How to Organize Kitchen Drawers

In last week’s post you caught a quick glimpse of the bomb that went off in our kitchen (not literally) when we first moved in. Aside from trying to figure out where everything should go I knew I had to get some organization systems in place.

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The first thing to organize on my list was the silverware and utensil drawer. Silverware is probably the most used item in the kitchen and it was important to have everything easily accessible right away. I didn’t want to be living off plastic ware for months.

Honestly, the hardest part about this organization system was figuring out how many slots to make for each type of silverware. Do I put serving forks and spoons together or separate? What about the butter knife and sugar spoon? Oh the stress! Just kidding.

Once I figured out how I wanted everything divvied up, I measured the inside of my drawer. To maximize space, I was sure to only allow enough space for the longest item (knives) in the front part of the drawer. The back part of the drawer is designated to measuring cups/spoons, whisks, cutlery, etc.

Here are the supplies you will need to organize your drawers:

Wood (cut to the measurements of your drawer)
Drawer Liner
Museum Putty
Wood Glue

Step 1: Measure

Measure the inside of the drawer and cut the drawer liner to size. Lay it flat in the drawer. If you want, you can add a little Museum Putty to hold it down, but once you put the organizer on top it shouldn’t move.

Also measure the lengths and widths of wood you will need to create your organizer. My drawer is divided in half lengthwise and into 8 sections width-wise.

Step 2: Cut

Most places that sell wood will also cut it for you. If not, cut the wood to your measurements. (Note: Make sure the wood is not higher than the height of your drawer. You want the drawer to close!)

Step 3: Assemble

This is the best part – there are no tools or nails required for assembly. Use the wood glue to attach your pieces of wood and let it dry. If you have clamps to hold it together, great. I used heavy books to keep the wood in place while the glue dried.

I didn’t want to ruin the insides of the drawers so that meant no nails and no glue. To attach the organizer into the drawer I used the Museum Putty which holds it in place (though if your measurements are accurate the organizer should fit perfectly in place).