Abstract: A system for separating a plurality of storage containers stacked by fitting one within another includes a plurality of U-shaped devices installed onto a peripheral rim of each storage container and forming a peripheral side gap between an exterior surface of the tapered wall of the upper storage container and the interior surface of the tapered wall of the lower storage container with the gap being sufficient to separate the storage containers with minimal force and effort. Each device includes a first leg, a second leg spaced from the first leg, and a hill portion joining adjacently disposed ends of the first and second leg and sized to operably receive the portion of the peripheral rim.