Tupperware Graveyard: How to Finally Let Go of the Lids Without Bowls

Do you hear that faint clatter every time you open your kitchen cabinet? That’s the sound of the Tupperware Graveyard, where mismatched lids and orphaned containers go to die. Studies show that the average kitchen contains over a dozen mismatched food storage items, creating unnecessary clutter and frustration. Remember that time you spent ten minutes searching for a lid that never existed? Let’s fix that. For too long, this chaos has taken over your storage, wasting time and space. But fear not, brave soul. Today, we’re putting this plastic pandemonium to rest once and for all. Grab a trash bag, your sassiest playlist, and let’s dive into decluttering greatness. Together, we’ll restore order and reclaim your kitchen cabinets.

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Step 1: The Great Tupperware Dump

Let’s start strong. Take every single container and lid out of your cabinets. Yes, every single one. No peeking and no excuses like, “Oh, but this one is special!” It’s not. Dump it all on a flat surface so you can face the chaos head-on.

Step 2: Pair Off Like It’s Prom Night

Now it’s time to match containers with their lids. Think of it as a reunion—except some lids have clearly been seeing other bowls. Picture a square lid trying to pair up with a round container: it’s not going to work, and that’s okay. They weren’t meant to be. If you find a perfect match, congrats—you’ve got a keeper! If not, toss the odd piece into a “mismatch pile” for now. Work quickly; this isn’t speed dating, and we don’t have all day.

As you pair lids and containers, take note of which sizes you actually use. Those tiny sauce containers? If they’re sitting unused for months, they might not need a spot in your kitchen.

Step 3: Let Go of the Loners

It’s time for some tough love. Lids without bowls and bowls without lids are useless. Repeat after me: I do not need a lid in case I find its bowl someday. These lonely pieces are taking up precious real estate. Toss them, recycle where possible, and don’t look back. Trust me, you won’t miss them.

The space you’ll gain is worth more than any imaginary reunion between a lid and its container.

Lydia Parker

Step 4: The Essentials Test

Ask yourself:

• Do I actually use this size of container?
• Is this container stained, cracked, or discolored? (Looking at you, spaghetti sauce and turmeric!)
• Do I have more containers than I realistically need?

If the answer is “no” to any of these, let it go. Someone else might appreciate it more than your cabinet does.

Step 5: Organize Like a Pro

You’ve thinned the herd—well done! Now it’s time to store what’s left like the organizing superstar you are. Imagine opening your cabinet to see perfectly stacked containers, lids standing upright in neat rows, and no rogue pieces tumbling out. It’s like a tiny oasis of order in your kitchen—a Marie Kondo moment that sparks joy every time.

• Stack containers: Nest them by size, largest to smallest, to save space.
• File your lids: Stand lids upright in a file folder organizer or small bin. This keeps them visible and easy to grab.
• Assign a home: Dedicate one cabinet or drawer to Tupperware. No more random containers in odd places!

Take a moment to step back and admire your work. Doesn’t that feel amazing?

Step 6: Avoid the Graveyard Forever

The key to staying clutter-free is maintaining the system you’ve just created. Here’s how:

1. One in, one out: Anytime you forget this rule, picture the chaos of a lid avalanche. One minute, you’re casually opening a cabinet; the next, you’re buried under a pile of rogue Tupperware. Discipline saves lives—or at least your sanity.: Anytime you bring in a new container, get rid of an old one.
2. Say no to freebies: Stop hoarding takeout containers. Just because it’s free doesn’t mean it belongs in your kitchen.
3. Regular check-ins: Every few months, repeat this decluttering process to keep things under control.

Bonus: Find Creative Reuses

Still have extra lids or containers you couldn’t part with? Here are a few fun ways to repurpose them:

• Use lids as coasters for drinks or to cover pet food bowls.
• Turn small containers into organizers for office supplies, craft items, or tiny toys.
• Recycle clean, intact containers by donating them to schools or community centers for storage needs.

What’s the Weirdest Thing You Found?

Was there a lid for a container you haven’t seen since 2009? Or a container that belongs in a museum? Share on Instagram your most bizarre Tupperware discoveries—I’d love to hear about your kitchen archaeology adventures!