Simple Ways to Organize Messy Kitchen Drawers

If your kitchen drawers are overflowing with a disorganized jumble of cooking gadgets, utensils, and random items, you're not alone. Many home kitchens struggle with messy, cluttered drawers that make finding anything a frustrating, time-wasting chore.

The good news? With some effort and smart storage solutions, you can transform those chaotic kitchen drawers into models of organization. Read on for tips to edit, categorize, optimize, and maintain kitchen drawer contents so they remain neatly arranged.

Start by Removing Drawer Clutter

Before adding any type of organization, it's crucial to declutter your kitchen drawers first. Take everything out and be ruthless about removing unused or unneeded items. Toss anything expired, duplicate tools and gadgets, instruction manuals for old appliances, random batteries and cords, etc.

If you're unsure about an item, ask yourself: "Have I used this in the past year?" If the answer is no, get rid of it. Be brutal in your decluttering efforts--the less you have to organize later, the better.

Key Considerations When Decluttering Drawers

• Toss old expired spices, dried herbs, baking goods
• Get rid of extra utensils, especially if duplicated
• Remove appliance manuals for unused machines
• Donate gadgets and tools you never actually utilize
• Recycle random rubber bands, twist ties, bread tabs
• Shred outdated paperwork and bills

Once you've removed the clutter, you can see what's left, and what's actually useful. Now you have a clean slate for optimal organization.

Sort Remaining Contents by Category

After decluttering, sort what remains in the drawers into categories. Group together items that are used together or share similar usage. For example:

• Utensils and cooking gadgets
• Spices and baking ingredients
• Foil, plastic wrap, sandwich bags
• Large serving utensils or pots

You may want a "breakfast foods" drawer with things like coffee, cereal, fruit. Or a "baking" drawer with all measuring tools, pans, and ingredients in one place. Separating into categories makes locating specific items easier.

Tips for Effective Kitchen Drawer Categorization

• Group alike items (spices, snacks, utensils, etc.)
• Separate by usage frequency
• Consider grouping by meal or food type
• Combine flatware in one dedicated drawer
• Give kids their own drawer for plastic dishes

Incorporate Drawer Organizing Tools

To take your organization even further, incorporate products designed to neatly arrange drawer interiors. Options include:

• Cutlery trays: Keep utensils from shifting and tangling
• Divided trays: Neatly separate and contain items
• Spice organizers: Custom compartments for seasonings
• Under-drawer storage: Extra space adjacent to drawers

Look for organizers that suit your existing drawer dimensions. Adjustable divided trays work well for larger drawers. Slender vertical trays maximize narrow drawer space. Rotate trays to see what's inside without removing them.

Benefits of Using Drawer Organizing Tools

• Makes contents easy to see and access
• Prevents shifting, mixing, and damage of items
• Saves time searching for specific tools or ingredients
• Customizable to perfectly fit needs and available space

Make the Most of Vertical Drawer Space

Don't just organize items in a single flat layer--utilize all the available vertical space. Some tips for going vertical include:

• Use risers or vertical dividers to create stacked storage
• Place taller bottles and tools toward drawer backs
• Install pull-out shelves to access rear areas

Try combining small shallow boxes for spices and taller boxes behind them for oils and baking goods. Positioning taller items near the back keeps drawers balanced when pulled out.

Why Using Vertical Space is Key

• Fits more items without increasing footprint
• Prevents smaller items from getting buried
• Makes locating frequently used items easier
• Creates less cluttered, neater appearance

Implement a Drawer Labelling System

Labelling your newly organized drawers makes storing and finding specific items even simpler. Here are some great options for labels:

• Chalkboard labels: Easily change with chalk marker
• Printed labels: Neat printed text and/or images
• Dymo tape: Versatile self-adhesive plastic labels
• Sticky notes: Temporary but handy labels

Make sure labels are visible whether drawers are open or shut. Place them on the outside for closed visibility, or inside facing outward. Use large clear text and/or helpful images.

Why Adding Labels is Advised

• Allows quick identification of drawer contents
• Prevents searching through wrong drawers
• Helps family members or guests return items properly
• Fun way to add some flair to your kitchen

Maintain Organization with Quick Daily Tidying

Your hard organizing work will be pointless if drawers eventually revert back to disarray. Get into the daily habit of quick tidying to maintain your optimized drawer system.

• Straighten drawers when putting clean dishes away
• Spend 5 minutes tidying during your morning routine
• Immediately return items to their "homes" after using them
• Frequently re-sharpen your decluttering skills

Don't allow clutter to slowly build up again. When your drawers start looking messy, take time to restore order right away. Staying on top of maintenance tidying takes less time than letting organization lapse.

Handy Tips for Ongoing Kitchen Drawer Maintenance

• Never return items to the wrong spot
• Remove odd items that don't have a designated place
• Re-organize if you change systems or get new items
• Periodically declutter again

Specialized Solutions for Common Drawer Dilemmas

Certain kitchen drawer configurations or contents present unique organizing challenges. But specialized products and tips can help. Consider these solutions:

Small or Narrow Drawers

Maximize narrow drawer space with thin vertical dividers or stackable trays. Store only flat items like foil, parchment, small towels. Avoid cramming in bulky utensils.

Deep or Wide Drawers

Use separate small bins or baskets to subdivide large drawers. Place bins on risers to add a second level. Add drawer slides and vertical dividers. Take advantage of all the space.

Look for L-shaped divided organizers or turntables that fit neatly into corners. Spinning organizers make all contents accessible. Use risers to add levels.