The Clever Decluttering Trick That'll Help Keep Your Kitchen Drawers Organized

Your kitchen drawers are convenient and easy to reach, but that often means they fill up quickly. Chances are, you are storing more than a few things in them that you don't need anymore, from old appliances and utensils to your unused collection of rubber bands and dingy pens. Thankfully, if you have a good strategy for decluttering your home, keeping these drawers clean won't be a hassle. The "Didn't Know" rule is a great guideline for tidying up these key spaces in your kitchen. Plus, it might remind you how rewarding it can be to get rid of common items in your home that you don't need anymore.

Following the "Didn't Know" method when cleaning is straightforward. When you find an item in the drawer that you didn't know you had, you should get rid of it. As Joshua Fields Millburn, creator of the rule, says, "If you find something you didn't know you owned, you can give yourself permission to let go" (per The Minimalists). If you weren't already aware of the item's existence, you probably won't miss it. Since you forgot about it, its personal and functional value was likely low. Decluttering your kitchen drawers with this trick will make it easier to find the things that are actually necessary when you're cooking or completing other tasks, as it helps ensure that your space is more efficient as well as well-organized.

There might be all sorts of odds and ends waiting in the back of your kitchen's drawers, and the "Didn't Know" method is a quick way to start sorting through what matters and what doesn't. It's most effective when you follow it exactly because it helps you avoid making tough decisions about what you should keep. Stick to it and you'll have everything in the drawers squared away in no time. While this trick may look different for everyone, items that you might donate or throw away in your kitchen drawers include single-use gadgets (like an avocado slicer or garlic press), duplicate items, worn-out containers, or items that don't belong in the kitchen like office supplies.

However, there's one reasonable exception to the rule that's worth keeping in mind. If you find an item in the drawer that you were not aware of, but that you already thought you wanted or needed before you found it, it's probably worth saving. Say you thought you were out of cling wrap and recently added it to your grocery list. If you find a roll when you're reorganizing, then there's no need to throw it away.

When you're decluttering your kitchen, you should also consider removing everything from the drawers and cabinets so you can easily wipe them down before putting them back in order. Your cabinets, in particular, are one of the hardest spots to get clean in the kitchen. Clearing away dust or grime from the back corners will make your reorganizing efforts even more satisfying.