When I first moved into my home, I had big dreams of picture-perfect kitchen drawers—everything neatly separated with beautiful dividers. But the reality was very different. Not only are drawer dividers sometimes expensive, but they also don’t always fit perfectly into every drawer. And when you’re working with small kitchen drawers or an awkward layout, traditional dividers just don’t cut it.
That’s when I started experimenting with ways to keep my drawers organized without using dividers. Over time, I discovered creative, budget-friendly strategies that actually keep everything in place. Today, I’ll share all the tricks that have worked for me, from DIY hacks to clever organization systems that rely on items you probably already own.
Why Organizing Kitchen Drawers Matters
Before diving into the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.” Kitchen drawers are some of the most used storage spaces in the house. They hold everything from utensils to dish towels, and when they’re messy, cooking feels harder. A cluttered drawer leads to:
- Wasted time searching for what you need
- Frustration when things get stuck or jammed
- Duplicate purchases (because you couldn’t find the one you already owned)
- Lost space that could be used more efficiently
By organizing your drawers—even without dividers—you’ll instantly make your kitchen more functional and enjoyable to use.
Step 1: Empty and Declutter
Just like organizing a pantry or closet, the first step is to take everything out of your drawers. I always put everything on the counter and ask myself:
- Do I use this regularly?
- Do I have duplicates?
- Is this item better stored elsewhere?
For example, I realized I had three potato mashers (why?!). I donated two and instantly created more drawer space. Decluttering is the foundation of any good organization system.
Step 2: Group Items by Category
The easiest way to create order without dividers is by grouping like items together. This doesn’t just mean “utensils in one drawer.” It means breaking categories down further:
- Cooking utensils (spatulas, tongs, ladles)
- Baking tools (whisks, measuring spoons, rolling pin)
- Cutting tools (peelers, scissors, small graters)
- Everyday essentials (forks, knives, spoons)
- Towels, oven mitts, and linens
When you keep categories together, items naturally “stay in their lane” even without dividers.
Step 3: Use Small Containers Instead of Dividers
Here’s my favorite hack: instead of traditional drawer dividers, I repurpose small containers. Think outside the box:
- Empty food containers (like yogurt cups or small Tupperware)
- Shoebox lids
- Mason jar lids for small items like wine stoppers
- Old gift boxes or jewelry boxes
- Recycled takeout containers
By placing these inside drawers, you create little compartments that act like dividers—but they cost nothing and can be customized to fit.
Step 4: Try Tension Rods or Drawer Inserts
If you want a DIY divider alternative, tension rods are amazing. Place them vertically or horizontally in a drawer to create “zones.” This works especially well for:
- Laying spatulas flat without sliding around
- Keeping lids stacked upright
- Holding baking sheets or cutting boards in deep drawers
You can also cut cardboard or thin wood pieces to act as makeshift inserts. It’s customizable and doesn’t require buying expensive organizers.
Step 5: Use Drawer Liners for Grip
One of the main reasons drawers get messy without dividers is that things slide around. A simple fix is to line your drawers with a non-slip liner. I’ve used both rubberized liners and even old silicone baking mats.
Not only do liners keep items from shifting, but they also protect your drawers from scratches and crumbs. Plus, they’re easy to wipe clean.
Step 6: Stack and Layer Strategically
When space is tight, stacking is key. But the trick is to stack items in a way that still allows easy access. For example:
- Place flat items like cutting boards, trays, and baking sheets on the bottom, then lay smaller items on top.
- Stack measuring cups together with a binder clip to keep them in one place.
- Store rarely used gadgets (like apple slicers or melon ballers) underneath everyday tools.
By layering thoughtfully, you maximize space without creating chaos.
Step 7: Create “Zones” Inside the Drawer
Even without physical dividers, you can mentally divide your drawers into zones. I use painter’s tape on the bottom of the drawer as a visual guide. For instance:
- Left side = spatulas and spoons
- Right side = tongs and whisks
- Back = less-used tools
This trick works surprisingly well, especially when multiple people in the house are using the kitchen.
Step 8: Store Items Upright
One of my favorite tricks is to store utensils upright instead of laying them flat. For example, in a deep drawer, I place mason jars or tall containers and stand spatulas, ladles, and whisks upright. It’s like having a utensil holder, but hidden in the drawer.
This not only saves space but also makes it super easy to grab what you need without digging.
Step 9: Repurpose Other Household Items
Sometimes the best organizers aren’t meant for the kitchen at all. Here are some things I’ve used:
- Ice cube trays – perfect for small gadgets, clips, or wine stoppers.
- Silverware trays from old apartments – even if they don’t fit perfectly, they still create some structure.
- Candle jars – once cleaned, they hold rubber bands, bag clips, or straws.
- Binder clips – keep measuring spoons or chip clips together.
It’s amazing how everyday items can double as drawer organizers.
Step 10: Store Less in Drawers, More Elsewhere
Sometimes the best drawer organization strategy is simply moving things out. If your drawers are constantly overflowing, consider alternative storage:
- Hang utensils on a pegboard or wall rail.
- Keep wooden spoons and spatulas in a countertop jar.
- Store baking tools in a basket in a cabinet instead of a drawer.
- Move rarely used gadgets to a storage bin in the pantry.
Drawers work best for things you use regularly. Moving excess items elsewhere keeps them clutter-free.
Step 11: Label When Needed
Even without dividers, labels can work wonders. I’ve labeled the inside of my drawer with washi tape or sticky notes to remind myself (and my family) what goes where. For example:
- “Baking Tools” on the left side
- “Everyday Utensils” on the right
It sounds simple, but it prevents the dreaded “everything gets shoved in randomly” problem.
Step 12: Maintain with a Quick Weekly Reset
The truth is, no drawer system will last forever without a little maintenance. Once a week, I do a 2-minute reset:
- Put items back in their categories.
- Remove any crumbs or wrappers.
- Re-stack or re-group if things shifted.
This habit keeps drawers organized long-term—no dividers required.
Bonus Hacks for Specific Drawers
Utensil Drawer Without Dividers
- Use shoebox lids to separate forks, spoons, and knives.
- Add a non-slip liner to keep them from sliding.
- Stack serving spoons in a small container at the back.
Gadget Drawer Without Dividers
- Use zip-top bags to corral small gadgets like cookie cutters.
- Store peelers, graters, and corncob holders in shallow recycled containers.
- Place larger tools flat with painter’s tape “zones.”
Towel Drawer Without Dividers
- Roll dish towels instead of folding—they take up less space.
- Store oven mitts and potholders on one side, towels on the other.
- Add a drawer liner to keep towels from shifting.
Bottom Line
Organizing kitchen drawers without dividers is completely doable—and honestly, it can even be more flexible than using store-bought inserts. By decluttering, grouping items, repurposing containers, and using smart tricks like liners and zones, you can create drawers that stay neat without spending money.
For me, the biggest game-changers were using small recycled containers and drawer liners. These two hacks alone transformed my messy, frustrating drawers into a space that actually works for me.
So, if you’re struggling with cluttered kitchen drawers, don’t feel like you need to run out and buy expensive dividers. Start with what you have at home, get creative, and you’ll be surprised at how organized your drawers can be.
