How to Organize Kitchen Drawers — 7 Smart Ways to Ensure Yours Look as Good Inside as Out, According to Experts

Knowing how to organize kitchen drawers will allow you to access your essentials when needed. I mean, you wouldn't want to spend unwanted amounts of time rummaging through your drawers to find your fine flatware, would you? I know I wouldn't!

That is why learning the fundamentals of organizing a kitchen and all that it holds is the key to an organized kitchen drawer. There are a few smart ways to do just that.

I spoke to professional organizers to learn about how you can effectively organize kitchen drawers and keep things in order in the long run. Here's what they had to say about it.

1. Declutter First Then Group Items by Category

Understanding how to declutter a kitchen first is the key to an organized space. The experts say you need to remove everything and then begin the process of organizing your kitchen drawers.

Cara Palmer, organization and decluttering expert and founder of the home Organize Every Room, says you should "Begin by removing everything and sorting items into categories: everyday essentials, specialty items, and rarely used items. Only return the essentials and frequently used items to prime drawer real estate. Store specialty items in less accessible drawers, and consider donating rarely used items." The expert notes that this method ensures your most-used items are always within reach while preventing overcrowding within drawers.

Di Ter Avest, an organizing expert from Di is Organized, says you should "Assign specific drawers for similar items, like utensils, baking tools, or small gadgets. This prevents mixing and ensures everything is easy to find when you need it."

2. Use Adjustable Drawer Dividers

Who doesn't love adjustable drawer dividers? I mean, they sure do make for one of the best organizers for a small kitchen, and Di seems to agree.

"These dividers can be customized to fit your drawer size and help keep items like knives, spoons, and peelers in their designated spots," explains Di.

We're currently loving these Utoplike 4 pcs Bamboo Kitchen Drawer Dividers priced at just $27.98 from Amazon, and this Expandable Bamboo Utensil Drawer Organizer priced at $26.87 from Target.

3. Create a Drawer for "Daily Essentials" or Zones

There are a few things people with really organized kitchen drawers always have — the main one being zones! Having zones will allow you to find your daily essentials when you need them most. It also helps ease the overall flow of your kitchen.

"Create dedicated zones based on workflow and function. For example, establish a cooking zone near the stove with spices, utensils, and pot holders; a prep zone with cutting tools and measuring implements; and a storage zone for food containers and wraps," explains Cara.

She continues: "This method reduces the time spent searching for items and makes the kitchen more efficient. Place frequently used items at the front of each zone for easy access."

Di says creating a zone for your essentials will help you in the long run. "Dedicate a drawer to items you use every day, such as measuring spoons, spatulas, and whisks, and place it near your primary prep area for convenience," says Di.

Cara Palmer

I’m Cara Palmer the creator of Organize Every Room. I specialize in turning chaos into order with practical tips and inspiration. Join me on my journey to create stress-free, functional spaces and conquer clutter!

4. Store Items Vertically

There are a few ways you can use vertical storage, but when it comes to kitchen drawers, how can we do this while making the most out of the space we have?

"Instead of stacking items horizontally, arrange them vertically using dividers or file organizers," says Cara. "This works particularly well for cutting boards, baking sheets, pot lids, and even Tupperware lids. When items are stored vertically, you can see everything at a glance and easily remove what you need without disturbing other items. This method also maximizes vertical space in deeper drawers."

Di says you should use vertical organizers for items "like cutting boards or lids, making them easier to grab without rummaging." Kitchen pan organizers or lid organizers is a great way to get the most out of your drawers and keep them in order. We're fond of this Deco Brothers RK-038-1 Pan Organizer Rack from Amazon, and this Wood 4 Slot Cutting Board Pan Lid Organizer from Target.

5. Add Labels or Clear Inserts

Having a labelling system in place is a great way of locating where you've placed your items and in which kitchen drawer — bringing ease and functionality to those kitchen storage ideas.

"Label sections or use clear inserts to give a quick visual cue about where each item belongs, making it easier for the whole family to keep the system intact," says Di.

Di Ter Avest

Di Ter Avest is a home and lifestyle organizer and the owner of Di is Organized in Baltimore, MD (USA). She helps women organize their homes and lives so they can feel less stressed and more in control. Her method, Organize Yourself Healthy, combines home organization with self-care and is featured in her book, available on Amazon and Etsy. Her expertise has been featured on Forbes, Today, Apartment Therapy, Real Homes, Livingetc, Homes & Gardens, and Kitchn. She has also led workshops at IKEA, West Elm, and Williams-Sonoma, teaching simple ways to stay organized. Di also runs The Organize Yourself Healthy Club, a community where moms can learn, share, and create systems to make life easier.

6. The Modular Box System

A great form of a hidden storage idea would be to add different-sized boxes within your drawers. This will help maintain order, but also help you pull out the items you need and store away the items you might want to keep for special occasions.

Cara tells us to "Use a combination of different-sized boxes or drawer organizers to create custom compartments. Start with larger boxes for bulky items, then use smaller boxes for items like measuring spoons, bag clips, or small gadgets."

She continues: "The key is to ensure every item has a designated spot. This system is particularly effective because it's adaptable — you can reconfigure the boxes as your needs change."

This SpaceAid 6 Pcs Bamboo Drawer Organizer Storage Box Set is a great way to stay organized, and best of all, it's priced at just $22.98.

7. The Marie Kondo-inspired Roll Method

Lastly, Cara says the Marie-Kondo inspired roll method works wonders when it comes to organizing kitchen drawers.

"Roll linens like dish towels, napkins, and placemats. Rolling items instead of folding them flat saves space and makes each item visible and accessible," she says.

Cara says the advantage of this would be that "rolled items stand upright, making it easier to maintain organization over time. This method also works well for plastic bags and food storage bags."

FAQs

Why is it important to organize kitchen drawers

Cara Palmer tells us: "Beyond the obvious time-saving benefits, organized drawers transform how you experience your kitchen. Cooking becomes more enjoyable, entertaining feels effortless, and daily routines flow smoothly. Plus, there's that moment of satisfaction every time you open a perfectly organized drawer — something that never gets old."

She continues: "Remember: the most successful drawer organization systems are the ones you'll maintain. Start with one drawer, celebrate the small wins, and watch how quickly organization becomes second nature."