I Tried the Drawer Dumping Method – It Makes Ruthless Decluttering Fast and Uncomplicated
I've found it's the best and quickest method to beat procrastination
I have a love-hate relationship with drawers. They are the most convenient storage option for quickly swiping clutter away, but, as a result, they quickly become packed with mess.
So, to finally tackle the tangle, I tried the draw dumping method. It's as easy as it sounds – simply dump everything out onto a flat surface and sort through as you put everything back neatly.
I Tried the Draw Dumping Method
I'll be honest, even though I write about the importance and benefits of a well-organized home almost daily, I never organize drawers. I have certainly tried in the past, but bad home habits die hard, and I always resort to my chaos gremlin approach of tossing stuff in and closing it away for 'later me.'
As a result, the thought of decluttering drawers is overwhelming at best. So, taking inspiration from the chaos decluttering method, I started the ruthless decluttering trick of dumping the entire contents of messy drawers out onto a flat surface. Not only does it instantly make everything visible, but it forces me to declutter and clean as I go. After all, I can't leave the mess all over surfaces in my home, so I am forced to complete the task at hand, with no option to shut it away for another day halfway through.
This approach is also ideal when you need to add organizers, as organizing everything out means you can properly measure the drawer with a tape measure from Amazon, and then invest in suitable drawer storage containers, such as this 26-piece set from Walmart.
How to Use the Drawer Dumping Method at Home
This draw method works on storage all over the home.
Sometimes, keeping it simple is the best way to make progress. For Allie Licata, owner and lead organizer at The Curated Home Company, the drawer dumping method is just that.
'I actually really like this approach, especially for small spaces like junk drawers,' she says. 'Dumping everything out on a surface makes it easy to see everything you have in that drawer at once, rather than just the items at the front or on top. Once everything is dumped out of the drawer, it's much easier to group similar items, see how many duplicates you have, and quickly figure out what should stay and what should go.
'This method also makes the next step, organizing, much easier,' she continues. 'When everything is clearly out on a surface, you can better judge the size of drawer dividers or containers you'll actually need, rather than guessing.
'Overall, this method works really well because it helps you see what you have, make decisions faster, and put back only what you actually use.'
My Verdict
I love this method for my messy dresser and nightstand drawers in particular.
As a serial shopper, I swear by this method for decluttering and organizing a dresser in particular, especially as my partner is not as big on file-folding clothes when putting away the laundry, so the drawer always ends up fighting to be closed.
Before I can think twice about it, I remove the drawer from the runners and dump all of the contents out onto my bed. The bonus of using such a high-traffic surface is that I am forced to complete the task, or I have nowhere to sleep that night.
From there, I replace the DIY scented drawer liner and fold clothing to save space again, assessing each item to determine whether I still wear it, and decluttering clothes as needed. The capsule decluttering method is one of my favorite ways to decide what to declutter when it comes to garments. However, if you want to be less ruthless, you can also use the spark joy approach, using Marie Kondo's best-selling The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, from Amazon, as a guide.
By the end, I usually have a far neater drawer (that I can actually open), and a small pile of decluttered items that I can sell or donate. It is a 10/10 method that I go back to time and time again when my poor tidying habits inevitably catch up to me.
What to Shop
These expanding drawer dividers are ideal for keeping rows of file folded clothing stacked neatly, or providing a little extra structure to busy kitchen drawers.
This handy drawer organizing set is ideal for shallow drawers in bathrooms and kitchens, keeping items neatly sectioned up for easy sorting.
Vacuum storage bags are ideal for seasonal storage, keeping clothes and household linens safe from pests and moisture, without them taking up valuable storage real estate. I love them for keeping out-of-season clothing under my bed, making more space for the pieces I am currently using.
This bestselling book packs so much information into a mere 200 pages, in a readable and digestible format that's accessible to all readers of all ages.
These stacking bins are ideal for deep drawers in practical spaces such as bathrooms and kitchens. They are perfect for items that need ventilation, such as food packets or bathroom products, helping to keep them neat without the risk of mold or odors.
Avoid having to dig through drawer organizing bins by labeling storage for easier access.
Meet the Experts
Allie has loved creating order for as long as she can remember, turning spaces into functional, calming environments. After careers in hospitality, teaching, and real estate, she founded The Curated Home Company, helping clients experience the clarity and peace that thoughtful organization brings.
If you are more proactive than me and want to stop clutter before it starts, check out our top home organizing ideas, approved by the pros, to keep your home neat and cut down time on endless decluttering.
