The Problem:
I am lucky to have a pretty big kitchen junk drawer that is perfect for storing things like pens and pencils, note cards, scissors, paper clips, lottery tickets that need to be checked and lots of other bits and pieces. My problem is that I wasn't happy with the plastic baskets I bought at the dollar store. They were too light weight and every time I opened the drawer they would all shift and sometimes flop over. So I had to readjust the baskets before I closed the drawer again. The times I couldn't be bothered lining up the baskets the drawer eventually ended up a disorganized mess.
I am lucky to have a pretty big kitchen junk drawer that is perfect for storing things like pens and pencils, note cards, scissors, paper clips, lottery tickets that need to be checked and lots of other bits and pieces. My problem is that I wasn't happy with the plastic baskets I bought at the dollar store. They were too light weight and every time I opened the drawer they would all shift and sometimes flop over. So I had to readjust the baskets before I closed the drawer again. The times I couldn't be bothered lining up the baskets the drawer eventually ended up a disorganized mess.
Cost: $10.00Difficulty: Easy
I spent a long time shopping around for pricier drawer organizers but that was the problem for me. They were just not in my budget for the amount I needed. So I came up with my own inexpensive DIY solution!
The Solution:
I decided to make my own out of tissue boxes! As luck would have it my husband got quite a nasty flu bug that lasted five days. In no time I had my tissue boxes to repurpose!
This solution worked so well because I could cut the tissue boxes to fit the height of my drawer! I cut longer organizers from the length of the tissue box and smaller ones from the ends. The tissue box cardboard is pretty easy to cut but I did secure the ends of each one with a bit of tape.
I decided to make my own out of tissue boxes! As luck would have it my husband got quite a nasty flu bug that lasted five days. In no time I had my tissue boxes to repurpose!
This solution worked so well because I could cut the tissue boxes to fit the height of my drawer! I cut longer organizers from the length of the tissue box and smaller ones from the ends. The tissue box cardboard is pretty easy to cut but I did secure the ends of each one with a bit of tape.
Then I covered each box with white self adhesive covering. I chose the colour white because it makes the drawer less busy looking compared to if I had used a patterned self adhesive paper.
I also made black inserts from cardstock paper for the bottom of each organizer that I covered with a clear self adhesive covering. Now when I have to give it a quick cleaning I can just pull it out and give it a wipe. It also makes the organizer look more finished.
I also added one more thing. Remember how I said the plastic baskets and the contents shifted every time I opened the drawer? I decided to connect the organizer with clips to keep things really secure. Now if there is a bit of shifting all I have to do is give it one quick pull.
Keeping It Real:
Since I had to make quite a few it did take some time to trim the tissue boxes, cover them and make the inserts for the bottom. I just plopped myself on the living room floor and watched some movies while I worked on the project!
Since I had to make quite a few it did take some time to trim the tissue boxes, cover them and make the inserts for the bottom. I just plopped myself on the living room floor and watched some movies while I worked on the project!
I am super happy with these new inexpensive DIY drawer organizers! I invite you to read the full tutorial on my blog. I can honestly say these are much better than the dollar store variety.
Suggested materials for this project:
Join the Conversation!
Love this project....I have just finished putting in dividers in all 6 of my kitchen drawers that we keep our "junk" in. I love them but I sure wish I could catch that "jumble everything up" monster that sneaks in and makes a mess...because no one will admit to doing it!
@Jeanette S I hear you. It is amazing how things can get out of place so quickly. So far this system seems to be working for everyone. Thank you for you compliment!
Amazing post! I am definitely doing this with many of my drawers now. Thanks!
@Hannah V Thank you for your kind words. I am so pleased you were inspired!