good 'lid holders for several kinds of lids and will fit into most lower cabinets or deep drawers and if you have pullouts in lower cabinets, even better, just set a dish drainer in one and fill it with lids of whatever type you need storage for...they work nicely in a deep drawer I have under a glass cook top.

  • Deb Deb on Dec 30, 2016

    I use a net bag you wash sweaters in. - the zippered ones work best for me. Trust me, it holds ALOT of lids!

  • Ohio Sandie Ohio Sandie on Dec 31, 2016

    I like the mesh bin idea, however I saw a closet / cabinet organizer at Ikea..... It rolls on a small track, and fits in my cabinet perfectly. I also use it in my linen closet for bath soap and extra toothpaste. ( I like to keep stocked up. )

  • Ro Ro on Dec 31, 2016

    Go CHEAP! Buy plastic baskets from Dollar Tree! Best advantage - being able to see all the lids. I use one for square - 1 for round - 1 for rectangular. $3 - all done!

  • Smsweeney Smsweeney on Dec 31, 2016

    This works!

  • Jam10295235 Jam10295235 on Dec 31, 2016

    Step 1: Sort lids and containers on your kitchen counter. Match all your lids and containers. Any lid without a container, toss it. Any container without a lid, toss it.

    Step 2: Use one of the other suggestions to store them.

    Step 3: Repeat Steps 1 and 2 periodically.

    Note: This also works for unmatched socks.




  • Bee16639025 Bee16639025 on Dec 31, 2016

    We all have to do what we have to do. You're being a very good wife, Cecile. I, too, pack a lunch for my husband. The original poster didn't look like she's using too many of her containers most of the time and that's why she needs a way to store them. Also, did I mention that clutter really drives me crazy?

  • Jo-Anne Smith Jo-Anne Smith on Dec 31, 2016

    I also have a lot of Tupperware-various sizes, colors and ages. I installed a metal slide out drawer -even Walmart sells them.Across the back of the drawer-in the drawer- I have an elevated white wire metal shelf-the kind they sell for cupboards. That way I can stack all my bowls,rectangular containers or square containers ,each type together. The bowl lids stack together UNDER the corresponding bowls,this keeps them flat.When I need something I just slide the drawer out. The shelf below contains my larger rectangular containers, hamburger press and patty containers,dessert dishes & smaller rectangular containers. I also have the same type white wire shelf in the back which has my marinating containers +. My corner cupboard also has a slide out drawer for my beverage containers , large square containers & ice cream containers. My husband made a slide to the right upper shelf with a installed curved wood rim that acts as a handle to easily slide the shelf. Works like a charm.

  • Darlene Ernst Darlene Ernst on Jan 01, 2017

    I know no Tupperware enthusiast wants to hear this but......ditch it! I fought with all my tupperware for my entire adult life before, finally, just getting rid of it and buying the nice, neat disposable Glad-type bowls and tubs. The bowls and lids all nest together in one stack, there's no angst if you leave one somewhere, and they are super cheap. I still have a few pieces of special-use Tupperware but have never regretted getting rid of the rest.

  • A A on Jan 01, 2017

    I buy deli freezer containers for freezing foods (who would have thought  ), but do have a bunch on hand from time to time as we use the food. Here are pics of my solution. I will say that the number changes and occasionally I have to store them elsewhere when there are too many (until we freeze again).


    I agree with the NO to Tupperware (and I used to sell it). The product is really no better than many other less expensive solutions on the market that are easier to get. Tupperware has gotten prohibitively more expensive and the lifetime warranty is really only as good as the duration that they produce that specific product (and their product line changes periodically - colors; types, etc.). You will get a credit, but you won't get your beloved product.

  • Cindy Davis Cindy Davis on Jan 01, 2017

    I don't know what they call them, but they are plastic tall paper storage containers that you purchase in the office supply dept. They are for storing papers or magazines. I put my lids in them and they fit great under the counter.

  • Cut16797380 Cut16797380 on Jan 01, 2017

    You can put smaller lids and containers in big containers.

  • Theresa Smith Theresa Smith on Jan 01, 2017

    There are some great ideas in this thread! Somewhere else on Hometalk, I saw an idea to take a large plastic container (like laundry detergent) and cut it so you still had the handle, but could put lids (or other items) inside. Not every container will work, but I found one that will and I use it. I was unable to keep the handle, but otherwise, the shape works for me. (Tried to get the brand logo off before I uploaded, but label wouldn't take ink.)

    • Janet Janet on Jan 01, 2017

      I also use those clear plastic shoe boxes available for $1, larger sizes a bit more. They stack, you can see what is in them and the lids stay clean.

  • Frances Frances on Jan 01, 2017

    like all the storage ideas. All my containers are glass. No plastic. Only problem round or square lids. Good idea to go thru often never fails you break a container, or loose a lid.

  • Edna Hill Edna Hill on Jan 01, 2017

    I use a dish drainer t keep all my son's plastic lids "organized"

  • Lyt14167538 Lyt14167538 on Jan 01, 2017

    I store them with the lids ON...that way I am never searching for a lid. They do take up more room to store this way but I find I need about half as many because I can always find what I need with the lid ready to go!

  • Mary Mary on Jan 01, 2017

    I purchased a wire stand for pot lids(NOT TALL WITH 5 OR 6 sections) and it holds my plastic lids great. You may need two depending on how many lids you have.

