Our niece is off to college and she’s in the process of organizing her stuff in her dorm room. Her parents were pretty confident she’ll handle it well. After all, it’s her thing. Even as a kid, she has always been the most organized among her siblings. Fortunately, she has an accordion drawer organizer to keep track of all her stuff.
As with most dorm rooms, the challenge lies in the lack of space. One must learn how to properly make use of every inch, get enough storage, and constantly organize. College life can get hectic so knowing where everything is helps a lot.
Not one to disappoint, my niece found the perfect tool to organize her drawer. She found a really simple DIY project on the Internet. It’s for an accordion organizer made of felt. It’s a real space and time saver. With it, she has organized her socks and her underwear, too.
Contents
Crafting an Accordion Drawer Organizer
Materials
- 5 sheets of felt
Tools
- Scissors
- Hot glue gun
Instructions
Step 1: Plan Your Organizer
First, measure the inside dimensions of the drawer you want to organize. Decide how many compartments you’d like and their sizes. This will help you determine the size to cut your felt sheets.
Step 2: Cut the Felt
Based on your measurements, cut the felt sheets to create the sides and dividers of your organizer. You will need two larger pieces for the lengthwise sides and several smaller pieces for the dividers. The exact number of dividers will depend on how many compartments you want.
- For a standard drawer, you might cut two pieces of felt for the sides, each measuring the length of the drawer and the desired height of the organizer.
- Cut the remaining felt into strips for the dividers. The width of these strips should match the height of the side pieces, and their length should correspond to the width of your drawer.
Step 3: Create the Accordion Folds
Lay one of the larger side pieces flat on your work surface. Apply a line of hot glue along the bottom edge. Quickly place a divider piece perpendicular to the side piece, pressing firmly to adhere it. Repeat this process, alternating sides to attach each divider, creating an accordion effect. Ensure the dividers are equally spaced according to your plan.
Step 4: Secure the Dividers
Once all dividers are attached to the first side piece, apply hot glue along the bottom edge of each divider and attach them to the other large side piece, maintaining the accordion structure. It’s important to align them carefully to ensure the organizer will fit snugly in your drawer.
Step 5: Reinforce the Organizer
For added durability, apply a thin line of hot glue along the edges where the dividers meet the side pieces. This will reinforce the structure and prevent the felt from peeling apart with use.
Step 6: Customize the Compartments
If desired, you can create compartments of different sizes by adjusting the placement of the dividers. Simply cut additional felt strips to create smaller sections within the larger compartments, attaching them with hot glue.
Step 7: Let It Dry
Allow the hot glue to cool and solidify completely before handling the organizer. This might take a few minutes.
Step 8: Fit the Organizer into Your Drawer
Once the glue is dry, gently place your new accordion drawer organizer into the drawer. It should fit snugly. Fill the compartments with your items, such as socks, underwear, jewelry, or office supplies.
Material Alternatives and Enhancements
Creating a DIY accordion drawer organizer is a fantastic way to maximize storage space and keep small items neatly arranged. While felt is a popular choice for this project due to its flexibility and ease of use, there are numerous other materials you can consider to customize your organizer according to your needs, aesthetic preferences, or the materials you have on hand.
Exploring alternatives and enhancements can lead to a more durable, functional, and visually appealing organizer that perfectly fits your drawer and lifestyle.
Material Alternatives for Accordion Drawer Organizer
Fabric
Fabric offers a wide range of textures, patterns, and colors, allowing for complete customization of your accordion drawer organizer. Lightweight cotton, canvas, or linen can be reinforced with interfacing or fusible fleece to add structure and durability.
Cardboard
For a sturdier base, cardboard can be an excellent alternative. It’s readily available and can be covered with fabric or decorative paper. This makes the accordion drawer organizer more rigid, suitable for heavier items.
Recycled Materials
Eco-friendly and cost-effective, recycled materials like old clothes, boxes, or book covers can be repurposed into a unique accordion drawer organizer. This not only reduces waste but also adds a personal touch to your storage solutions.
Enhancements for Your Accordion Drawer Organizer
Durability Improvements
Regardless of the chosen material, enhancing the durability of your accordion drawer organizer is crucial. For fabric organizers, sewing the edges or applying a fabric protector can prevent wear and tear. Cardboard or recycled organizers can be laminated or covered with clear packing tape for added strength and moisture resistance.
Structural Additions
Incorporating plastic sheets or thin plywood pieces into the sides or dividers of the organizer can significantly improve its structure, especially for taller compartments or heavier items. This helps maintain the shape and effectiveness of the organizer over time.
Decorative Elements
Adding decorative elements such as ribbon, lace, or embroidery can transform your accordion drawer organizer from a simple storage solution into a statement piece. Personalize your organizer with colors that match your room decor or add labels to the compartments for easy identification.
Multi-functional Design
Consider creating an accordion drawer organizer with adjustable or removable dividers. This allows for flexibility in organizing different items and adjusting to changing needs. Velcro strips or snaps can be used to make compartments customizable.
Using these material alternatives and enhancements lets you create an accordion drawer organizer that not only meets your organizational needs but also reflects your personal style and sustainability values. Whether you opt for traditional fabrics, recycled materials, or incorporate structural improvements, your DIY project can achieve both form and function.
