We’ve all been there: buying those inexpensive Rubbermaid containers from Walmart for food storage, only to find them stacking up in the cabinet, taking up space, and often mismatched with missing lids. Instead of letting these affordable containers pile up unused, why not repurpose them in creative and functional ways around your home? With a little imagination, these containers can be transformed into organizational tools, crafting aids, and much more.
Rubbermaid containers are highly versatile and durable, making them perfect candidates for a second life beyond food storage. Whether you’re looking to streamline your pantry, organize your craft supplies, or even enhance your gardening efforts, there are countless ways to make these containers work for you. In this article, we’ll explore ten brilliant ways to give these containers a new purpose, helping you declutter and organize your home efficiently.
- Turn Old Containers Into Perfect Pantry Organizers
Say goodbye to pantry chaos by transforming your old Rubbermaid containers into organized storage solutions. Use them to group similar items together, such as snacks, baking supplies, or grains. Label each container with its contents for easy access and inventory management. For example, use a 2-quart container to store flour, keeping it fresh and easy to scoop without spills. Smaller containers, around 1-pint size, are perfect for spices or individual snack packs.
Stack these containers neatly on your pantry shelves to maximize vertical space. This not only helps you see what you have at a glance but also prevents overbuying and reduces food waste. With clear containers, you can quickly identify when you’re running low on essentials, making grocery shopping more efficient.
- Build a DIY Fridge and Freezer Meal System
Streamline your meal prep and storage by using Rubbermaid containers to create a DIY fridge and freezer meal system. Prepare your meals in advance and portion them into containers that fit your family’s needs. A 4-cup container is ideal for a family-sized serving of stew or chili, while smaller 2-cup containers are perfect for individual meals or side dishes.
Label each container with the meal name and date to ensure freshness and avoid the dreaded mystery meal syndrome. Stack them neatly in your freezer, grouping similar meals together for easy access. This system not only saves time during busy weeks but also helps you maintain a balanced diet by having healthy, home-cooked meals ready to go.
- Create Stackable Craft, Sewing, and Hardware Storage
Rubbermaid containers can be a crafter’s best friend when it comes to organizing supplies. Use them to store beads, buttons, threads, and other small items. Group similar items together in containers, such as a 1-quart container for fabric scraps or a 1-pint container for sewing notions.
For hardware storage, use larger containers to hold nails, screws, and other small tools. Label each container for quick identification and stack them on shelves or in a cabinet. This not only keeps your workspace tidy but also ensures you can find what you need without rummaging through cluttered drawers.
- Use Them as Drawer Dividers and Junk-Drawer Tamers
Tame the infamous junk drawer by repurposing Rubbermaid containers as dividers. Use small, shallow containers to separate items like batteries, paper clips, rubber bands, and other miscellaneous items that tend to get lost in the shuffle. This method can also be applied to office drawers, where you can use containers to organize pens, post-it notes, or USB drives.
For larger drawers, such as in the kitchen, use medium-sized containers to sort utensils, baking tools, or dish towels. The clear sides of the containers make it easy to see what’s inside, and their stackable nature allows you to maximize drawer space efficiently.
- Make Snack Stations and Lunch Kits for Busy Weeks
Simplify your weekly meal planning by setting up snack stations and lunch kits with Rubbermaid containers. Use a variety of sizes to portion out snacks like nuts, fruits, and veggies, making them easy to grab and go. A 1-cup container is perfect for a serving of trail mix or cut-up fruit.
For lunches, use larger containers to pack sandwiches, salads, or leftovers. Add smaller containers for sides like dips or dressings. By having everything prepped and ready in advance, you reduce the morning rush stress and ensure everyone in the family has a balanced meal ready to take along.
- Repurpose Lids and Bases for Freezer and Batch Cooking
Batch cooking can be a lifesaver for busy families, and Rubbermaid containers are perfect for storing bulk meals. Use the lids and bases to store and stack meal components like sauces, meats, and vegetables separately, avoiding sogginess and preserving flavors. A 5-cup container can hold a family-sized portion of cooked rice or pasta, while smaller containers can store sauces or side dishes.
Label and date each container, stacking them in the freezer to save space. This system not only keeps your freezer organized but also makes it easy to mix and match meal components, giving you versatility in meal planning.
- Transform Containers Into Under-Sink and Cleaning Caddies
Keep your cleaning supplies organized by using Rubbermaid containers as under-sink storage solutions. Group similar items together, such as sponges, brushes, and cleaning sprays, in a medium-sized container. This not only keeps everything easily accessible but also prevents leaks or spills from spreading.
For a portable cleaning caddy, use a large container with handles to hold your essential cleaning supplies. This way, you can easily carry your supplies from room to room, making cleaning a more efficient and less cumbersome task.
- Upcycle Them Into Planters, Seed Starters, and Garden Helpers
Turn your Rubbermaid containers into planters or seed starters to get a head start on your gardening. Drill small drainage holes in the bottom of a container using a 1/4-inch drill bit, and fill it with potting soil to create a planter for herbs or small plants. A 2-quart container is perfect for this purpose.
For seed starters, use smaller containers with clear lids to create mini greenhouses. Fill each with soil and seeds, cover with the lid to trap moisture, and place in a sunny spot. This is an economical way to start your garden, and once your seedlings are ready, you can transplant them into your garden or larger pots.
- Keep Your Car, Gym Bag, and Travel Gear Clutter-Free
Use Rubbermaid containers to organize your car, gym bag, or travel gear. In your car, use small containers to store first aid supplies, snacks, or small tools. A 1-quart container fits perfectly in most glove compartments or under seats, keeping essentials within reach.
For gym bags, use containers to separate toiletries, workout accessories, or post-workout snacks. This keeps your bag organized and prevents spills or leaks from ruining your gear. When traveling, use containers to pack small items like chargers, jewelry, or toiletries, ensuring everything stays organized and easy to find.
- Put Them to Work for Kids’ Toys, Sensory Bins, and Pet Supplies
Rubbermaid containers are fantastic for organizing kids’ toys and creating sensory bins. Use different sized containers to sort toys by type, such as blocks, action figures, or art supplies. Label each container to encourage kids to put things back in the right place.
Create sensory bins by filling a large container with materials like rice, sand, or water beads, along with small toys or tools for exploration. This is a great way to keep kids entertained and engaged.
For pet supplies, use containers to store food, treats, and grooming tools. A large container can hold a bag of kibble, while smaller containers can keep treats fresh and within easy reach. This keeps everything organized and ensures you can quickly access what you need for your furry friends.