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Do you have a cluttered or overstuffed dresser that frustrates you? Getting all of those drawers organized can be a simple and quick process. Start with a clean slate and only return items to the dresser that belong there—i.e., items that you want to keep but could be better stored elsewhere.
Here are ten suggestions to help you organize your dresser and keep it tidy.
Begin With Drawers That Are Completely Empty.
The first step in a dresser organization project is to empty each drawer of all contents, including those you intend to keep. Remove everything, even the stuff at the very backs of drawers, so you can see what you have and what you need to store. This is also a good time to dust the insides of your dresser drawers in preparation for storing your clean clothing.
Organize the Contents of Your Dresser
T-shirts, tank tops, socks, and other clothing items can be neatly and conveniently stored in the drawers of a dresser. However, they can also become a dumping ground for items you don’t wear and are unlikely to wear again.
It’s time to declutter once you’ve laid out the contents of your dresser in front of you. A good rule of thumb is to donate, sell, or recycle clothing that hasn’t been worn in over a year. Don’t let ill-fitting items or pieces you don’t like take up valuable drawer space in your dresser. Place these items in a clothes pile to be discarded.
Sort The Items Into Categories.
Make a list of the items you want to keep. If you can dedicate individual drawers to a specific type of clothing—for example, one drawer for T-shirts, one for undergarments, and so on—it’s ideal for dresser organization. Sort your belongings into categories based on the number of drawers you have and how much will fit in each. You can sort the items by color within the categories if you want, so they’ll be grouped together once they’re back in the drawers.
Bulky Items Should Not Be Folded.
If your dresser contains any bulky clothing, such as jeans or sweatshirts, consider moving them somewhere else. When folded, such items can take up a lot of room in a drawer. Drawers, on the other hand, are ideal for storing your thinner and smaller items. Consider hanging bulky clothing in a closet instead. Alternatively, store items you don’t wear or use on a regular basis under your bed in storage.
Separate Items With Drawer Organizers.
Consider using drawer organizers if you’re wondering how to organize clothes in drawers when the items are small or easily tangled, such as camisoles and socks. You’ll be able to identify and access each individual item when you need it, rather than digging through a jumble of clothing. And you’ll be able to replace each item in its designated spot. Drawer organizers are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you’re sure to find one that fits your wardrobe and dresser.
Do Not Use The Top Of The Dresser As A Storage Area.
Don’t use the top of your dresser as a dumping ground for various odds and ends to keep the room looking tidy. It should instead be a relatively clutter-free zone. Treat the top of your dresser as more of a display area than a storage area. It’s a good place to store some jewelry or perfume bottles, as long as they’re displayed in a pleasing and well-organized manner. A stylish tray can be both decorative and functional for holding items you use frequently.
Make the Most of the Extra Drawer Space
Perhaps you were so successful in clearing out the contents of your dresser that you now have more drawer space. Don’t let that opportunity pass you by! A dresser can be used for more than just storing clothes. It’s also a good place to keep handbags, linens, toiletries, and anything else in your bedroom that you want easy access to. Alternatively, you could see if some items in your closet could be folded and stored in your dresser to free up some closet space.
Distinguish The Drawers
If you can’t remember what you put in each drawer of your dresser, label them creatively. You could, for example, use paint or different colored knobs to color-code your drawers. You could also write what’s in each drawer with stencils or stickers. This type of labeling system is especially useful for teaching children how to find clothing and put outfits together in their rooms.
Practice Seasonal Clothing Rotation
When your dresser isn’t stuffed with clothes you won’t wear for several months, it’ll be much easier to find things. Off-season clothing can be stored in the basement or attic, in an unused suitcase in the closet, or in a container under your bed. If you don’t have any other options, consider dividing your dresser into “off-season” and “current” drawers. For example, keep off-season clothes in the bottom drawers and rotate your wardrobe in and out of them according to the weather.
Keep Up with Ongoing Dresser Organization
Organizing your dresser, like washing dishes, can give you a sense of accomplishment—until you realize you have to do it all over again the next day. However, the best organization system is the one you will use in the end. So set up your drawers in whatever way makes it the most convenient for you to get to and put away your clothes. If something isn’t working, make it better. Also, keep an eye out for any unnecessary clutter that has made its way into your drawers.
Need help with any home, office or life organization project? Book a free 15-minute Zoom call here and let’s chat about how Just Organized by Taya can help you.
Working with Taya and her team is easy. You can book an appointment easily on her website, or contact her directly at 832-271-7608
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