Life can get messy—it’s so easy for your home to go from neat and orderly to a chaotic disaster zone in no time at all, especially if you have little ones running around. As a working mother of a 5-year-old, I feel like I’m constantly wiping, vacuuming and picking up the latest round of arts and crafts to keep my home in a somewhat neat state. That’s why I’ll take any hack that promises to help me organize my home—and keep it that way.
Most people probably have a clear plastic container or two lying around their basement or attic, though the contents might be a mystery to you at this point. But what if we told you that there’s one use for clear plastic containers you simply shouldn’t ignore, especially with kiddos? We spoke with three professional organizing experts to learn the one thing that makes the most sense to store in a clear plastic container—and which items you definitely shouldn’t.
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Which item should you always store in a clear plastic container?
Kids have all sorts of stuff that’s likely cluttering your house, but the one thing that makes the most sense to store in a clear plastic container? Toys.
“Being organized doesn’t just mean putting things away; it actually means being able to retrieve said things easily when we want them!” says Amelie Saint Jacques, a San Antonio–based professional organizer and owner of Amelie Organizes. “When kids can see the contents of the bin, they know where to find their toys, and it will be easier for them to put the toys back in the right place when they are done playing.”
It might seem obvious, but I can assure you, as someone who owns a toy chest that seemingly has no bottom (and who rarely has any sense of what’s in there), this toy organization hack might change your life. OK, maybe that’s ambitious, but it will definitely help organize your kid’s toys so you can actually see what’s in the bin without a full-on toy dump in the middle of your living room.
Does sizing matter?
Yes! Keep sizing in mind when you’re using clear plastic containers, says Saint Jacques. The worst is trying to find a single tiny Barbie shoe in a giant container filled with other toys. “Large bins are best for large, lightweight items,” she says. “I like using dividers or small containers in bins to corral small items.” (We’re talking Lego bricks and those Barbie shoes I was just lamenting.) Your bare feet will thank you!
Why is this such a smart idea?
When kids can see what’s inside a container, it allows them to only take out the specific toy they want—and know exactly where it needs to be returned. Doing so can help teach kids to be responsible for their own belongings early in life.
“Kids need to be in control of their toys as soon as they are able,” says Cathy Orr, co-founder of The Uncluttered Life in Arlington, Texas. Orr adds that learning where to find their toys reduces frustration and teaches kids the responsibility of caring for their things. “This gives them a sense of pride in their ability to manage their possessions,” she says. “It also teaches them that they will know where to find things, which creates a feeling of calm, confidence and predictability.”
What else should go in a clear plastic container?
Toys aren’t the only things that can benefit from being stored in clear plastic containers. There are a host of other items around your home that should be stored this way too.
Seasonal decor
All of the organizers we spoke with agree: When it’s time to take down the holiday decorations, storing them in clear containers is the way to go. This way, you’ll be able to easily see what lives where the next time you pull them out.
I am all-in on this advice: As my holiday decor collection has grown, so too has my plastic bin collection, but it’s customized to the size and type of decor going in there. For instance, I have a plastic storage bin with dividers that make storing my holiday ornaments a cinch; it keeps them safe from breakage and tidy all at once. Try it!
Craft supplies
Craft and art supplies are perfect for clear containers, says Olivia Parks, owner and lead organizer of Nola Organizers in New Orleans. Pencils, markers, paper, you name it. No more guessing whether you’re sticking your hand into a bin full of crayons—or bright pink glitter.
Individually wrapped snacks
While it doesn’t make sense to decant every pantry item, individually wrapped snacks (think granola bars or apple sauce pouches) work well in clear plastic containers. “This allows the contents to be clearly visible all at once, and it’s easier to keep track of inventory—you will no longer be reaching for a cardboard box only to realize that it’s empty and no one noticed it,” Saint Jacques says.
One final pro tip: When using clear plastic containers, make sure they have lids. “They are easily stackable and keep dust, moisture and pests out,” explains Parks. “I’d also suggest sticking with the same brand of clear bins; that way, you can easily stack them so they lock together and don’t topple over.”
Which items should you never store in a clear plastic container?
Now, while it’s really helpful to see what you’re storing, sometimes clear plastic containers actually work against you, depending on the type of object or material inside. Here are a few things you should find other storage solutions for:
- Photos and keepsakes: These can warp or fade if exposed to too much light. Keep photos in archival-quality boxes to protect them from heat and light, says Parks.
- Candles: Candles (and other scented items) can melt, fade or even lose their fragrance. Store candles in a cool, dark cabinet or drawer where the temperature is a little more regulated and heat or light exposure isn’t a problem, according to Parks.
- Leather: Leather should be kept away from direct light, so a clear container isn’t ideal. It also needs airflow; an airtight plastic container will cause leather to dry out and discolor. Keep leather items in a breathable material, like a fabric bag.
- Wood or other items made of natural materials: You’ll want to keep wood and other natural items out of airtight plastic containers because the plastic can trap moisture, leading to mildew, says Parks. Keep the lid off containers or use a breathable bin with no lid.
- Spices and oils: Spices and oils are very sensitive to light and heat, says Saint Jacques. You can keep them in clear plastic containers if you also store those containers in a dark pantry or closet, but if they’ll be out on your kitchen counters, go with a different storage option.
- Wedding dresses: Heirlooms like wedding dresses can be discolored by light, so be sure to choose archival-quality storage to protect these memories.
- Linens: Fabric can benefit from airflow, so Saint Jacques doesn’t recommend clear plastic containers for items like sheets. Instead, choose breathable fabric bins.
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Sources:
- Amelie Saint Jacques, owner of Amelie Organizes; interviewed, November 2025
- Cathy Orr, co-owner of The Uncluttered Life; interviewed, November 2025
- Olivia Parks, owner of Nola Organizers; interviewed, November 2025
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