Ican’t tell you how many times I’ve been tempted by those gorgeous sets of matching glass storage jars that pop up in catalogs and on Pinterest boards. Perfect rows of grains, beans and pasta looking like a magazine ad. Lovely, yes. Affordable? Not so much.

Meanwhile, I’m over here stacking cottage cheese tubs in my fridge, and guess what -- they work. In fact, some of the best containers don’t cost a dime. They come free with your groceries.

COTTAGE CHEESE & YOGURT TUBS

Don’t laugh. These plastic tubs are sturdy and lidded, and they stack neatly. They freeze soup beautifully and hold craft beads, buttons or even leftover gravy. Pro tip: Slap a label on unless you like the thrill of wondering if tonight’s dinner is beef stew or chocolate pudding.

GLASS JARS

Pickle jars, pasta sauce ja

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