Do your drawers feel like a black hole where things disappear? Whether it’s your kitchen, desk, or any other drawer in the house, it’s easy for them to get messy and cluttered. But with a little effort, you can organize your drawers so everything has a place, making it simple to find what you need. In this post, I’ll share some quick and easy tips to declutter and bring order to your drawers.
Why Drawers Get Messy
Messy drawers are something most of us deal with. It doesn’t matter if it’s the kitchen, the desk, or even the bathroom, drawers can quickly become catch-all spaces for random things. We often toss items in them without thinking, especially when we’re in a hurry. Over time, this adds up, and soon we’re digging through piles of stuff just to find one thing.
This is common because drawers are out of sight. It’s easy to shut them and forget the mess. Plus, we all have that one “junk drawer” filled with things we don’t know where else to put. While it’s normal to have messy drawers, keeping them organized can save time and reduce stress. After all, who wants to spend minutes searching for something that should take seconds to find?
How to Organize Your Drawers in Simple Steps
Organizing your drawers doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Breaking it down into small steps makes the process easier and more manageable. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Empty the Drawer
Start by taking everything out of the drawer. This lets you see what’s inside and gives you a blank slate to work with. Spread the items out on a flat surface, like a table or the floor, so you can easily sort through them.
Seeing everything laid out often reveals just how much has been stuffed into the drawer, including items you might have forgotten about. This step also helps you notice any dirt, crumbs, or dust that have collected in the drawer, making it a good time to clean it up.
Don’t rush this part—getting a clear view of what you’re working with is key to creating an organized space.
Step 2: Sort the Items
Go through each item and decide what to keep, toss, or donate. Ask yourself if you really use it or if it’s just taking up space. If it’s broken, missing parts, or something you haven’t used in a long time, it’s probably time to let it go.
Group similar items together, like pens with pens or utensils with utensils, so you can see how much you have of each. This makes it easier to organize the drawers later. You might also find duplicates or things you forgot you had, which can help you declutter even more. Sorting everything first saves time when it’s time to put things back.
Step 3: Clean the Drawer
Before putting anything back, wipe the drawer clean. Start by using a vacuum with a small nozzle attachment to suck up any dust, crumbs, or hair—this makes cleaning quicker and easier. Once the larger debris is gone, use a damp cloth or gentle cleaner to wipe down the surface.
If the drawer has a liner, check if it needs to be cleaned or replaced. A fresh, clean surface not only looks better but also makes the drawer feel brand new. Taking a few extra minutes for this step ensures your drawer is ready for a neat and organized look!
Step 4: Use Dividers or Containers
Add small dividers, trays, or boxes to the drawer. These help keep items in their place and stop them from sliding around when you open or close the drawer. You don’t need to buy fancy organizers. Simple things like small cardboard boxes, jar lids, or even empty food containers can work just as well. Look around your home for things you can reuse before buying anything.
Using dividers also makes it easier to separate items by type, like keeping pens in one section and sticky notes in another. This way, you’ll always know where everything is and avoid clutter building up again.
Step 5: Arrange Your Items
Put the grouped items back in the drawer in an organized way. Place the things you use most often in the front so they’re easy to grab when you need them. Items you don’t use as much can go toward the back or in a corner.
Make sure each group has its own section to keep things neat and easy to find later. Try not to overfill the drawer—leaving a little space makes it easier to see and reach everything. This setup will save you time and keep the drawer from getting messy again.
Step 6: Maintain the Order
Once your drawer is organized, make it a habit to put things back where they belong. It only takes a few seconds, and it helps keep the drawer neat. If you notice something out of place, fix it right away instead of waiting for the mess to grow.
A little effort each day can save you the time and frustration of reorganizing everything later. Staying consistent with this habit will make it easier to keep your drawers tidy and clutter-free in the long run.
Enjoy the Benefits of Organized Drawers
Organizing your drawers might seem like a small task, but it can make a big difference in your daily life. A tidy space saves time, reduces stress, and helps you feel more in control of your home.
Once you start, you’ll see how simple it is to create a system that works for you. By staying consistent, you can enjoy the benefits of a clutter-free and organized space every day. Take it one drawer at a time, and soon your whole home will feel more peaceful and put together!
For more organizing tips, be sure to check out my guide on organizing your closet and bedroom!
