DIY Kitchen Drawer Organizer: Tidy Up Your Messy Drawers!

Updated at: 09/05/2025

Kitchen drawers. The chaotic heart of culinary chaos, overflowing with utensils, gadgets, and odds and ends that seem to multiply overnight. Are your drawers a jumbled mess, making even the simplest task of finding a spatula feel like an archaeological dig? We understand the frustration! Cluttered drawers aren't just unsightly; they waste precious time and energy, hindering your efficiency in the kitchen. A disorganized drawer is a recipe for frustration, leading to wasted time searching for everyday items.

Fortunately, regaining control of your kitchen drawers doesn't require a complete overhaul or a professional organizer. With a little creativity and some readily available materials, you can transform your messy drawers into organized havens. This step-by-step guide will show you how to create a custom DIY kitchen drawer organizer that perfectly suits your needs and style, keeping your kitchen neat, efficient, and looking its best. Let's get started!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Wood (boards)
  • Plywood (quarter-inch)
  • Pocket hole jig
  • Table saw
  • Crosscut sled
  • Stop block
  • Wood glue
  • Pocket hole screws
  • Brad nails
  • 5/8 inch dowel
  • Hanger bolts
  • Wing nuts
  • Pegboard
Safety Guidelines
  • Always measure your drawers before purchasing or cutting any materials. Improper measurements can lead to organizers that don't fit.
  • Use caution when using sharp tools like knives or box cutters. Always cut away from yourself and on a stable surface.
  • Ensure any materials used (e.g., paints, adhesives) are appropriate for food contact if the organizers will be used to store food items. Look for non-toxic and food-safe options.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Frame

    • Drill pocket holes into both ends of three shorter pieces.
    • Adjust table saw blade height, use crosscut sled and stock block to cut grooves below pocket holes on both boards. Make identical grooves by moving the stock block.
    • Test groove width with plywood, adjust stop block if needed. Cut additional grooves at 2-inch intervals.
    Test groove width with plywood, adjust stop block if needed. Cut additional grooves at 2-inch intervals.Test groove width with plywood, adjust stop block if needed. Cut additional grooves at 2-inch intervals.Test groove width with plywood, adjust stop block if needed. Cut additional grooves at 2-inch intervals.
    Prepare the Frame

  2. Assemble the Frame

    • Apply wood glue to board ends and attach back using pocket hole screws. Use a divider to mark middle board position, check squareness.
    • Apply wood glue, stand upright on front board. Screw end boards in place, check middle board spacing with a divider and squareness.
    Apply wood glue, stand upright on front board. Screw end boards in place, check middle board spacing with a divider and squareness.Apply wood glue, stand upright on front board. Screw end boards in place, check middle board spacing with a divider and squareness.
    Assemble the Frame

  3. Add the Bottom

    • Cut plywood bottom to match box dimensions. Mark middle board position and attach with wood glue and brad nails.
    Cut plywood bottom to match box dimensions. Mark middle board position and attach with wood glue and brad nails.
    Add the Bottom

  4. Create and Attach the Pegboard

    • Cut pegboard to fit, attach 1x2 scrap pieces to underside for elevation. Attach with wood glue and brad nails.
    Cut pegboard to fit, attach 1x2 scrap pieces to underside for elevation. Attach with wood glue and brad nails.
    Create and Attach the Pegboard

  5. Install the Dividers

    • Cut quarter-inch plywood strips for dividers (width of plastic lid + 0.5 inch), then cut into 5.5-inch pieces.
    • Cut dowels into peg lengths. Drill pilot and larger holes to fit hanger bolts. Arrange pegs to fit containers, secure with wing nuts.
    Cut dowels into peg lengths. Drill pilot and larger holes to fit hanger bolts. Arrange pegs to fit containers, secure with wing nuts.Cut dowels into peg lengths. Drill pilot and larger holes to fit hanger bolts. Arrange pegs to fit containers, secure with wing nuts.
    Install the Dividers

Read more: DIY Plastic Gallon Candy Basket: Upcycled & Adorable!

Tips

  • Making identical grooves ensures dividers fit snugly but remain easily removable.
  • Test fit of dividers frequently to guarantee a proper fit and easy slide.
  • Check for squareness often during assembly to avoid misalignment.
  • Pre-plan peg placement for optimal container support and to avoid shifting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not Measuring Your Drawers

Reason: Using organizers that are too big or too small leads to wasted space or a poor fit.
Solution: Accurately measure your drawers before purchasing or building any organizers.

2. Ignoring Drawer Depth

Reason: Failing to consider drawer depth can leave you with organizers that don't fully utilize the space, leading to wasted vertical room.
Solution: Maximize vertical space by using stackable containers or adjustable dividers tailored to your drawer's depth.

3. Using Too Many Compartments

Reason: Over-compartmentalizing can create small, unusable spaces and make accessing items difficult.
Solution: Prioritize frequently used items in easily accessible areas and use fewer, larger compartments for items used less often.

FAQs

What materials do I need to make a DIY kitchen drawer organizer?
The materials depend on your chosen method! For dividers, you might use cardboard, wood, plastic containers, or even repurposed materials like spice jars. For liners, consider shelf liner, fabric, or even contact paper. Adhesive is often helpful, as are measuring tools and a cutting implement (like scissors or a utility knife).