Cupboard and Draw Cleaning and Organisation Tips

Guide to Deep Cleaning and Organising Drawers & Cupboards

There’s a quiet revolution waiting to happen behind every closed drawer and cupboard door in your home. While we often focus on the visible surfaces, the true magic of a tidy and functional living space often lies in the hidden compartments.

Imagine opening a drawer and finding exactly what you need, without rummaging, or reaching into a cupboard that doesn’t threaten an avalanche. This isn’t just about neatness; it’s about creating a sense of calm, efficiency, and finding joy in the everyday. So, let’s dive into a fluid, step-by-step journey to declutter, clean, and organise. By Brisbane’s Nest Cleaners.

Draw and Cupboard Cleanliness, Organisation and Storage

Step 1 – Empty your Draw or Cupboard

Our journey begins, as all good journeys should, with emptying. This isn’t a suggestion; it’s a non-negotiable first step.

Pull everything out of that drawer or cupboard. Yes, everything. This allows you to truly see the volume of what you own and often reveals forgotten treasures or, more likely, forgotten clutter.

Lay everything out on a clear surface – a table, a bed, or even the floor. This visual inventory is crucial for the next phase.

Step 2 – Decluttering

With everything laid bare, it’s time for the ruthless but liberating process of decluttering.

Approach each item with a simple set of questions: Do I use this? Do I love this? Does it serve a purpose?

If the answer to all three is a resounding “no,” it’s time for it to leave your home.

Create three distinct piles: “Keep,” “Donate/Sell,” and “Rubbish.”

Be honest with yourself. That chipped mug from years ago, the tangled mess of charging cables for devices you no longer own, or the single sock that’s been waiting for its mate for months – they all need to go.

For “Donate/Sell” items, consider local charities or online marketplaces.

For “Rubbish,” ensure you dispose of it responsibly, perhaps even considering hard rubbish collection if it’s a larger item, though we’re focusing on smaller, contained spaces here.

Step 3 – Cleaning

Now that the excess is gone, it’s time for the satisfying act of cleaning.

With the drawer or cupboard completely empty, take a moment to wipe down every surface.

For kitchen cupboards, this might involve tackling sticky residue with a degreaser.

For bathroom drawers, a quick wipe with an all-purpose cleaner is usually sufficient.

Use a damp cloth to get into corners, and a dry cloth to ensure everything is thoroughly dry before putting items back.

If you’re dealing with a particularly stubborn smell, a sprinkle of baking soda left overnight can work wonders, especially in pantry cupboards.

For wooden drawers, a gentle wood cleaner or just a damp cloth followed by a dry one will suffice. This step is about creating a truly fresh canvas.

Step 4 – Organisation

A. Efficiency

Once clean and dry, we move into the art of organizing for maximum efficiency. This is where the magic truly happens.

Consider the function of the drawer or cupboard. Is it for cutlery, stationery, toiletries, or linens?

The purpose dictates the organization.

For cutlery drawers, dedicated inserts are invaluable. They keep forks with forks and spoons with spoons, eliminating that chaotic jumble.

For stationery drawers, small bins or dividers can separate pens from paper clips and post-it notes. Think vertically in cupboards; risers and stackable shelves can double or even triple your usable space, particularly in a kitchen pantry or linen cupboard.

Clear containers are your best friend here. They allow you to see what’s inside at a glance, preventing you from buying duplicates or forgetting what you already own.

Decant bulk items like rice, pasta, or flour into clear, airtight containers. Not only does this look tidier, but it also protects against pests.

B. Frequency

When placing items back, think about their frequency of use.

Items you use daily should be at the front, easily accessible.

Items used less frequently can be moved towards the back or to higher shelves.

In kitchen drawers, ensure your most-used utensils are within easy reach.

In bathroom cupboards, place everyday toiletries on a lower, more accessible shelf, while spare towels can reside higher up.

Group similar items together. All baking supplies in one section of the pantry, all cleaning supplies under the sink (safely out of reach of children and pets, of course), and all craft supplies neatly contained in one drawer. This logical grouping makes finding what you need effortless.

C. Maintenance

Finally, consider the aesthetic and long-term maintenance.

Drawer liners, while seemingly a small detail, protect your drawers from spills and scratches and are easy to wipe clean. They also add a subtle touch of elegance.

Once everything is meticulously placed, take a moment to admire your handiwork. This feeling of calm and control is what we’re striving for.

To maintain this newfound order, adopt a “one in, one out” policy for certain items, especially clothes or kitchen gadgets. A quick tidy-up every week or so, putting things back in their designated spots, will prevent chaos from creeping back in.

A truly organised home isn’t about perfection; it’s about systems that work for you, making your daily life smoother and more enjoyable. And when your drawers and cupboards are in perfect harmony, that peaceful energy radiates throughout your entire home.

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Do you live in Brisbane? Before investing your time in cleaning try our cleaning service. Our spring cleaning can help out by cleaning, decluttering and organising your home to prep it for a more regular house cleaning service. We also provide apartment cleaning, bond cleaning, pre-sale cleaning, carpet cleaning and many other cleaning services in Brisbane.

If the thought of cleaning is just too much call our Nest Cleaners and we would love to help!

BOOK NOW:       Call 0438 079 996 OR Online Estimate with Nest Cleaning in Brisbane, Australia