Drawers are a great way to store and easily reach items from kitchen equipment to wardrobe essentials, but they can quickly become cluttered and disorganized.
Here are some common mistakes that can lead to a messy drawer and how to fix them so they can be functional.
1. Mindlessly adding any random object to it
If you see your drawers as a “junk drawer” where you are dumping bits and bots of items in them, you’ll soon realize that you are accumulating trash.
To avoid this, take time to think about the purpose and usage of the drawer. Would it be to store utility items such as stationery, tapes, and batteries?
If so, keep it to that and not overflow it with other random items.
To organize it further, designate a specific spot for each item/category in your drawer. This will help you keep track of what you have and where it is.
For example, in a kitchen utensil drawer, you could separate spoons, forks, and knives into individual compartments. In an office drawer, you can designate separate sections for pens, paper clips, and sticky notes. Having a designated spot for each item will make it easier to locate and maintain order.
2. Trying to fit too much into one drawer
It’s tempting to try to cram as much as possible into each drawer to maximise every inch of space.
The truth is, doing so will only lead to a pile of disorganized mess.
For an effective drawer organization system, you should be able to see what you have inside at a glance when you open it.
If your drawer is filled to the brim, schedule time to clean out things that you don’t use, are broken, or you’re holding onto for reasons you can’t remember. Consider redistributing items among different drawers to distribute the load evenly.
3. Not using organization inserts strategically
Everything inside your drawer should be contained, or segmented properly, never ‘floating around’ in a drawer.
Keep different categories of items separated.
For a customizable and adjustable take on drawer dividers, try fitting your drawers with Adjustable Drawer Dividers that can be moved to create sections of all different sizes.
They are great for organizing larger items such as clothes, undergarments are kitchen utensils.
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Extendly™ Adjustable Drawer Divider Set (Large)$2.00 – $27.00 -
Extendly™ Adjustable Drawer Divider Set (Small)$2.00 – $24.00
Other ways to organize drawers include inserting storage bins or containers to compartmentalise smaller accessories.
You can also choose to upcycle old gift boxes or packaging boxes too as containers.
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Clarity Customisable Drawer Organizer$3.90 – $39.70 -
Coloured Storage Drawer Organizer$1.90 – $6.50 -
Design Your Own Kitchen & Desk OrganizerProduct on sale$2.60 – $39.70 -
Honeycomb Customisable Drawer Organizer$11.80
4. Not putting things back where they belong
Randomly tossing items into a drawer without any order or system makes it difficult to find things when you need them.
After creating a proper organizing system, prevent drawers from falling back into a state of chaos by putting things back where they belong after using them.
5. Not organizing your drawers regularly
Drawers need to be organized regularly to keep them from falling back into clutter.
Set aside a few minutes each week or monthly to ensure everything is in its designated place.
Take note of any items that consistently end up in the wrong drawer and consider adjusting your system accordingly. By staying consistent and disciplined, you can keep your drawers organized for the long term.
Organizing drawers can be a satisfying and rewarding task when done right.
By avoiding common organizing mistakes such as neglecting to declutter, lack of a system, overstuffing, and failing to maintain, you can transform your drawers into efficient storage spaces.
