5 Simple Steps to Declutter and Streamline Your Kitchen Drawers
Take Control of Your Kitchen Drawers
We all have that one drawer—the "junk drawer" or the utility drawer overflowing with menus, rubber bands, batteries, and three different can openers. But even our regular utensil and silverware drawers can quickly get messy. Organized drawers make meal prep faster and keep your cooking space stress-free.
Follow these 5 simple steps to declutter and streamline your kitchen drawers today.
1. The Complete Empty-Out
Pick one drawer to start. Empty its entire contents onto your kitchen table or counter. Clean the inside of the drawer with a damp cloth to get rid of crumbs and dust. Starting with a blank slate is key.
2. Sort and Purge
Look at every item. Group similar items together. Be honest with yourself: do you really need three ice cream scoops? Throw away broken tools, donate duplicates, and move items that don't belong in the kitchen to their proper homes.
3. Categorize by Drawer Function
Assign a specific purpose to each drawer. For example, keep your everyday silverware in the drawer closest to the dishwasher, prep tools near the stove, and baking tools in a separate zone.
4. Use Adjustable Drawer Dividers
Never let items float freely in a drawer. Invest in adjustable wooden or plastic dividers. They prevent utensils from sliding around when you open and close the drawer, ensuring everything stays in its designated slot.
5. Keep Only the Essentials
Only store things you use regularly in your prime drawer space. Rare-use gadgets, like holiday cookie cutters, should be stored in upper cabinets or pantry shelves.
Shop Our Curated Decor Essentials
Doing just one drawer a day is a low-stress way to achieve a completely organized kitchen!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Decanting everything: While glass jars look gorgeous, decanting products you consume within a week (like bread or cereal) creates unnecessary dishwashing chores. Only decant items you buy in bulk or keep long-term.
- ❌ Keeping appliances on countertops: If you do not use an appliance every single day, it does not deserve a spot on your counter. Store it in a lower cabinet or pantry.
- ❌ Buying organizers before measuring: Always measure the width, depth, and height of cabinets and drawers before shopping for trays and organizers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to clean wooden organizers?
Wipe them with a damp microfiber cloth and dry them immediately. Never soak wood in water, or it will warp and split.
How do I organize a very small kitchen?
Focus on vertical space: install floating shelves, hang mugs on wall racks, and use over-the-door storage hangers inside pantry doors.
Should I decant spices?
Yes, transferring spices into matching glass jars with clean labels reduces visual clutter and makes them easier to stack and read.
