Do you ever open a drawer looking for something, only to find yourself moving everything around first?

Maybe it’s your kitchen junk drawer, your bedside drawer, or the one where you keep all those little things you might need someday.

It happens in many homes. You put things away to keep the house tidy, but before long, the drawer is messy again.

The good news is that you don’t need to spend hours fixing it. With three simple steps, you can clear the clutter, find what you need, and keep everything in its place.

Here’s how to get started.

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1. Empty the Drawer and Clear the Clutter

First, take everything out of the drawer. Place the items on a table or countertop, then give the drawer a quick wipe.

Now, go through everything and sort the items into three piles:

• Keep: Things you use and need in that drawer.
• Move elsewhere: Items that belong in another room.
• Throw away or donate: Broken items, old receipts, and things you no longer need.

Try to be honest about what you keep. There’s no point in making room for things you never use.

Once you’ve cleared the clutter, you’ll have a better idea of how much space you have.

And don’t feel you have to organize the whole house at once. Start with this one drawer, then move on to another when you’re ready.

2. Group Similar Items Together

Now that you’ve sorted everything, it’s time to put the items you want to keep into simple groups.

For example, you can keep pens, paper clips, and charging cables together in a desk drawer. In the kitchen, group similar utensils and small gadgets. For your bedside drawer, keep everyday essentials in one place.

This makes it easier to find what you need without turning the drawer upside down every time you open it.

Think about the things you use most often and keep them within easy reach. Then, place the items you rarely use towards the back.

If you’re also trying to organize other areas of your home, have a look at my guide on how to organize a small home in three easy steps. It will help you get started without feeling like you have to do everything at once.

3. Give Everything Its Own Place

Once you’ve grouped your items, you’ll need a simple way to keep them organized.

Without something to separate them, small items can easily slide around and end up in a pile again. So, drawer organizers or small containers can be helpful.

For example, you can use separate sections for pens, batteries, hair accessories, or other small essentials.

The Vtopmart 25-Piece Clear Plastic Drawer Organizer Set is one option to consider. The clear containers make it easier to see what’s inside, and the different sizes give you room to sort various items.

Before buying any organizers, measure your drawer to make sure they fit. You can also reuse small boxes or containers you already have at home.

See the Vtopmart Drawer Organizer Set on Amazon →

The aim isn’t to buy more things. It’s to find a simple way to keep the items you already own in order.

A Few Simple Tips to Keep Your Drawer Tidy

Now that your drawer is organized, you’ll want to keep it that way. However, you don’t need to spend a lot of time maintaining it.

Here are a few simple habits that can help:

• Put things back: Return each item to its place after using it.
• Check the drawer regularly: Spend a minute clearing out anything that doesn’t belong.
• Avoid unnecessary clutter: Before adding something new, ask yourself if you really need it.
• Keep your system simple: If your drawer keeps getting messy, try making the categories easier to follow.

These little habits can make a difference, especially when you’re busy with other things around the home.

Final Thoughts

Organizing a messy drawer doesn’t have to be difficult. Start by clearing out what you don’t need, group similar items together, and give everything a place.

That’s all it takes to make the drawer easier to use.

And if you’re looking around your home wondering where to start next, take it one step at a time. You don’t have to organize everything in a single day.

You can also read my guide on how to organize a small home in three easy steps for more simple ideas to help you make the most of your space.

At The Remote Nook, we believe that a more organized home starts with small changes that make everyday life a little easier.