9 Essential Items to Store in Drawers for a Clutter-Free Home

Drawers are fantastic for organizing belongings, keeping them out of sight while remaining easily accessible. However, there are nine items that professional organizers recommend you might not be utilizing drawer space for, including activewear and accessories.

Here's why these drawer storage ideas can help you declutter your home.

9 Essential Items to Store in Drawers

1. Dish Towels

Victorian kitchen with cherry red lower cabinets and white uppers, small breakfast bar and coffee maker visible on back counter — While dish towels often hang from the oven, stowing them in drawers can reduce visual clutter, according to organizers.

Many kitchens have dish towels readily available, but Di Ter Avest, a professional organizer, suggests storing unused towels in drawers instead. This keeps them dust-free and organized. Rolling instead of folding can maximize drawer space.

To maintain order, consider using drawer dividers like the Mainstays White Fabric Drawer Organizer Set available at Amazon. Alternatively, hooks can be added to cabinet doors for a smart vertical storage solution.

All prices correct at time of publication.

Adjustable

Utoplike 4 pcs Bamboo Kitchen Drawer Dividers Large

These dividers fit various drawer sizes and feature spring-loaded, non-slip pads for stability.

Luxe look

This ornate brass hook adds style and is easy to install with just two screws.

Customizable

This organizer includes four adjustable dividers and nine smaller ones for a tailored fit.

2. Activewear

closet with white cabinetry, LED lights, hardwood floor, mixture of drawers, shelves — Store your activewear neatly in drawers for easy access.

According to Ben Soreff, a professional organizer, drawers are ideal for items where visibility isn't crucial. Activewear like swimwear and workout gear, along with underwear and socks, fit this criterion well.

For a tidy drawer, try the file folding method popularized by Marie Kondo to keep everything visible and accessible.

3. Knives

DYP05M kitchen knives on a magnetic strip on a wall — Using a magnetic strip for knives keeps them off counters and organized.

Safety is key when storing knives, and keeping them in drawers can help free up counter space. Robyn Reynolds, a certified professional organizer, recommends using an in-drawer organizer like the KNIFEdock Small Bamboo In-Drawer Organizer available at The Container Store to keep them secure.

4. Jewelry and Sunglasses

Organize jewelry — Prevent tangles by storing jewelry in drawers.

Jennifer Williams, founder of a closet organization company, emphasizes the benefit of drawer organizers for jewelry to avoid tangling. A velvet-lined organizer, such as the Premium Grade Beige Velvet Jewelry Organizer Tray available at Amazon, keeps items separated and protected.

Sunglasses can also benefit from organized storage. Keeping them in a drawer prevents scratches and maintains their condition.

Sturdy design

These stackable jewelry trays optimize drawer space and can double as a display on countertops.

Multi-use versatility

This tray can hold eight pairs of sunglasses, ensuring your collection stays organized.

5. Food Storage Bags

A kitchen with dark painted cabinets and marble countertops — Keeping food storage bags organized helps you find what you need quickly.

Professional organizer Robyn recommends using drawer organizers, like The Container Store Bamboo Plastic Bag Organizer Set. These keep bags neat and easily accessible.

Consider using food storage bags for packing outfits when traveling, making your suitcase organized and tidy.

6. Scrunchies

bathroom with double vanity and large mirror — Scrunchies can easily create clutter if not stored properly.

Due to their bulkiness, scrunchies can be tough to organize. Jennifer suggests utilizing a shallow drawer organizer with compartments, like the BY ALEGORY Acrylic Hair Accessory Organizer. This keeps them organized and accessible while maintaining their shape.

7. Pots and Pans

Cream lower cabinets in a kitchen with orange stone counters — Storing pots and pans in drawers keeps them organized and accessible.

Professional organizer Di suggests using drawers for pots and pans to avoid messy cabinets. Large drawers allow for easy access without unstacking. Use peg organizers or dividers to maintain order.

Chiana Dickson, a content editor, found that using a pegboard organizer streamlined her cookware. Her model is the Umbra Peggy Kitchen Cupboard Shelf and Drawer Organizer Tray.

8. Men's Ties

Dressing room with velvet closet — Use drawer dividers to keep ties organized and wrinkle-free.

To prevent ties from tangling, use a velvet-lined drawer divider. Jennifer recommends the Frebeauty Velvet Organizer Trays for this purpose. A tidy drawer lets you see all your ties, simplifying the choice process while keeping your space clean.

9. Plates

Cabinet with pullout drawers holding different colored napkins and plates — Store plates in drawers to keep them safe and accessible.

Di recommends storing plates in drawers instead of high cabinets for easier access. Use plate organizers to keep them upright and secure.

For example, the Dish Rack for Kitchen Countertop Organizer available at Walmart can fit in a drawer for stacking plates, providing easy portability while protecting them from damage.