I’m a big believer that organization saves you time and frustration so that you can better enjoy life. I also believe that organization doesn’t have to cost a lot of time or money. Hello, Susan here from Organized 31. I’m a busy mom of three and I don’t have the time, or money, for complicated organizing ideas. Today I have six easy-to-implement, and FREE, tips to help you organize your kitchen drawers. An organized kitchen can make a huge impact on simplifying your daily routine and saves you time and stress.
Most of our daily tasks start, and end, in the kitchen. Taking the time to organize your kitchen helps you start your day with more focus, and less frustration. And having an organized kitchen also makes the end of the day, when you’re exhausted, much less stressful. You can get started today by organizing your kitchen drawers.
Empty Out the Drawer
Take the time to take everything out of the drawer. Wipe out the drawer so that you start with a clean surface. Review each item before you return it to the drawer to determine if it’s something you really use, and if it belongs in the drawer, or should be stored in another location. Keep only the things you actually use, and that make sense to keep in that drawer.
Consolidate Items
If you have two open packages of the same product, consolidate them into one package. This will give you more space in the drawer and let you more accurately determine when you are about to run out of the item. If you have small or loose items like, straws or twist ties, consolidate them together, in one container. Keeping items together in one container makes it easier to find what you need in the drawer and keeps them neatly together in one spot.
Remove Box Tops
I’ve found it easier for my family to find what they need and keep our kitchen drawers neat when I remove the top of the box of plastic bags. Removing the top of the box also makes it easier to consolidate two boxes of bags together, when needed.
Reuse Containers You Already Have
There’s no need to purchase new organizing containers, simply shop around your home for containers you can reuse in your kitchen drawers. We’re a military family that moves every one to three years, these containers have organized my bathroom drawers, in many different houses, but don’t fit in the tiny drawers in my current bathroom. No problem, I simply put the containers to work organizing in the kitchen.
Use Recycled Containers
I use re-purposed containers for organizing whenever possible. Using re-purposed containers saves money, saves the landfill and saves the environment. You already bring many containers that can be used for organizing into your home in the form of food packaging. Four of my favorite re-purposed containers for organizing are: 1 – a mushroom container 2 – a lettuce container 3 – the lid from a prepackaged sandwich container 4 – a shortening bar container
You can see how perfectly these plastic food containers organize a variety of items in my kitchen drawer. I prefer to repurpose plastic containers rather than cardboard boxes. The plastic containers are easy to clean and hold their shape through years of use.
Make it Easy to Use
Put the items back in your drawer so that it’s easy for you, and your family, to use in the kitchen layout. Place loose items in containers so they don’t get lost in the back of the drawer. Place smaller items in open containers, making them easy to access. Using open containers also makes it easy to find items when you need them.
Set up your organization system so that it works best for you and your family. The goal is to make it quick and easy to find what you need, and to put things away. An easy organization system makes it possible for your family to use, and to keep it organized, and that’s invaluable in the heart of the home – the kitchen.
Susan
Be sure to check out more organizing ideas from Susan over at her blog!
Free Tips for an Organized Refrigerator
Organize Your Kitchen with Re-purposed Packaging
Thank you for your advice about using recycled containers. I just got done organizing my two drawers which was just a mess “being a throw it in drawer.” Wow, what a difference, why didn’t I do this years ago. I’m not done yet, I have 4 junk drawers to organize. I re-organized my pots and pans cupboard, and casserole dishes cupboard. Love all your ideas. I also read your bathroom article. I liked your Hawaii pictures, did you say that was “home?” It’s my home too. Thank you and God Bless.