Storage containers kitchen

How to organize your dry goods in the kitchen

Do you also have flour, grains, pasta, and rice lying in half-open bags that tip over when you open the cupboard? You're not alone. Bags take up space awkwardly, rarely seal tightly, and you quickly lose track of what you actually have at home.

Storage containers solve exactly that. You pour the dry goods into a container with an airtight lid, and suddenly, the cupboard looks uniform, stackable, and easy to overview. Here at élé living, you'll find storage containers in several sizes, from 0.35 liters all the way up to 4.4 liters, so you can match the container to the food item instead of trying to cram everything into the same size. It's the simplest way to gain an overview and surplus in the kitchen: fixed places for flour, grains, and pasta, and a look that brings aesthetic joy every time you open the cupboard.

Which container size fits which food item?

The short answer: choose the size according to how much you use and how often you shop. Here's a concrete guideline for the sizes you'll find in the collection.

The small storage containers of 0.35 liters and 0.8 liters are great for items you use in small quantities: baking powder, cocoa, chia seeds, nuts, or bouillon cubes. The medium sizes of 1.6 liters and 2.25 liters fit well for pasta, rice, oatmeal, and lentils. And the large 3.5-liter container is designed for what you use most of, typically flour and sugar, which otherwise come in large, messy bags.

A good trick: measure a bag before you order. A standard 1 kg bag of wheat flour takes up more space than you might think, so if you want to fit the whole bag into one container, you'll need one of the larger sizes. If you only need containers specifically for flour, it can be useful to choose the large size from the start.

Plastic containers or storage containers with wooden lids?

The collection features two styles. The clear Gastromax plastic containers allow you to see the contents immediately, so you know exactly when your rice is running out. They are light, practical, and easy to stack. If you want to read more about when plastic is the right choice, we have compiled it in our guide on plastic storage containers.

If you prefer a warmer, more natural look on your kitchen counter, storage containers with wooden lids are available in 0.84 liters and 4.4 liters. Wood is a calming material that suits a kitchen where containers are on display. Whatever you choose, the point is the same: a uniform look creates calm, and transparent or labeled contents give you back control.

Containers for meal prep and leftovers in the fridge and freezer

Storage containers aren't just for dry goods. If you need to store dinner, prepare packed lunches, or freeze a portion, there are containers specifically designed for that. We've gathered them under food storage containers, and if you plan your meals ahead, you can learn more in the guide to meal prep containers.

Before placing a container in the freezer or microwave, always check the labeling on the specific product. Not all containers are suitable for freezing, heating, or dishwashing, and this is stated on each product's page. This way, you avoid cracking a container in the freezer or melting a lid in the microwave.

How to keep food fresh with airtight lids

The most important reason to transfer dry goods into containers is shelf life. An airtight lid keeps out moisture, odors, and pests, and this makes a noticeable difference for flour, grains, and biscuits, which otherwise quickly become soft or rancid in an open bag.

A couple of simple habits make it even better: make sure the container is completely dry inside before pouring in dry goods, and preferably write a date when you fill it up, so you use the oldest first. If you want a consistent system without handwritten notes, you can add labels so each container has its name. It's a small step, but it's often what makes the system last in the long run.

Get started quickly with a package solution

If you want to organize your entire cupboard at once, a package solution is the easy shortcut. We offer both a storage container package solution and a large package solution with several sizes combined, so you can get started with a complete set instead of picking out individual containers.

You don't need to overhaul your entire kitchen at once. Start with one cupboard: pull everything out, wipe down the shelves, and transfer the dry goods into containers while you sort. If you want more concrete steps, we have a guide to storage containers in the kitchen. And if you have any questions along the way, we're always ready to help.