Packing a deep drawer effectively requires utilizing its height and organizing items to prevent them from becoming a jumbled mess.
Deep drawers offer generous storage space, but without a system, items can easily get lost or buried at the bottom. The key is to think vertically and sort items logically.
Utilize Vertical Space Smartly
Instead of simply laying items flat, maximize the height of the drawer:
- Fold Vertically: For clothing like t-shirts, socks, or underwear, fold them so they stand up on edge rather than stacking flat. This method, sometimes called filing, allows you to see everything in the drawer at a glance.
- Roll Items: For items like towels, blankets, or certain garments, rolling can save space and make them easy to grab.
- Use Dividers and Bins: Compartmentalize the drawer space using adjustable dividers, small boxes, or bins. This prevents items from shifting and helps group similar things together.
Stacking Items in Deep Drawers
While maximizing vertical space is important, stacking requires careful consideration, especially in a deep drawer where items can pile up and become unstable or difficult to access.
Based on the provided reference: Stacking items on top of each other within a deep drawer is generally a safe method if and only if the items are duplicates. This means if you are storing identical items, stacking them is usually safe and practical.
- Safe to Stack (Duplicates): Items like plates, multiple boxes of almond milk, or identical containers are suitable for stacking. "If what's underneath is exactly the same thing as what's on top then you're usually in the safety zone."
- Stack with Care (Non-Duplicates / Piles): Stacking dissimilar items (creating "piles" of different things) is less ideal. It can lead to items getting crushed, damaged, or making it hard to find what you need without disturbing the entire stack. If you must stack different items, ensure they are stable and the bottom items can support the weight of those on top, and avoid excessively high stacks.
Tips for Deep Drawer Organization
- Sort and Declutter First: Before packing, remove anything you don't need or use.
- Group Similar Items: Keep like items together (e.g., all linens in one section, all kitchen gadgets in another).
- Position Items for Accessibility: Place frequently used items towards the front and within easy reach.
- Consider Weight: Put heavier or sturdier items at the bottom, especially if you are stacking non-duplicates (stacking duplicates negates this concern as the items are uniform).
By combining vertical folding or rolling with strategic stacking of duplicates and using organizational tools like dividers, you can transform a deep drawer from a potential abyss into an efficient storage solution.
