How to Organize Drawers with Drawer Dividers

Quick answer: to organize a drawer with drawer dividers, empty it, measure the inside, then either cut adjustable divider strips to length and snap them into compartments, or mix and match ready-made trays so each type of item has its own spot. A liner underneath helps stop things sliding around. Start with the drawer you open most, such as the kitchen utensil drawer or a desk drawer.

Clearing out a few drawers is a good small job for the quiet days after the holidays. TidyMend’s dividers and trays are in Drawer Dividers, and liners are in Shelf & Drawer Liners.

Which drawer divider do you need?

Cut-to-fit strips for any drawer size: adjustable plastic drawer dividers. Interlocking plastic strips, about 37 cm (14.5 in) long and 7 cm (2.8 in) tall before cutting, that you cut to length and snap together to make compartments. Good for utensils, stationery, socks and toiletries.
Ready-made trays for small items: clear drawer organizer trays (4-piece set). Four clear plastic trays in four sizes (S, M, L, XL) that you mix and match to fit the drawer. Because they are clear, it is easy to see what is in each one. Good for makeup, stationery, office supplies and small kitchen tools.

What you need

A tape measure
Drawer dividers or organizer trays
Scissors or a cutter suitable for the divider strips, if you are cutting them to length
Optional: a drawer liner, cut to fit
A damp cloth to wipe the drawer out

Step-by-step: how to organize a drawer with dividers

Empty the drawer. Take everything out, wipe the drawer with a damp cloth and let it dry.
Sort what goes back in. Group the items by type (for example cutlery, utensils and gadgets, or pens, notes and chargers) and set aside anything that belongs elsewhere.
Measure the inside of the drawer. Measure the length, width and depth. The adjustable dividers are about 7 cm tall, so check they suit the drawer depth before cutting.
Add a liner (optional). Trim a liner with scissors so it lies flat in the bottom of the drawer.
Fit the dividers or trays. Cut the divider strips to length and snap them together into compartments, or arrange the S, M, L and XL trays so they fill the space.
Put items back by group. Give each group its own compartment, with the things you use most at the front.

Drawer liners: non-slip or clear?

non-slip EVA shelf liner (50 × 45 cm): a beige, textured, non-adhesive EVA liner that grips on both sides and cushions the drawer, so plates, glasses and tools slide around less. Trim it with scissors; it can be lifted out and wiped clean.
clear drawer and shelf liner roll (30 × 150 cm): a clear, non-adhesive, wipe-clean liner that protects drawers and shelves from spills, moisture and scratches while keeping the original surface visible. Trim it with scissors to fit.

Ideas by room

Kitchen: cut-to-fit dividers for utensils and gadgets; small trays for little tools.
Desk: trays or dividers for stationery and office supplies. For the cables on top of and under the desk, see how to hide and organize desk cables.
Bedroom: dividers to keep socks and accessories in separate compartments.
Bathroom: clear trays for makeup and toiletries, so you can see what is in each one.

Tips

Measure before you cut; you can always trim a strip shorter, but not longer.
Rearrange the trays or unsnap and recut the dividers if what you keep in the drawer changes.
If something spills, wipe the trays or liner with a damp cloth and let them dry before putting them back.

More options in the shop: the Vtopmart 28-pack clear drawer organizer trays and the KICHLY 25-piece clear drawer organizer set.

Frequently asked questions

Can I cut drawer dividers to fit my drawer?

Yes. TidyMend’s adjustable plastic drawer dividers are cut-to-fit strips, about 37 cm long and 7 cm tall before cutting, that snap together into compartments. Measure the drawer first, then cut the strips to length.

Are trays or dividers better?

Cut-to-fit dividers make compartments across the whole drawer and suit longer items such as utensils. Trays suit small items such as makeup and stationery, and the clear 4-piece set comes in four sizes you can mix and match.

How tall are the adjustable drawer dividers?

About 7 cm (2.8 in) tall, so check the inside depth of the drawer before you cut them.

Do I need a drawer liner?

It is optional. A non-slip liner helps stop items sliding around, and a clear liner protects the drawer from spills and scratches while keeping the surface visible. Both are non-adhesive and cut to fit.

How do I clean the trays and liners?

Wipe them with a damp cloth and let them dry before putting them back in the drawer.

How to Organize Drawers with Drawer Dividers (Kitchen, Desk and Bedroom)