Tackling drawer clutter is the best kind of organizing therapy because they are quick and easy projects with big results. If you're feeling overwhelmed, starting with a single drawer is always our first suggestion. To make it even easier, we're breaking down the most common drawer categories we see in clients' homes. The best part? Most of these can be completed in an hour or less.
1. Flatware Drawer
Flatware is typically stored best by itself, however it can be combined with cutlery or serving utensils if you have room. Pull all the items out and lay them on your counter, separated by type. Wipe down the drawer, then edit out anything damaged or no longer being used. After measuring, implement a drawer organizer like our Flatware Acacia Drawer Insert to give boundaries to each category. It's our go-to solution because it expands to fit and the rubber feet keep it from shifting. If an insert doesn't work for your drawer dimensions, try an arrangement of Acacia Drawer Organizers instead.
Acacia Drawer Insert - Flatware
Acacia Drawer Organizers
2. Cooking Utensils Drawer
The best way to tackle this category is to edit well. Almost every client we organize has too many utensils or gadgets in their kitchen. After removing everything from the drawer and sorting, take some time to decide whether you really need two ladles or three sets of tongs. Next, assess what type of organizer you need based on the dimensions of your drawer. We often use our Utensil Acacia Drawer Insert, but if the drawer is narrow, we will use Acacia Drawer Dividers. Both products divide the drawer up into long sections for each category.
Acacia Drawer Insert - Cooking Utensil
Acacia Drawer Divider
3. "Junk" Drawer
We promise you can easily tackle the "junk" drawer, or what we affectionately call the "useful" drawer. Empty the space and give it a wipe down - it's probably been a while. Then, start by tossing or recycling crumpled papers, restaurant menus, receipts, old batteries, expired coupons etc. Test out all those pens and markers and toss any that have run their course. Relocate any items that don't need to be accessed frequently like a random hammer or loose photographs. Once you have everything paired down and have taken measurements, add our Multi-Purpose Acacia Insert or Acacia Drawer Organizers for a more customized solution.
Acacia Drawer Insert - Multi Purpose
Acacia Drawer Organizers
4. Dish Towel Drawer
Probably the simplest project on this list, is the drawer that corrals your kitchen linens and maybe even your potholders too. Depending on the size, you may not even need any products. Remove your items and do a quick edit, setting aside towels and oven mitts that are stained or torn. Fold the remaining towels to the height of your drawer and "file" them upright in rows to save space. Lay pot holders and oven mitts in stacks by type - editing again if space is limited. If you'd like to, a Drawer Divider is a great way to keep your file folded items separate.
Acacia Drawer Divider
Acacia Drawer Divider
5. Toiletries Drawer
The top drawer in your bathroom vanity should contain the toiletries you use everyday. That might include a toothbrush and paste, contact lenses, a razor, cotton swabs, or a daily moisturizer. Whatever those items are, they're best contained in individual organizers sized to fit each category. Our favorites are the Acacia Drawer Organizer, complete with rubber feet.
Acacia Drawer Organizers
6. Intimates Drawer
When it comes to the most accessed drawer in your dresser, organizing it might be easier than you think. Start by removing everything and sort by type, then do a quick edit of anything you're no longer wearing. From there you can decide whether it makes sense for your lifestyle to fold your underwear and socks or toss them into divided bins or sections. Either way, select an organizer based on your needs and drawer dimensions. We like to line these types of drawers with small Oxford Bins.
Small Oxford Bin
Small Oxford Bin
xx,
the NEAT team
