Rolls and boxes of foil, cling film, baking parchment and freezer bags are among the most awkward things to store in a kitchen. They are long, they roll about, and their boxes never fit neatly in a drawer. Usually they end up in a heap at the back of a cupboard, and the roll you need is always at the bottom. With a little planning, you can give them a proper home.
A wide, shallow drawer
If you have a wide, shallow drawer, lay the rolls flat and side by side. Keep the boxes upright so that you can see the labels. Small dividers, made from cardboard or wood, stop the rolls from sliding when the drawer opens. This is one of the simplest and cheapest solutions, and it works in almost any kitchen.
A rack inside the door
A rack fixed to the inside of a cupboard door is another good option. The rolls sit in a row, and you can pull one out without moving the others. Check that the door can carry the weight and that the rack does not knock against the shelves inside. Rolls that are stored upright should be held firmly in place, so that they do not roll out when you open the door.
Bags in a box
Freezer bags and other small bags can be kept in a shallow box or a basket, standing upright like files in a cabinet. That way you can flip through them and pick one without pulling everything out. Keep different sizes together and label the box if several people share the kitchen. Small clips or pegs can also be used to keep opened packets closed.
Keep the useful ones close
Store these items near where you use them, which is usually close to the worktop where you wrap sandwiches or cover leftovers. Avoid keeping them next to the hob, where they might be in the way or, worse, catch heat. If your kitchen is small, keep only the rolls you use regularly, and store spare ones elsewhere, perhaps in a cupboard in the utility room. A tidy home for wraps is a small thing, but it removes one of the daily little irritations.
