How to Organize Deep Kitchen Drawers Like an Expert

‍‍Deep kitchen drawers feel like a storage dream—so much space, so many possibilities. But their size can quickly turn into a curse, inviting clutter and chaos instead of organization.

The good news? That depth is actually their greatest strength—if you know how to use it.

Tracey Showalter, a Professional Organizer who’s transformed over 500 homes, is here to share her tips on turning those deep drawers from clutter traps into the most functional spots in your kitchen.

The #1 Mistake You’re Making With Deep Kitchen Drawers

Tracey has a simple way of framing it: “The kitchen is the most valuable real estate in the house.”

But most of us? We’re squandering that prime real estate. “Every kitchen has so much stuff stuffed inside,” she says, pointing to deep drawers that have become the go-to catch-all. And here’s where it all goes wrong: instead of using that space strategically, we use it as a dumping ground.

“The things to be stored in kitchen drawers are ONLY kitchen items,” Tracey emphasizes.

And yet, here’s what you’ll probably find in a typical deep kitchen drawer:

• Cookbooks (taking up valuable space)
• Kids’ homework or random papers
• Dog treats (because, why not?)
• Birthday candles from three years ago
• Random serving trays you've never used

Sound familiar? Time to rethink what actually deserves a spot.

What to Put in Deep Kitchen Drawers

Here’s the thing—deep drawers aren’t the enemy. They’re just misunderstood. Tracey suggests storing larger items that actually benefit from the vertical space.

Here’s what she recommends:

• Pots and pans: Stack them with lids on to save space and keep things neat.
• Plates and bowls: Neatly stackable and easy to grab—deep drawers can handle the weight.
• Towels, dish rags, and oven mitts: These don’t need much structure, and they’re easy to roll or fold.
• Tall bins for pantry staples: Use clear containers to store things like flour, grains, nuts, or pasta—taking full advantage of the drawer’s height.
• Bulky appliances: Think stand mixers, blenders, or food processors—items that often clutter up your countertops but fit perfectly in a deep drawer.

The rule? Store bulky or hard-to-place items that benefit from the extra space, not random stuff you don’t know what to do with.

The Best Way to Organize Deep Kitchen Drawers

Here’s where it gets good. Because deep drawers can be overwhelming, a solid system isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.

Tracey’s method? A simple but genius approach: “I always create a grid system.”

The idea behind her system is to break the drawer into zones based on use and importance, so everything has a logical place:

• Create a grid using adjustable dividers or custom drawer organizers to group items by category and keep everything in order.
• Use as much of the forward-facing space as possible for your most-used items, with lesser-used items going in the back.
• Label the tops of containers and bins so you’re not constantly digging to find what you need.

This system works for all kinds of setups. Take the time Tracey organized a deep drawer under a wall oven for a client who ran a baking business. She used airtight containers for flours, nuts, and seeds, labeled the tops for easy access, and grouped everything by category. The deep drawer became a dedicated baking station, keeping all her essentials in one spot and making prep time a breeze.

Whether you’re storing baking supplies, pantry staples, or cookware, the grid approach keeps things structured and easy to maintain.

The Best Products for Deep Drawer Organization

Deep drawers aren’t one-size-fits-all. They need the right tools to keep things from sliding, stacking poorly, or just looking like chaos.

Here are Tracey’s go-to products:

• Modular organizers: Perfect for small gadgets or utensils. “They allow a much more enjoyable drawer experience for smaller, harder-to-organize items using all of the vertical space,” she says.
• Deep drawer dividers: Great for creating sections for towels, rags, or cookie sheets.
• Adjustable grids: These help build out that grid system Tracey loves, keeping everything in place without being too rigid.
• Custom drawer organizers: Tracey’s favorite for tailored spaces, this made-to-measure approach "solves every drawer problem".

And a few bonus tools:

• Non-skid liners to prevent heavy appliances from sliding around and damaging the inside of the drawer.
• Stackable organizers: Ideal for making the most of vertical space, especially for items like lids or smaller kitchen tools and accessories.
• Peg organizers to keep plates and bowls safe and secure to prevent chipping.

Create Strategic Zones to Reshape Your Kitchen Flow

One of Tracey’s favorite things about deep drawers? They can actually change how your kitchen functions.

“I think it’s super fun to try different drawers or cabinets for different items,” she says. “This changes the way the kitchen functions and could help meal prep, snacking, or finding things way easier for the homeowner.”

A few ideas to get you started:

• Baking station: Keep your stand mixer, flours, baking sheets, and oven mitts all in one spot.
• Coffee/tea drawer: French press, mugs, coffee beans, tea bags, filters—everything in one easy-to-access place.
• Snack zone: Use tall containers for chips, trail mix, granola bars, or kid-friendly snacks, all within reach.

By creating zones, you turn deep drawers into functional hubs that make daily tasks easier.

The Final Takeaway

Deep kitchen drawers don’t have to be intimidating. With the right system—and a little guidance from Tracey—you can turn that chaotic space into the most efficient drawer in your kitchen.

And the best part? You’ll never have to dig past dog treats and dead batteries to find your spatula again.