How to Organize a Kitchen Utensil Drawer Quickly
When the drawer simply would not shut one day, I figured it was time to organize the utensils!
So many utensils we need for day to day cooking and eating are weird shapes, and therefore don't always fit in a drawer.
I am sure I have a layer of those "one of a kind" accessories I got at some point for some recipe, such as the melon baller, ice cream scoop and fish knives, that just get in the way when I open the drawer. It is a complete mess.
So many utensils we need for day to day cooking and eating are weird shapes, and therefore don't always fit in a drawer.
I am sure I have a layer of those "one of a kind" accessories I got at some point for some recipe, such as the melon baller, ice cream scoop and fish knives, that just get in the way when I open the drawer. It is a complete mess.
Time to Get Organized!
Allow at least an hour of dedication to this job, and with the right supplies, this job can be done quickly. This is the quickest way.
Step 1 - Empty the drawer onto the counter
Step 2 - Vacuum the drawer and give it a wipe clean (there are always tons of crumbs in there!)
Step 3 - Create 3 piles on the counter for KEEP and DONATION and GARBAGE
Step 4 - Expandable utensil holder for drawer and Utensil Tin for Counter. (expandable is important to fit well and not waste space, this is the key... because what do you need that little inch or so on either side that is left? Just a place for things to fall into)
You can either put back the one you were using that just simply overflowed with too much stuff, or you can treat yourself to a new one. I had one in there from the dollar store, which served its purpose for a while but was now discolored and cracked as it was a basic plastic one.
The problem with the dollar store ones, is that the compartments are not very deep and slightly rounded making it easier for things to fall into the next section and they waste space!
Allow at least an hour of dedication to this job, and with the right supplies, this job can be done quickly. This is the quickest way.
Step 1 - Empty the drawer onto the counter
Step 2 - Vacuum the drawer and give it a wipe clean (there are always tons of crumbs in there!)
Step 3 - Create 3 piles on the counter for KEEP and DONATION and GARBAGE
Step 4 - Expandable utensil holder for drawer and Utensil Tin for Counter. (expandable is important to fit well and not waste space, this is the key... because what do you need that little inch or so on either side that is left? Just a place for things to fall into)
You can either put back the one you were using that just simply overflowed with too much stuff, or you can treat yourself to a new one. I had one in there from the dollar store, which served its purpose for a while but was now discolored and cracked as it was a basic plastic one.
The problem with the dollar store ones, is that the compartments are not very deep and slightly rounded making it easier for things to fall into the next section and they waste space!
Step 5 - Separate the Cutlery from the Larger Utensils
I don't have enough room in my kitchen to have 2 separate drawers for larger utensils and cutlery, so I decided to use a cutlery holder for the drawer and then got a cute looking utensil holder for the counter to house larger things such as cooking spoons, whisk, wooden spoons etc. This way they didn't clutter up my drawer space and were ready to use without rummaging!
I don't have enough room in my kitchen to have 2 separate drawers for larger utensils and cutlery, so I decided to use a cutlery holder for the drawer and then got a cute looking utensil holder for the counter to house larger things such as cooking spoons, whisk, wooden spoons etc. This way they didn't clutter up my drawer space and were ready to use without rummaging!
Sorting was Easy and Actually Fun!
It actually took less time than I thought. I found broken fondue folks, old plastic cutlery that came with takeouts and were thrown in the drawer. There was even a rusty pizza cutter that had seen better days and other odds and ends that didn't even belong in that drawer such as a old bicycle key!
Be very careful when sorting though, I ended up cutting myself on that rusty pizza cutter.
Once I created the 3 piles I wrapped the garbage ones in a thick wad of newspaper so as not to cut anyone and threw them away, and then gave my daughter the things I don't use for her new house, and now I had what I needed to put away, simply cutlery.
I Decided the Utensil Holder for Drawer was going to ONLY House Cutlery
The bamboo cutlery holder can be purchased online. So maybe get your supplies before you start. You can click any of the pictures above to find out more. The bamboo one is totally expandable and smells nice, so it will fit your drawer and not waste any space. I found the cheaper dollar store one left about an inch on either side for things to fall into. So this time around I am treating myself to a decent organizer that fits like a glove.
By using both the tray for the drawer and the stainless steel utensil holder tin for the counter, I was now super organized. I didn't realize just how stressful messy drawers could be! I felt awesome for organizing and it didn't take very long at all. It is amazing what collects in our busy lives. It was nice seeing all the larger things in the tin because some I had forgotten I even owned.
This Got Me Pumped to Attack Other Kitchen Drawers!
I really love the bamboo idea for drawer organizers, and as I was checking out the kitchen junk drawer I thought it would be best if I could separate things out myself. So as I went researching, I discovered you can get bamboo dividers to create your very own size space for things.
I really love the bamboo idea for drawer organizers, and as I was checking out the kitchen junk drawer I thought it would be best if I could separate things out myself. So as I went researching, I discovered you can get bamboo dividers to create your very own size space for things.
These bamboo sections are adjustable. You could line your drawer with pretty paper and then add these dividers and you are organized in minutes!
Who would have thought kitchen drawers could look so clean. Now you will know where everything is. Between the cutlery drawer, the large utensil tin and the junk drawer things are looking good in my kitchen. I am super stoked with these adjustable style of trays and dividers. This makes all the difference, so make sure anything you get is adjustable to fit your particular drawer.
Now you know exactly what you have and will not duplicate purchases like I did with utensils. Perfect for downsizing too, to keep the accumulation of junk to a minimum. The best part for the junk drawer is that things are not tied up in elastics and rolls of string. I can now find the flashlight when I need it and the matches for the candles.
I hope this has inspired you to organize your kitchen utensil drawer!
Who would have thought kitchen drawers could look so clean. Now you will know where everything is. Between the cutlery drawer, the large utensil tin and the junk drawer things are looking good in my kitchen. I am super stoked with these adjustable style of trays and dividers. This makes all the difference, so make sure anything you get is adjustable to fit your particular drawer.
Now you know exactly what you have and will not duplicate purchases like I did with utensils. Perfect for downsizing too, to keep the accumulation of junk to a minimum. The best part for the junk drawer is that things are not tied up in elastics and rolls of string. I can now find the flashlight when I need it and the matches for the candles.
I hope this has inspired you to organize your kitchen utensil drawer!
