Goodbye Cluttered Lids, Hello Creative Storage Solution

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Plastic food storage containers are a super convenient kitchen staple. Also referred to as Tupperware because of a popular brand that makes them, these containers come in varied sizes that let you store just about anything inside: leftovers, fruit, snacks, sandwiches for your kid's lunchbox, you name it. They really do it all. But their lids? Well, we've got a bone to pick with those. While having different container sizes can be useful, the mismatched lid shapes and styles can make them a nightmare to store. That's why most container lids end up shoved wherever there's space. Whether they're squeezed in next to the dinnerware, tossed in a drawer, or buried in a bottom cabinet — they make your kitchen look cluttered and annoying to navigate. But not anymore.

With one simple item you'd normally use on a bookshelf, you can implement a creative storage solution for cluttered lids. We're talking about bookends. You know, the two pieces that push together to keep your books in place? Yep, those guys! All you need for this storage hack is a bookend that fits inside the drawer or cabinet where you want your lids to live. Depending on the type of bookends you use, you may need some extra supplies for the most effective setup. But overall, this is an affordable, easy to implement solution that will keep your kitchen nice and tidy. 

To organize your plastic container lids, start by grouping lids of similar shape and size together. Then stack the matching groups and place that stack on its side. This way, the lids from the same type of container can rest against each other, and you can easily see all the different lids you have. Secure against the side of your drawer or cabinet with a bookend, and voila! No more digging through your kitchen storage to find the right lid for the container you want to use.

One issue you may run into is your bookend sliding out of place. Some, like the Home Decor Collection Sterling & Noble Home Bookends at Walmart, may look great in the kitchen, but they have a velvet base that makes them slippery. To remedy this issue, try attaching something like Slipstick Gorilla Pads to the bottom so they stays put. Once the bookend is secure, neatly corral your container lids so they finally have one home instead of that "get in where you fit in" situation they usually end up in. 

If you have larger lids, you can always split them up and use two sets of bookends, one for the smaller and medium lids, and another for the extra-big ones. This works especially well if you're storing lids in a drawer and the drawer height won't allow for the bigger lids. In that case, keep the smaller lids in the drawer and stash the bigger ones with a bookend on your counter, so you won't run into any height issues. Once you've figured out the best places to use this bookend hack, your messy container-lid problem will officially be solved.