How to Quickly & Cheaply Create a Drawer Organizer

by The Everyday Home/Barb Garrett

4 Materials

I wish I could show you a home full of nicely organized drawers and closets and cabinets. Maybe one day I can, but for now I am on a mission to finally organize my home. You might think it's time since we moved in over 12 years ago. :)
I figured out a really simply, inexpensive and quick way to create drawer organizers. Best of all - NO POWER TOOLS NEEDED!

how to quickly cheaply create a drawer organizer, diy, how to, kitchen cabinets, organizing

So, I am going to share my "before" junk drawer. But NO judging. They call it a JUNK drawer for reason. :-D

Yea, I know. I know. It's bad. After a little bit of thought and some measuring, I came up with a super easy solution. You can use this idea to create custom drawer organizers for any size space.

Here is my secret! Balsa Wood. Balsa wood is super lightweight and you can easily cut it with an Exacto or Utility knife.

First, you need to decide the configuration of the organizer you need. You can use painters tape, for example, to mark off areas to give you a feel for the organizer design. Once you know your design, measure and cut your pieces of balsa. Cut them a few millimeters longer so they will fit together snugly.

I started with the cross pieces.

I wanted some smaller cubbies to hold large elephant clips, batteries, etc. That involved creating a design like above.

I create four quadrants and in one quadrant I created smaller quadrants. I did not want this organizer to be permanently attached to the drawer, so once I had all the pieces in place, I used a Hot glue gun and ran a bead of glue where the pieces of balsa connected.

Wanna see the after?

Better huh? I took it a step further and decided to label the cubbies.

Now my Grands have NO excuse for not putting things back where they belong.

I have since completed three more drawers and can't wait to start in the bathroom.

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Frequently asked questions

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1 question

Merry Straub on Jan 20, 2019

Where do you buy Balsa wood?

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Julie B on Dec 28, 2018

Love, love, love this idea. Headed to your page to pin stalk you. LOL You have so many wonderful ideas.

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Annie on Feb 27, 2020

Brilliant, thank you!

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