My vanity table drawers were a mess until I began using these $2 non-toxic organizing trays – it stopped me from wasting money on makeup duplications, too
Now my vanity drawers are permanently organized


I spent decades doing my makeup from a travel bag on the sofa with a handheld mirror. Then in 2021, I swore I’d finally get myself a vanity table with a proper mirror and drawers.
However, I realized a vanity table wasn’t enough to keep things organized. When my makeup drawers kept getting messy, I turned to BPA-free organizing trays, available from Target in a set of three for just $2.
A great way to make your home non toxic is by kicking any toxic plastic storage items to the curb, and these are perfect for helping keep your vanity in order.
Non-toxic drawer organizers have many benefits
These slim trays create easy-to-see organization, so you can spot what you need at once, and won’t end up buying an item you already have simply because your vanity drawers are a mess.
This reduction or avoidance of any unnecessary duplication is a great way to be more sustainable at home, too and will save you money. It certainly has for me over the last four years.
These are easy to clean. Simply wipe down with a homemade DIY cleaning solution. I like to use essential oils in my cleaning sprays, so simply combine two cups of water, a drop of dish soap, such as Dawn from Walmart, which acts as a surfactant to grip surface grime, and 10-20 drops of a pure essential oil, such as geranium, from Walmart.
If like me you wear makeup every day, you’ll know makeup and other skin care items can leave marks and smudges inside your dresser drawers and therefore, this small storage space needs regular cleaning.
You can wash these slim, long drawer organizing trays by hand at the sink and let air dry, or wipe them down with Clorox disinfecting wipes, also from Walmart.
Other drawer organizing essentials
Dishwasher safe
This eight-piece set is super handy for customizing your storage in small vanity table drawers to suit your needs.
I also have some silicone trays in my dresser drawer and I love that silicone is non toxic, super safe and a little bit flexible, helping me squeeze these in where needed. This is a set of eight with four sizes.
This set of nine handy natural bamboo drawer organizers is great for a non-toxic in-drawer solution. These can be configured how you need and are long-lasting as bamboo is highly durable.
If you’re looking for a smart solution to storing all your hair care tools, I made my own customized and affordable solution by using a storage cart and one vital metal item.
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.

Punteha was editor of Real Homes before joining Homes and Gardens as Head of Solved. Previously, she wrote and edited lifestyle and consumer pieces for the national press for 16 years, working across print and digital newspapers and magazines. She’s a Sunday Times bestselling ghostwriter, BBC Good Food columnist and founding editor of independent magazine, lacunavoices.com. Punteha loves keeping her home clean, has tested and reviewed the latest robot vacuums, enjoys cooking, DIY, and spending weekends personalizing her newly-built home, tackling everything from plumbing to tiling and weatherproofing.
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
-
I tried the surprisingly fun 'Städdag' Swedish cleaning method to supercharge my chores – it's perfect for families and busy households
This technique has quickly become a firm favorite in my home
-
'You need different things for different stains' – Zooey Deschanel's proactive approach to laundry targets stains before they exist (for under $5)
The New Girl actress reveals the three anti-stain products she swears by to protect her clothes – and most of them are on sale for Memorial Day
-
This 1 living room saviour instantly solves 3 big problems of small-space living – and it's over 70% off right now
Don’t compromise on function in small spaces with this versatile essential
-
These space-saving $19 bins from Walmart are perfect for adding storage to small bedrooms – the limited capacity forces me to declutter ruthlessly
They're renter-friendly, too
-
The secretly toxic bathroom storage items toxicologists urge you to replace now
Protect your health and your home with easy swaps
-
Chefs and professional organizers reveal 8 easy-access blender storage ideas to help conceal your appliance
Avoid countertop hogging with these storage ideas
-
The 5 storage mistakes including 'vertical vacancy' that are making your organizing products less functional – and what the pros always do instead
Make storage work hard, not hard work, with these quick fixes
-
Are you over-organizing your home? Experts share the 4 signs you've fallen victim to 'the cult of storage' – and how to walk it back
It's just as bad as under-organizing, experts say
-
I didn't have shelves in my tiny shower, so I tried adhesive shampoo storage and it's stayed up for years
I've been pleasantly surprised at its sticking power
-
Calm kid's Christmas present chaos with these 6 storage saviors – and they're all on sale now
These smart storage sale picks keep even the most chaotic of kids tidy