Ultimate Drawer Organizer

As many of you have  seen in previous posts, I have been in the process of transforming my  garage into my  “workshop”.   If you recall, I had used a plethora  of old cabinets, scrap wood, and free Craisglist finds to  create my cabinets.  ( See all the details here.)    One of the free cabinets I used as my base, was actually intended to be used as a corner piece, so it did not have a door. ( See image below.)

Instead of making a simple door and drawer to match the rest of the lower cabinets I had a better idea…

Have you ever been to a hardware, and seen the isle that consists primarily of rows of small  drawers,  all filled with all sorts and sizes of treasures ?  I have, and I  kind of love them. I  have always  joked to my  husband, that when we  are  independently wealthy I will NEED those drawers in my workshop.

Well, for those who know me, I have never been a patient person…

Fate would have it that the great folks at D. Lawless hardware were willing to help out on my little renovation.

So let’s dive in.

 I proceeded to make 5 drawers. (If you need help making the drawers, I would refer you to the awesome Sandra at Sawdust Girl).

I got a little excited and forgot to take pictures of the process… again.

 Once my drawers were completed, I proceeded to install all of my drawer glides.

If you need help with the installation, they even have an online tutorial to help.

 My only  caution is measure,  measure, and measure.

Just look at how pretty it is!  To all my OCD readers, can I get an AMEN !?

 Next I added the drawer fronts.  I usually  glue mine  and then reinforce with finishing nails from the inside.  Once the drawer fronts were dry, I proceeded to paint…

NOW we are ready for the fun part!

Now that I have my drawers, it is time to organize them, and not just any system will do! I wanted it to be changeable and be completely customizable…

I kept looking through Home Depot’s  tool boxes/organization caddy’s.  I kept seeing this basic design. ( I have seen this system used for all sorts of organization, for example craft organization, or fishing tackle boxes.)  The basic premise , is that you can  add and remove dividers from the rows.

Which is EXACTLY what I wanted,  but they were all far too small…

So here is my solution…

I  began by  making  drawer dividers, using  1×3″ boards*.  I  simply measured the depth of the drawer and cut the 1×3’s to fit.

*I did plane my down a little, but this is not necessary.

Once I had all my dividers cut to fit ,  I removed them and  marked them at the size cubbies I wanted to create.  For example mine are about 4 ” apart.  The marks will  show  where  the notches will be cut in order to accommodate  the horizontal/removable  dividers.

Using a table saw,  I set  my guide so the  I would hit pre-marked lines.  I  set the depth approximately 3/16″ high.

Once all of the  notches  are cut,  place  the dividers in the drawers, and space them evenly!  Make sure you take the time to measure so that all the spaces are the same, which will allow the dividers to be interchangeable.

Once  all dividers are evenly placed,  they will need to be secured.   I used a small amount of wood glue on the bottom and ends of each of the dividers ( 1×3’s).  For additional support, I nailed them in place  using 2″ finishing nails;  starting on the outside of the frame and entering into the ends of the 1/3″ dividers.

Re-moveable Dividers-  Measure the distance from the inside notch to the inside notch of the subsequent divider, then subtract an 1/8″.  The 1/8″ will give it  just a little wiggle room so that you can easily  remove them when needed.

I ripped  down 1/8″ paneling board into 2.5″ strips.  Once they are in the strips, they can then be cut to the dimensions determined. (Above)

For example,  the space between my 1/3″ board dividers is 4 1/4″. I then  subtract my 1/8″  for wiggle room.  Which would make my panels/rectangles cut to 2.5″x 4 1/8″.

Then  you can add  dividers  depending on the supplies you have to store! As your inventory changes, so can your storage!

*sigh*

 Everything has a place, and everything in it’s place.  That is what keeps me sane.

 But wait, there is more!  What would these drawers be without labeled pulls ? They are the perfect finishing touch!

 D. Lawless has them for a steal-of-a-deal here.