Every home has one: the mysterious, cluttered drawer. It’s the final resting place for all those bits and bobs that don’t have a proper home but seem too useful to throw away. Think lone batteries, tangled cables, old keys and takeaway menus from years ago. If the thought of opening yours fills you with dread, you’re in the right place.

So how to transform that chaotic space into a beautifully organised and functional drawer? Here’s some thoughts on how to decide what to keep, how to sort everything efficiently and how to set up a system that keeps the clutter from returning. Get ready to reclaim your drawer and discover the joy of an organised home.

First, Let’s Empty the Drawer

The first step to taming the chaos is to face it head-on. Take a deep breath and empty the entire contents of the drawer onto a clear surface like your floor or a large table. Seeing everything laid out will give you a clear picture of what you’re dealing with. It might look overwhelming at first, but this step is essential for a fresh start.

Once everything is out, give the drawer itself a good clean. A quick wipe with a damp cloth will remove any dust and debris, creating a fresh, blank canvas for your new, organised system.

The Three-Question Sorting Method

Now it’s time to sort through your pile of treasures. Pick up each item one by one and ask yourself three simple questions. This process will help you make clear, confident decisions about what deserves a place in your home.

1. Do I have a clear use for this?

Be honest with yourself. That collection of rubber bands might seem useful, but when was the last time you actually needed one? If an item has a clear purpose and you can envision yourself using it in the near future, it’s a keeper. This question helps you filter out the things you’re holding onto “just in case.”

2. Have I used it in the last year?

The one-year rule is a classic decluttering guideline for a reason. If you haven’t used an item in the past 12 months, the chances are you probably won’t use it in the next 12. Life changes, needs evolve and it’s okay to let go of things that no longer serve you. For seasonal items, adjust the timeframe accordingly.

3. Does it have sentimental value?

Some items don’t have a practical use but hold a special place in your heart. This could be a ticket stub from a memorable concert or a small trinket from a holiday. It’s perfectly fine to keep these things, but be selective. If everything is sentimental, then nothing is. Consider creating a dedicated memory box for these cherished items so they don’t get lost in a cluttered drawer.

As you sort, create three piles: Keep, Relocate and Discard.

  • Keep: These are the items that passed your three-question test and belong back in the drawer.
  • Relocate: These are things you want to keep but that don’t belong in this specific drawer. Maybe you found a screwdriver that should be in the toolbox or a lipstick that belongs in your makeup bag.
  • Discard: This pile is for anything you no longer need. You can further sort this into rubbish, recycling or items to donate.

Reorganise for Functionality

With your “Keep” pile ready, the fun part begins: putting everything back in a way that makes sense. The goal is to create a system where every item is easy to find and access. A jumble of loose items is just a messy drawer waiting to happen again.

Group Similar Items Together

Start by categorising everything in your “Keep” pile. Group all the batteries, pens, charging cables and other similar items together. This simple step turns a random collection of objects into a manageable inventory. You’ll instantly see how much of each item you have, which can prevent you from buying duplicates in the future.

Use Drawer Dividers

Drawer dividers are your best friend when it comes to organisation. They create designated compartments for each category, preventing everything from sliding into a messy heap every time you open and close the drawer. You can buy adjustable dividers, or you can get creative and use small boxes, trays or even repurposed containers like ice cube trays or muffin tins for smaller items. The key is to give every single item a specific “home.”

Arrange for Easy Access

Think about how you use the items in the drawer. Place the things you reach for most often at the front and the less-frequently used items towards the back. This simple bit of planning makes the drawer much more practical for daily life. For example, if you often need a pen or a phone charger, make sure they are front and centre.

Discover Your Organised Space

You’ve transformed a cluttered, stressful space into a functional and organised drawer. Take a moment to appreciate your hard work. Now, every time you open it, you’ll feel a sense of calm and control instead of chaos.

To maintain your newly organised space, try to put things back in their designated home after you use them. It only takes a few seconds, but it makes a world of difference. You could even schedule a quick 5-minute tidy-up once a month to ensure the drawer stays in top shape.

Ready to tackle another corner of your home? Try these 😉 Lüften: The German Art of Fresh Air – And Why You Should Adopt It, Declutter Your Home in Seven Days – One Hour at a Time, Simple Decluttering Challenges to Transform Your Space, A Quick Declutter Plan for a Smoother, Lighter Home, 10 To-Do Lists to Organise Your Life,

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How to Organise a Messy Drawer: A Simple Guide
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Tired of that one cluttered drawer? Learn how to sort, declutter, and reorganise your messy drawer with our simple, step-by-step guide.