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The Best Things To Put In Kitchen Drawers

Kitchen drawers often end up disorganized catch-alls for random utensils and gadgets. But these spaces can be optimized to store much more using some strategic organization.

Utilizing your drawers to their full potential not only makes cooking easier but also frees up room in your cabinets and pantry. Read on for a guide to the best items to keep in your kitchen drawers.

ideas for organizing kitchen drawers

Utensils & Cutlery

The first things that likely come to mind when you think of kitchen drawer contents are utensils and cutlery. Dedicate one or more drawers just for these essential cooking tools.

Forks, Spoons, Knives

Designate one drawer for your full array of cutlery like forks, butter knives, and teaspoons and tablespoons. Use a divided organizer tray to keep them all sorted. Opt for one with deep compartments that fit your tallest utensils.

Cooking Utensils

Then use additional drawers for stirrers like spatulas, whisks, and tongs. Slotted spoon organizers work nicely to keep these tools from getting jumbled up. Consider sizing - don't overload one drawer.

Measuring Tools

Measuring cups and spoons also deserve their own dedicated space. Look for an adjustable storage divider to customize slots.

Spices & Dry Goods

You likely have a fully stocked spice cabinet, but some specialty seasonings and extras can live in drawers too.

Spice Jars

Store your most frequently used spices, like salt, pepper, garlic powder, etc. in a drawer for quicker access while cooking. Mini wire racks work perfectly to neatly arrange jars.

Tea, Coffee, Drink Mixes

Dedicate another drawer for drink accessories like sweeteners, stir sticks, tea bags, and powdered mixes. Cupcake/muffin liners make handy disposable scoops too.

Snacks & Packaged Goods

Drawers are also great for snack foods, small packaged ingredients like boullion cubes or baking soda, and other dry goods you want within easy reach. Use organizers to segment and label.

Dishes & Servingware

While dishes generally live in overhead cabinets, small plates, cups and serving pieces can reside in drawers too.

Plates & Bowls

Stash stacks of salad plates, dessert plates, and bowls in a deep drawer. Insert removable dividers to prevent toppling. Dixon or restaurant supply sites offer versatile options.

Mugs & Glasses

Similarly, everyday mugs, glasses, and tumblers can be stored neatly in divided drawers. Felt bottom protectors prevent scratching. Display pretty ones facade-forward.

Serving Utensils

Slot serving spoons, tongs, pie servers and other extra serving ware in a handy drawer as well. Keep them corralled in an adjustable caddy.

Pots, Pans & Bakeware

These bulky items take up precious cabinet space. So put some in your drawer lineup instead.

Stackable Pans & Lids

Find a deep drawer and arrange saucepans, stock pots and skillets in neat vertical stacks using divider racks. Have their lids nearby in a lid organizer.

Cooling Racks, Muffins Tins

Other bakeware like cooling racks, muffin tins, and cake pans should stand upright using space-saving risers and vertical dividers.

Small Appliances & Tools

Handy gadgets and electric helpers have a home in drawers too.

Countertop Appliances

Tuck often-used small appliances like a hand mixer, mini food processor or blender into a drawer after use. Protect surfaces with a liner.

Kitchen Tools

Designate a spot for those used-daily tools like a pizza cutter, meat tenderizer, apple corer, garlic press or bottle opener. Keep them together in a caddy or upright in a crock.

Linens & Towels

Round out your well-organized drawer system with linens.

Napkins & Dish Towels

Stash cloth and paper napkins, dish towels, potholders and oven mitts together for easy access while cooking and serving. Fold neatly using vertical dividers.

Drawer Organizing Tips

A few universal tips will help keep all your carefully chosen drawer contents tidy.

Remove Clutter First

Before organizing, purge unused items taking up space. Don't overbuy containers until you've decluttered.

Use Clear Containers

See what's inside at a glance using transparent bins, jars and canisters to easily identify contents.

Install Pull-Out Shelving

Make the most of deep drawers by installing pull out trays or shelves to arrange items in rows, not stacks.

Go Vertical with Dividers

Optimize vertical space with removable dividers, racks and risers that allow upright storage.

Label Everything

Use labels on the outside of drawers and containers reminding you what goes where inside.

With some organizational accessories like racks, caddies and dividers combined with imagination, your kitchen drawers can store far more than you might assume.

Follow these suggestions for the best drawer contents that keep essential cooking items handy while freeing up precious cabinet and countertop area.