17 Really Genius Organizing Drawers

1. Start with One Drawer at a Time

When I first started organizing, I made the mistake of thinking I had to tackle every drawer in the house in one weekend. It backfired. I got overwhelmed, pulled everything out, and then didn’t have the energy to finish. Now I’ve learned to go one drawer at a time—literally. I pick just one, usually the one that frustrates me the most, and focus all my energy there. It gives me a sense of accomplishment and creates momentum. Plus, it’s far easier to clean up one drawer if you need to pause than leaving half the house in chaos.

2. Take Everything Out (Yes, Everything)

This might sound extreme, but it’s non-negotiable for me. No organizing system works unless you can actually see what you’re dealing with. I pull every single item out of the drawer and spread it out on a clean surface—usually the kitchen table or bed. It’s always shocking to see how much random stuff was hiding in there. This step also forces me to confront the clutter I’ve been ignoring, which is half the battle. You can’t organize around junk—you have to face it first.

3. Wipe It Down Before You Refill It

This is the step a lot of people skip, but it makes a huge difference. Once the drawer is empty, I always take a moment to wipe it clean. Crumbs, dust, and random grime build up so easily, even in drawers you rarely open. I use a gentle cleaner and a microfiber cloth, and sometimes I even line the drawer with contact paper to make it feel fresh and new. Starting with a clean surface makes the whole space feel intentional—and makes me more likely to keep it neat afterward.

4. Categorize What You Have

Once everything’s out, I group items into categories. I like to think of this as setting the stage for a system that actually works. For example, in a bathroom drawer, I might group together hair accessories, skincare, and makeup separately. In a kitchen drawer, it’s cooking tools, baking gadgets, and random utensils. This helps me notice what I have too much of (do I really need seven bottle openers?) and what’s missing. Having clear categories also makes maintaining the drawer so much easier.

5. Be Honest About What You Use

This one took time to get good at. I used to hold onto things “just in case,” even if I hadn’t touched them in years. Now I ask myself tough but honest questions: “Have I used this in the last six months?” “Would I buy this again today?” “Does this still serve me?” If the answer is no, I let it go. It can be hard, especially with expensive or sentimental items, but keeping unused clutter steals space from the things I do use and love. That mindset shift was huge for me.

6. Invest in Drawer Dividers or Small Bins

Once I started using drawer dividers, everything changed. Suddenly, I could actually see and access things without digging. It doesn’t have to be fancy—some of my best organizers came from the dollar store, thrift shops, or just repurposed boxes from packaging. The key is finding bins or dividers that match the type of items you’re storing. I even use silicone baking cups for tiny things like paperclips or earrings. It turns a messy drawer into a beautifully functional space.

7. Store Like with Like

It seems simple, but it took me years to realize that storing similar items together saves so much time and mental energy. I used to have pens scattered across five drawers, and I could never find one when I needed it. Now, everything has a home: chargers with chargers, lipsticks with lipsticks, socks with socks. It creates order and flow, and I find I’m less likely to buy duplicates because I can actually see what I already own.

8. Label When Necessary

Labels aren’t just for pantries. In drawers, especially shared ones, labeling has saved my sanity. I use tiny adhesive labels or even washi tape and a permanent marker to label sections inside drawers—especially in craft supplies, office drawers, or makeup. When everything has a name, it’s easier for everyone in the household to put things back where they belong. Plus, labeling holds me accountable too. It’s a little reminder that every item has a place, and a reason to return it there.

9. Use the Back for Rarely Used Items

Every drawer has that tricky back section that’s a little harder to reach. Instead of wasting it, I use it strategically. I store backup items or things I only use occasionally, like holiday-themed cookie cutters, spare earbuds, or rarely-worn accessories. That way, the front of the drawer is reserved for daily-use items. This simple placement strategy prevents unnecessary digging and makes everyday use more efficient and pleasant.

10. Try Folding Vertically (Yes, Like Marie Kondo)

I resisted this for the longest time because I thought it sounded fussy. But once I tried folding my T-shirts and socks vertically, I was hooked. You can see everything at once, nothing gets wrinkled or squashed, and you’re way less likely to forget about items hiding at the bottom. I’ve done this with clothes, dish towels, and even leggings. It makes drawers look beautiful, but more importantly, it keeps me from overstuffing them—if I can’t fit it vertically, something has to go.

11. Don’t Let “Junk Drawers” Become Black Holes

Let’s be real—most of us have a junk drawer. I do! But I’ve learned to give mine structure. I use small trays inside it for batteries, rubber bands, scissors, and random tools. And here’s the key: I go through it monthly. If I haven’t used something or can’t identify it, it’s gone. The drawer still holds randomness, but it’s curated randomness. I’ve accepted that a little chaos is okay—as long as it’s controlled chaos.

12. Use What You Already Have

Before buying new organizers, I always shop my home. I’ve repurposed jewelry boxes, spice jars, mason jars, and even clean takeout containers to organize drawers. I once used an old egg carton to organize earrings, and it worked perfectly. This approach is not only budget-friendly, but it also adds a personal, creative touch to your space. Plus, it’s more sustainable than buying plastic bins you may not need.

13. Make It Pretty (If That Motivates You)

This might sound superficial, but a drawer that looks good makes me want to keep it organized. I’ve lined drawers with pretty contact paper, used matching bins, or color-coded contents just for the aesthetic. It’s not about perfection—it’s about creating a space that feels joyful. When my drawers look nice, I take pride in them, and that encourages me to maintain the system. Beauty can be a powerful motivator for consistency.

14. Add Fragrance or Sachets

This is one of my favorite little luxury habits. I keep lavender sachets or cedar blocks in my clothes drawers, and it makes such a difference. Every time I open a drawer, I get a soft scent that feels calming and fresh. In my bathroom drawers, I use essential oil pads to keep things smelling clean. It’s a small detail, but it adds a sense of care and intentionality to even the most functional spaces.

15. Create a “Daily Essentials” Drawer

This has been a lifesaver. In my bedroom, I have one drawer dedicated just to the items I use every morning and night—hairbrush, moisturizer, lip balm, hand cream, and a few go-to cosmetics. It keeps my surfaces clean and my routine streamlined. The same goes for my kitchen “daily drawer,” which holds measuring spoons, spatulas, and my coffee scoop. Having a go-to spot for essentials keeps the rest of my space less cluttered and my day less chaotic.

16. Audit Your Drawers Seasonally

At the start of each season, I make it a habit to audit my drawers. I check for expired products, things I haven’t worn, or duplicates I don’t need. It’s like a mini reset that helps me stay on top of clutter before it builds up. I also swap items in and out—for example, in summer I move swimwear and sunscreen to the front, and in winter I bring gloves and scarves forward. It’s a small habit with a big impact.

17. Remember: Progress, Not Perfection

This is the reminder I give myself constantly. Some drawers will always be a bit messy—especially the ones kids or partners use too. That’s okay. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s function. If a drawer helps you live your life more easily, find what you need quickly, and feel a little less stressed, it’s doing its job. Organizing is a practice, not a finish line. And every small improvement counts.

This post is all about organizing drawers tips!

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