Do you ever feel like you’re constantly battling drawer chaos? You’re not alone! We all crave that satisfying feeling of opening a drawer to find everything perfectly organized. At Robert Kline Art, we believe that organization is a key ingredient to a happy creative space. That’s why I’m excited to share a simple yet effective solution – DIY drawer dividers!
Why DIY Drawer Dividers?
Sure, you can buy drawer organizers, but where’s the fun in that? Building your own dividers allows for customization, ensuring a perfect fit for your drawers and specific storage needs. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly way to transform your drawers from cluttered disasters to streamlined havens.
Gathering Your Supplies
Before we dive into the construction, let’s round up the materials and tools you’ll need. Don’t worry, you won’t need a workshop full of fancy equipment.
Materials:
- 1/4″ poplar hobby boards (the width and length will depend on your drawer size)
- Wood glue
- Shelf paper
- Old newspaper or scrap paper
- Painter’s tape
Tools:
- Hand saw or miter saw (a miter saw will provide cleaner cuts, but a hand saw will do the trick)
Building Your Custom Drawer Dividers
Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and get crafting!
Step 1: The Great Drawer Cleanse
I know, I know, cleaning isn’t the most glamorous part. But trust me, starting with a clean slate is essential. Empty your drawer completely and take this opportunity to declutter. As renowned organization expert Marie Kondo says, “The best way to choose what to keep is to pick up each object in turn and ask yourself, ‘Does this spark joy?'”
DIY Drawer Organizer | Pretty Handy Girl | Storage and Organization
Image: A drawer before organization – a common sight, but we can fix this!
Step 2: Protecting Your Drawer
Line your drawer with old newspaper or craft paper to prevent the wood glue from sticking to the drawer itself. This step will save you potential headaches later on.
DIY Drawer Organizer | Pretty Handy Girl | Storage and Organization
Image: Protecting the drawer with paper – a simple step for a smooth process.
Step 3: Planning Your Compartments
Now comes the fun part! Place the items you’re keeping back into the drawer, experimenting with different arrangements to determine the ideal layout for your dividers. Once you’re happy with the configuration, use a marker to draw lines on the paper liner, outlining the placement of your dividers.
DIY Drawer Organizer | Pretty Handy Girl | Storage and Organization
Image: Arranging items to determine the ideal compartment layout.
Step 4: Measuring and Cutting
Using your marked lines as a guide, measure the dimensions for your dividers. Double-check your measurements – measure twice, cut once, as they say! Then, carefully cut your poplar boards to size using your hand saw or miter saw.
DIY Drawer Organizer | Pretty Handy Girl | Storage and Organization
Image: Accurate measurements are key to perfectly fitting dividers.
Step 5: Dry Fit and Glue
Before you break out the glue, do a dry fit by placing your cut dividers into the drawer to ensure a snug fit. Make any necessary adjustments to the length of your pieces. Once you’re satisfied, apply wood glue to the edges of the dividers that will connect, securing them together.
DIY Drawer Organizer | Pretty Handy Girl | Storage and Organization
Image: Using painter’s tape to secure the dividers while the glue dries.
Step 6: Drying and Finishing Touches
Use painter’s tape to hold the dividers in place while the glue dries thoroughly. Once dry, carefully remove the tape and the dividers from the drawer. Apply shelf paper to the bottom of the drawer for a clean finish, then place your dividers back in.
DIY Drawer Organizer | Pretty Handy Girl | Storage and Organization
Image: The finished dividers, ready to transform your drawer.
Revel in Your Organized Glory
Congratulations, you’ve done it! Now’s the time to admire your handiwork and enjoy the blissful feeling of opening your drawer to a world of organized bliss.
DIY Drawer Organizer | Pretty Handy Girl | Storage and Organization
Image: A beautifully organized drawer – a testament to your crafting skills!
Beyond the Bathroom: DIY Drawer Dividers for Every Room
The versatility of DIY drawer dividers is limitless. From the kitchen to the craft room, these organizational wonders can be customized to tame even the most unruly drawers.
wooden drawer dividers
Image: Wooden drawer dividers – a versatile solution for any room.
Share Your Masterpieces with Robert Kline Art
We’d love to see your DIY drawer divider creations! Share photos of your organizational triumphs on social media and tag us @RobertKlineArt. And don’t forget to explore our website for more inspiring craft ideas and unique handmade gifts.