17 Absolutely Incredible Kitchen Drawer Organization Tips

1. Start by Decluttering

The first step to organizing any drawer is to declutter. I always start by emptying everything out of the drawer and sorting through the items. If I haven’t used something in the last year, it’s either donated or tossed. This simple act of removing the clutter instantly makes the space feel more manageable and leaves room for the essentials.

2. Group Similar Items Together

Once the clutter is gone, the next step is to group similar items together. I like to categorize my kitchen tools into sections, such as spatulas, whisks, and wooden spoons in one group, and measuring spoons and cups in another. This way, when I’m cooking, I know exactly where to reach for the tool I need without any unnecessary searching.

3. Use Drawer Dividers

Drawer dividers are a game changer. I use them to keep utensils and kitchen tools from mixing together in one big jumble. Dividers help me compartmentalize the space so that each item has its own home. It’s amazing how much easier it is to stay organized when everything has its place!

4. Store Frequently Used Items in Top Drawers

For the sake of convenience, I always store my most frequently used tools in the top drawers. Whether it’s a spatula, peeler, or measuring spoon, these are the items I reach for daily. Keeping them within easy reach saves time and makes my kitchen more efficient.

5. Use Shallow Inserts for Utensils

In my experience, shallow drawer inserts are perfect for utensils. They keep everything visible and accessible, so I’m not digging through deep piles of forks and spoons. Plus, shallow inserts allow me to separate cutlery into different sections, which keeps things tidy.

6. Utilize Vertical Storage for Larger Tools

Not everything fits neatly in a horizontal position, especially larger tools like ladles or tongs. For these, I found vertical storage to be a better option. By placing them upright in a deep drawer, I can fit more and find what I need much faster.

7. Dedicate a Drawer to Knives

If you have a large collection of knives, it’s best to dedicate an entire drawer to them. I personally use a knife organizer that fits neatly in the drawer and keeps each knife in place. Not only does this protect the blades, but it also keeps my countertops free of bulky knife blocks.

8. Organize Baking Tools in a Single Drawer

Baking tools often come in smaller sizes, and if they’re scattered throughout the kitchen, it can be frustrating to find what you need. I solved this by dedicating one drawer exclusively to baking tools like measuring spoons, whisks, pastry brushes, and rolling pins. Now, when it’s time to bake, I know exactly where to go.

9. Use Clear Containers for Small Items

Small kitchen tools and accessories can get lost easily. That’s why I use small clear containers inside my drawers to store things like toothpicks, bottle openers, and corn holders. Clear containers help me see everything at a glance and prevent small items from rolling around the drawer.

10. Label Your Drawers

I never thought labeling drawers would be necessary until I tried it. By labeling each drawer based on its contents, I can quickly identify what’s inside without having to open every drawer. It’s especially helpful when someone else is in the kitchen and doesn’t know where things belong.

11. Use Nonslip Drawer Liners

I’ve found that nonslip drawer liners are a simple yet effective way to keep things in place. Without them, items tend to shift around every time I open and close a drawer. The nonslip liners keep my utensils and tools from sliding, which makes everything look more orderly.

12. Store Plastic Bags and Foil in Dedicated Organizers

Plastic bags, foil, and parchment paper can easily clutter up a drawer if not organized properly. I use dedicated organizers for these items, which not only keep them neat but also prevent them from unrolling or getting tangled. Now, when I need a sheet of foil, I don’t have to wrestle with a half-open roll.

13. Organize Pots and Pan Lids Separately

Lids are one of the trickiest things to store in a kitchen drawer because they often don’t stack well. I use a lid organizer that fits in a deep drawer to keep all of my pot and pan lids in one place. This keeps them upright and easy to grab without having to dig through a pile.

14. Store Bulky Items in Deep Drawers

Bulky kitchen items like mixing bowls, colanders, and small appliances can take up a lot of space. I use deep drawers for these items, which frees up my cabinets for plates and glasses. Deep drawers allow me to stack larger items without worrying about them toppling over.

15. Rotate Items Based on Use

One of the ways I maintain an organized kitchen is by rotating items based on how often I use them. If something gets used daily, it goes in a top drawer. Seasonal or specialty items that I use less frequently get stored in lower or more out-of-the-way drawers. This helps me avoid cluttering prime storage space with things I don’t need all the time.

16. Use Drawer Pegs for Dishes

I never thought of using drawers for dishes until I found adjustable drawer peg systems. These pegs allow me to safely store plates and bowls in drawers without worrying about them sliding around or breaking. This system has made my dish storage more efficient and freed up cabinet space.

17. Keep a Junk Drawer—But Limit It

Let’s be real, every kitchen needs a junk drawer. However, the key is to limit it to one drawer and keep it organized. I use small containers and dividers to keep my junk drawer from turning into an unmanageable mess. By keeping only necessary items in there—like tape, scissors, and batteries—I can maintain a level of control over the chaos.

This post is all about the best kitchen drawer organization!

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