  • Leah Rieve Heeger Leah Rieve Heeger on Jan 01, 2017

    I use a plastic shoe box and am always amazed at how many lids it will hold!

  • Linda Linda on Jan 01, 2017

    Good idea. I always have a problem with lids. So I put all of them in a bigger bowl and then stack all the containers by their self. Thanks for sharing. Happy New Year.+

  • Like some other people, I donated my hodgepodge of containers. Since my kids tend to knock things over in the fridge, I replaced them with the generic pint and quart containers with screw-on lids found at the grocery store--cheap, compact, and nothing to cry over when my son uses them to collect bugs or worms . All have the same lids, so no need to look for one that fits and using multiple quart containers to put away leftovers allows me to use up one at a time and reduce the number in the fridge, rather than being stuck with a large container that is a quarter full taking up our limited fridge space. I keep all the lids on end in a rectangular cloth drawer organizer box (from a set I got at IKEA) at the front of my plastics drawer and stack the containers behind it. I have a few "disposable" square and rectangular one- and two-quart containers, too, and the lids stack on end with the others in the cloth box. I prefer the cloth box because it is more flexible than a plastic one and more durable than cardboard.

  • Mary Roberts Mary Roberts on Jan 01, 2017

    I just use a plain regular shoe box. It holds a lot of lids.

  • Lisa Lisa on Jan 01, 2017

    I don't like to store the containers with the lids on. It takes up more space than stacking plastic ware inside each other. I bought 2 medium-size rectangular baskets at the dollar store. I put smaller lids in one and larger lids in the other, then place them on a shelf in my cabinet. They probably take up the same amount of space as the lids without the baskets but it keeps them together without having them fall all over the cabinet, and it's a lot neater. Just pull out the basket and voila!

  • Theresa Smith Theresa Smith on Jan 02, 2017

    Yes, I've used those a lot over the years for storing various items. They're great for sewing and craft supplies.

  • Sharon Sharon on Jan 02, 2017

    I use a basket for all my lids, but went one step further and bought containers that have a nice little design around the container in a certain color, the lids are the same color as the container designs, I store like color lids together in by basket. When needed pull out the container and get the cover.

  • Ohio Sandie Ohio Sandie on Jan 02, 2017

    sometimes we all need to go thru our containers and get rid of some. I am doing that now : )

  • Joyce J Henley Joyce J Henley on Jan 02, 2017

    L use a large ziplock Baggie and put my lids in them but l do like the basket idea

  • Trudy Trudy on Jan 02, 2017

    A desktop filing folder system or small dishdrainer works. Then they don't avalanche when you take some out and you can keep them organized.

  • Jan Burree Jan Burree on Jan 02, 2017

    I keep lids in one box stacked sideways, and then the tubs in another separate box. easy to find the lids to the particular tub. I would never store them again in the same box


  • Gina Gina on Jan 02, 2017

    I keep my plastic collindars in the same cabinet so all round lids go there.

    square goes in the biggest square container.

    all containers are stacked into each other.

  • JoEllen JoEllen on Jan 02, 2017

    I really prefer to use glass bowls with lids and I put the lids on the shelf and place the bowls on top of the lids. But, I have lots of storage space. I also put the lids to my pots and pans upside down on top of the pot or pan and place the large ones on the bottom and then put a smaller one on the top of that lid.

  • Sharon Sharon on Jan 03, 2017

    Thanks for all the suggestions. I impulsively purchased some wooden storage bins online from Target after measuring my lids. Well, it doesn't work. I used the plastic magazine holders and they work great. There are only three lids that don't fit so we put them between the holders so they'll stand up. Round in one container and non-round in other.


  • Linda Abate Linda Abate on Jan 03, 2017

    Use a dish drainer, or a shoe size storage box.

  • User User on Jan 04, 2017

    I use a folder for filing paper on the door to cabinet and put them there , after making a plastic piece for the opening


  • Peg Lee Peg Lee on Jan 05, 2017

    I got tired of going nutso ! went to the dollar store & bought one of those long narrow baskets (fits silverware maybe) & it,s perfect to stand all lids up ! second one stores little tops ! there seems to be ideas for "storage baskets" for everything Lol!!

  • Angeliname55 Angeliname55 on Jan 08, 2017

    could you get rid of at least one third of those? those are too many to have.. keep few of them and then keep them organized with their lids. that is way way 2 many. a good thing to do is give some to the shelter, ..... why so many? once you have 7 or so, keep each with their lid and organized. otherwise looks messy.

  • Pam Jones Williams Pam Jones Williams on Jun 01, 2023

    I use shelf insert, I put all the bottom pieces underneath the shelf and then on top I use a desktop file folder with the lids. it works in my small lack of storage kitchen, I try to keep the lids seperated by shape but don't live alone so that doesn't always happen....

  • Mogie Mogie on Jun 02, 2023

    I broke down and bought new tupperware from amazon. All the lids are the same size and interchangable plus they lock in place when you stack them.


  • Marty Ayers Marty Ayers on Jun 09, 2023

    I have a large storage drawer, with movable dividers, for my Tupperware... smaller ones stand on edge, larger ones are under the bowl they fit.

    Note: when my mother lived with us... she had a hard time finding which lid fit which container.... I used a Sharpie and labeled all of the containers/lids with letters A, B, etc... identical containers and lids had the same letter because they would interchange... and when I got to Z ... I used AA, BB, etc... it make things lots easier for her to match containers with lids... and some of the container still have the markings after years of going thru the dishwasher