How to tame drawer chaos

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A messy drawer means you're living with verve. Who has time for tidying when there are so many other things to experience? Conversely, a messy drawer is a source of distress, even shame, especially when you're trying to find something you know is in there somewhere.

One thing I know for sure is I won't organize unless there's an element of pleasure. When it comes to drawers, I imagine a bento box at a Japanese restaurant and how much I enjoy eating from neatly arranged compartments. Then I go for the same feeling in making clutter coherent.

Finding the right compartment is key. For years now, my favourite device has been a line of modular storage units from Japanese retailer Muji. Before I get into specifics, here's a glimpse of how they look in one of my dresser drawers:

The best thing about these babies is they fit together beautifully, stacking to multiple levels. They also come in a wide range of sizes. I rely on two in particular, a small one and one with exactly twice the space. Watch how seamlessly they line up:

If you're shopping at Muji, online or in person, you might overlook these handy tools because they're billed as makeup boxes. Sure, that's one use, but there are so many others. Think of the possibilities while watching this two-minute product demo, shot at Muji's Fifth Avenue shop in New York:

These understated, almost ghostly devices allow your treasured objects to take centre stage. Their translucent material is a considered design feature, giving hints of what's inside each compartment.

Arm yourself with a set of these and you'll wrestle the most ill-behaved drawer into compliance easily. And it'll be so enjoyable, you'll have energy to spare for the next organizing challenge.

From the archives

Did you know there are almost 30 how-to articles on guy with an eye? Explore the full list and get smarter about making yourself at home.

Guy's buys

Occasional finds, selected for you

Almost a year ago, I wrote about humanizing a room by adding subtle references to the body. Eyes, lips, and hands are common motifs in decorative objects, admired by designers for their expressive possibilities.

Now and then, you'll come across body parts that get less attention. One of my favourite vintage shops, Zig Zag in Leslieville, has an Italian vase from the seventies available that takes the form of a large ear:

It's a peculiar piece, especially when you picture fresh flowers sprouting from its opening. The sheer absurdity of it makes for a compelling acquisition. Though perhaps in the era of smart speakers that eavesdrop on our conversations, a vase that seems to do the same is hardly a surprise.

Thank you for reading.