Even The Simple Things - Better Storage Containers

Typical RV Fridge - This One Is Mine!

    Let's face it, RV refrigerators are small. Yes, I have seen full size home-style refrigerators mounted in an RV, but that's not all that common. Since space inside is always at a premium, being efficient becomes second nature. I used to use lots of plastic storage with pop-on lids. These worked great for some items, but were complete failures at others. Then I discovered screw-on style containers. A while back they were only available in two sizes... too small and too large. OK, not really. I did use the smaller ones for items like fresh-made salsa and leftover soups and stews. They also had a problem with being in the freezer. They became brittle and the lips would break and crack.

Now they can be had in various sizes! AND they fare much better in the freezer. I'm thinking of pre-preparing soups and stews and the like and having them ready to go in the freezer! As a bonus, I could use the frozen ones to pre-cool the refrigerator before a trip!

Medium Sized Conatiner

On to the stuff... the medium sized one has been the most useful for me. I usually travel alone, and they work well for leftover storage. I use them to store items that could "slosh" around or otherwise leak out. Believe me, I've had to clean the fridge so many times after a trip! Try strapping your house refrigerator to your car and drive around for a few hours. See how many things stay put! The small ones are great for recipe ingredients that require prep like shredded cheese, chopped tomatoes, corn, cilantro. You name it. When it's time to cook, simply unscrew the lid and use the contents.

Rubbermaid Makes A Version

The seal is quite good, I haven't had anything go bad or leak yet, but I wouldn't store them lid down. You never know.... The large/tall ones can be used for cooked (or uncooked) pasta. In fact, you are NOT limited to using these in a fridge. The large ones are great for storing dry goods you'd like to keep dry! Like rice, beans, flour, sugar, etc. they are pretty robust, and flexible enough to stay in one piece when banged around.  You could really use your imagination with these things. I've got a Chili recipe that takes 17 hours in a slow cooker. I could portion out the remaining Chili and store and/or freeze them. Not that there's ever any left!


One of the issues with them is that they don't lock together and aren't really "stack-able," but if you use a typical spring loaded refrigerator bar (or a curtain rod!) you can stack them in a corner, put the rod in front vertically and they stay put. You could also put them all in a row at the back of the fridge or freezer and lock the bar horizontally under the lip. Works well, but uses much more space.

The main benefit to these is the screw top lid. I have never seen one come off in regular use. Unlike the messes I have cleaned up using the regular snap-on lids.

I like to find ways to make my traveling more leisurely. Anything I can do to add to the relaxed pace and nature of RV travel is a good thing. Since I really enjoy cooking (and eating!!). Simple things like this can make it all more fun and easier.

Be Seeing You...Down the Road,

Rich "The Wanderman"
www.thewanderman.com