19 Approaches That Could Help Declutter And Organize Cabinet Drawers
Cabinet drawers often become the hidden home for clutter, making it frustrating to find what you need when you need it. Organizing these spaces not only creates a more functional kitchen or bathroom but can also reduce daily stress. Taking some time to thoughtfully arrange these drawers can transform chaotic spaces into efficient storage that makes everyday life smoother.
The cabinet drawer organization ideas in this article are for general informational purposes only. Consider your space, household needs, and safety before making changes or purchasing organizing products.
1. Empty And Assess Each Drawer
Start with a clean slate by completely emptying each drawer. This reveals forgotten items and helps you understand the true space available.
Wipe down the interiors while they’re empty. Seeing everything at once makes it easier to decide what stays, what goes elsewhere, and what should be donated or tossed.
2. Sort Items By Category
Group similar items together before returning anything to drawers. Utensils with utensils, baking tools with baking tools, office supplies with office supplies.
This simple step reveals duplicates and helps you visualize how much space each category truly needs. This process can reveal duplicates or underused items, helping you plan storage effectively.
3. Use Adjustable Drawer Dividers
Expandable dividers create custom compartments that perfectly fit your drawer dimensions. They prevent items from sliding around when opening and closing drawers.
Look for spring-loaded options that stay firmly in place. These simple organizers work particularly well for utensils, kitchen gadgets, and bathroom supplies that tend to jumble together.
4. Add Stackable Drawer Organizers
Maximize vertical space with organizers that stack inside drawers. These practical solutions essentially create mini-shelves within deeper drawers.
Great for organizing spice jars, small containers, or office supplies. The best stackable organizers have non-slip feet to prevent shifting when accessing items from the lower levels.
5. Incorporate Clear Storage Bins
Transparent containers let you instantly see what’s inside without rummaging. They’re particularly useful for corralling small items that would otherwise scatter throughout the drawer.
Choose bins with straight sides to maximize drawer space. Small bins work wonderfully for paper clips, rubber bands, or hair accessories that tend to disappear in drawer chaos.
6. Label Each Section Clearly
Even the most beautiful organization system fails when family members can’t maintain it. Simple labels help ensure consistency about where things belong.
Use a label maker for clean, uniform tags or try chalkboard labels for a more flexible system. For children’s areas, consider picture labels to help younger family members participate in keeping things tidy.
7. Utilize Vertical Space With Inserts
Vertical dividers transform drawers into upright filing systems for cutting boards, baking sheets, or document folders. This approach prevents stacking, making each item accessible without disturbing others.
Look for adjustable inserts that can be customized to your specific items. These work especially well in deeper drawers that might otherwise become disorganized pits.
8. Install Sliding Trays Or Baskets
Pull-out organizers bring items from the back of deep drawers into easy reach. No more forgotten items lurking in dark corners!
These systems work particularly well under sinks or in bathroom vanities. Some versions come with multiple tiers, effectively doubling your usable space while keeping everything visible and accessible.
9. Repurpose Small Containers For Storage
Give new life to empty mint tins, small jars, or beautiful boxes as drawer organizers. These upcycled containers add personality while corralling tiny items.
Small boxes work perfectly for paper clips or thumbtacks. Pretty teacups can hold jewelry or hair accessories. This approach adds personality while keeping storage affordable and eco-friendly.
10. Keep Everyday Items Accessible
Position frequently used items at the front of drawers for quick access. This simple principle saves time and reduces frustration during busy mornings.
Reserve prime drawer real estate for daily essentials. Items used only occasionally can live toward the back or in higher cabinets, helping make the best use of available space for the tools and supplies you reach for constantly.
11. Rotate Seasonal Or Rarely Used Items
Holiday cookie cutters and specialized gadgets don’t need prime drawer space year-round. Create a rotation system for seasonal items to free up valuable drawer real estate.
Store off-season items in labeled bins elsewhere. This approach keeps drawers functional for current needs while ensuring seasonal items remain organized and findable when their time comes.
12. Apply A “One In, One Out” Rule
Prevent future clutter by adopting this simple principle: for every new item that enters a drawer, something must leave. This helps prevent drawers from becoming overcrowded.
Before purchasing new kitchen gadgets or office supplies, consider what existing item might be donated or discarded. This mindful approach maintains organization without requiring constant reorganization.
13. Store Duplicates Elsewhere
Extra measuring spoons and backup scissors don’t need to occupy prime drawer space. Identify duplicates and relocate extras to secondary storage.
Keep just one of each tool in your main drawers. Having backups can be useful, but they can live in less accessible spaces until needed. This approach instantly creates more breathing room in busy drawers.
14. Use Drawer Liners For Easy Cleaning
Washable liners protect drawer bottoms while making future cleaning effortless. Simply remove and rinse when spills happen instead of scrubbing drawer interiors.
Choose non-slip varieties that keep items from sliding around. Pretty patterns or colors add a smile-inducing touch each time you open a drawer, making organization feel like a treat rather than a chore.
15. Create A Charging Drawer For Devices
Transform a drawer into a charging station by drilling a small hole in the back for cords. This clever solution hides electronic clutter while keeping devices powered.
Add a power strip inside the drawer for multiple devices. This approach works beautifully in kitchens for recipe tablets or in home offices for keeping countertops clear of charging cables.
16. Designate A Junk Drawer Mindfully
Even the most organized homes benefit from one catch-all space. The key is containing this natural tendency rather than letting it spread to multiple drawers.
Use dividers within your designated junk drawer to prevent total chaos. Regularly audit this space to ensure it doesn’t overflow. Remember, even junk drawers benefit from some basic organization.
17. Schedule Regular Decluttering Sessions
Drawer organization isn’t a one-time event. Mark your calendar for quick refresh sessions every few months to maintain your systems.
Spend just 15 minutes per drawer returning items to their proper places and reassessing what deserves to stay. These mini-sessions prevent the need for major overhauls and help maintain organization over time.
18. Maintain An Ongoing Organization System
The secret to permanently organized drawers is creating systems the whole household can follow. Simple is always better than complex when it comes to maintaining order.
Take a moment to explain your organization system to family members. When everyone knows where things belong and why, they’re more likely to maintain the system rather than creating new chaos.
19. Take Drawer Inventory Before Shopping
Check what you already have before buying new kitchen gadgets or office supplies. This simple habit prevents accumulating duplicates that crowd your beautifully organized drawers.
Keep a quick inventory list on your phone for reference while shopping. You’ll save money and space by avoiding the classic “I think we need another vegetable peeler” purchase when three are already hiding in your drawers.
