Transfer contents from opaque retail packaging into clear squeeze bottles or jars. Most robust solution for visibility.
The setup:
- Buy set of clear plastic squeeze bottles (like diner ketchup bottles)
- When you buy giant tin of olive oil or dark jug of soy sauce
- Pour immediately into clear squeeze bottle
- Keep big opaque container as Reserve (back of pantry)
The trigger: When clear squeeze bottle gets low, refill from Reserve. When Reserve feels light, buy more.
Bonus benefits:
- Squeeze bottles easier to cook with than clunky retail packaging
- Can label bottles with date and contents
- Uniform bottles look cleaner on shelf
Best for: Oils, vinegars, soy sauce, dish soap, cleaning products.
Investment: $15 for set of 6 bottles. One-time purchase.
North: Where this comes from
- Transfer Containers (repackaging for functionality)
- Restaurant Kitchen Setup (everything in squeeze bottles)
South: Where this leads
- Standardized Containers (uniform storage)
West: What’s similar?
- Mise en Place (prep ingredients into working containers)
- Container Store Philosophy (right container for every item)