How to properly close food boxes so that nothing spills?

Open cardboard packaging can cause clutter in your kitchen cupboard. One awkward move and... We suggest you learn how to properly close a box of cereal (cereals, pasta). It only takes a few seconds!

Lifehack from British Becky

Almost the whole world has heard about Russian folk ingenuity. But this time it was British housewife Becky Holden McGhee who showed ingenuity. Tired of dealing with the clutter in her closet, Becky came up with a way to close cardboard boxes quickly and, most importantly, securely. No additional devices are needed.

Just 5 finger movements and the box is closed. What do we have to do:

1. Place a box of cereal or other contents in front of you.
   
2. We bend the small valves (“ears”) inward.
   
3. We bend one large valve there.
   
4. Bend the sides of the box at the top in half (flatten).
   
5. We insert the remaining large flap into the resulting fold.
   
   

Ready! The packaging is closed and looks neat. Video of a life hack from a British woman that blew up the Internet:

Other ways to deal with open boxes

There are different ways to solve the problem of open boxes. For example, you can use:

• Scotch. The box covered with tape will be securely stored in the closet. You can safely take it with you on a trip. The downside is that after opening the tape will have to be re-taped each time.
• Pin. If the cardboard is soft enough, the top of the box can be folded up and secured with a clothespin.
• Package “with dispenser”. Often housewives simply pour the cereal into a bag. You can go even further and put a bottle neck on the bag. Then you won't have to untie it every time. To open it, you just need to unscrew the lid.
  
  
• Special container. It is best to get glass jars for storing bulk products. They are durable, look aesthetically pleasing and are comfortable to use.
  

Questions and answers

How long do cereals last in cardboard boxes?

From several weeks to a year. Beans, peas and lentils are best stored in cardboard containers. Slightly worse are corn grits, buckwheat and rice. But oatmeal, especially with additives, can be stored in a box for no longer than 2 weeks

What products cannot be stored in the box?

It is better to store any products in an airtight container - glass, tin, ceramic, plastic. A cardboard box, even a closed one, can be attacked by moths, ants and bugs. Oxygen also enters it, accelerating food spoilage. Cakes, vegetables, baby formula and cereals, instant cereals - it is recommended to immediately transfer all this into an airtight container or put it in the refrigerator.

The British woman’s method has attracted over 3 million people around the world. It is really very convenient and allows you to close the box quickly without tape, clothespins or other foreign objects.

By the way, some boxes have slots for closing. This simplifies the task, but the cardboard breaks over time. Therefore, it is safer to use the proposed method or immediately pour the product into a more durable container.