Colorful Accordion Drawer Organizer Design Ideas
Click on any image to start the lightbox display. Use your Esc key to close the lightbox.
Watch this video to learn how to make your very own accordion drawer organizer.
Organizing Tips for Small Spaces
Living in a small space presents unique challenges regarding organization and storage. However, with creative solutions and strategic planning, it’s possible to make the most of every inch, reduce clutter, and create a functional living area. Incorporating an accordion drawer organizer can be a game-changer in achieving this goal, but numerous other strategies can enhance your ability to keep things in order.
Here are essential organizing tips for small spaces that go hand in hand with using an accordion drawer organizer to maximize efficiency and aesthetics.
Maximize Vertical Space
In small living areas, walls and doors represent valuable real estate for storage and organization. Install shelves, hooks, or hanging organizers to store items vertically. This approach works well for everything from books and decorative items to accessories and kitchen tools, complementing the functionality of an accordion drawer organizer in drawers and cabinets.
Opt for furniture and storage containers that can be stacked. This saves floor space and allows you to customize storage solutions to your needs. Stackable bins or boxes can be labeled and used in closets or under beds, working with accordion drawer organizers to keep items neatly separated and accessible.
Declutter Regularly
To maintain organization in a small space, adopt the “one in, one out” rule. For every new item that comes into your home, ensure an existing item is donated, sold, or recycled. This helps prevent overcrowding in storage areas and ensures your accordion drawer organizer remains effective and not overstuffed.
Set aside time for seasonal decluttering, focusing on clearing out items that no longer serve you or fit your lifestyle. This routine maintenance ensures that your space and accordion drawer organizers stay organized and functional, making it easier to find what you need when you need it.
Multifunctional Furniture
Furniture that doubles as storage can significantly enhance the usability of small spaces. Beds with drawers, ottomans with storage compartments, and couches with hidden storage offer extra places to store items, reducing the need for additional furniture and keeping your space organized alongside the use of accordion drawer organizers.
Optimize Unused Spaces
The space under your bed and other furniture pieces is often underutilized. Use slim storage containers, vacuum bags, or rolling drawers to store off-season clothing, extra bedding, or rarely used items. This strategy complements accordion drawer organizers by offloading less frequently used items from prime storage areas.
Identify unused nooks or corners in your home that could serve as additional storage or organizational spots. A small shelf, corner rack, or accordion drawer organizer can turn an empty corner into a functional storage space for books, electronics, or decorative items.
Implementing these organizing tips for small spaces can dramatically improve how you manage and enjoy your living area. The key is to be creative, consistent in decluttering, and thoughtful about the items you keep in your space. Doing so makes even the smallest home feel spacious, orderly, and welcoming.
Accordion Organizer for Different Uses
The versatility of an accordion drawer organizer extends far beyond its conventional use for storing socks and underwear. Its adaptable design makes it a perfect solution for a variety of organizational challenges across the home and office. By exploring different uses for the accordion drawer organizer, you can unlock new ways to declutter, systematize, and enhance the functionality of your living and workspaces.
Here, we delve into several innovative applications of this organizer to inspire a more organized lifestyle.
Jewelry Storage
An accordion drawer organizer can transform into an ideal storage solution for jewelry and accessories. Its compartments are perfect for separating necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings, preventing them from becoming tangled. This setup protects your precious items and makes it easier to see and choose the perfect accessory for your outfit.
Art Supplies Organization
Artists and craft enthusiasts can benefit greatly from using an accordion drawer organizer to sort their supplies. Whether for holding paints, brushes, markers, or pencils, the segmented spaces help keep creative tools organized and readily accessible. This method ensures that a messy workspace never hinders inspiration.
Kitchen Utensil Holder
In the kitchen, an accordion drawer organizer can serve as an ingenious solution for sorting utensils, spices, or baking tools. By assigning a compartment to different types of utensils or ingredients, you’ll streamline your cooking process, making meal preparation more efficient and enjoyable.
Office Desk Organizer
For those looking to boost their productivity at work, an accordion drawer organizer can be repurposed to hold office supplies such as pens, paper clips, sticky notes, and business cards. Keeping these items neatly organized within arm’s reach minimizes distractions and enables a smoother workflow.
Electronic Accessories Storage
Managing cables, chargers, and small electronic accessories is a common challenge in today’s digital age. An accordion drawer organizer can help tame this clutter by providing dedicated spaces for each item, reducing the time spent searching for a particular cable or adapter.
Makeup and Beauty Products Organizer
Beauty enthusiasts can use an accordion drawer organizer to sort their makeup, skincare products, and beauty tools. This organization method protects your products and simplifies your daily beauty routine by keeping everything in one place.
Children’s Toy and Craft Storage
Parents can employ accordion drawer organizers to manage small toys, LEGO pieces, craft supplies, or educational materials. This approach encourages children to participate in keeping their play area tidy and makes cleanup time quick and effortless.
Gardening Supplies Holder
For gardening enthusiasts, an accordion drawer organizer can conveniently store seed packets, gardening gloves, small tools, and plant markers. This organization tactic keeps your gardening supplies in order, making it easier to enjoy your hobby.
Craft Supply Organizer
Use an accordion drawer organizer to keep your crafting supplies in check. It’s ideal for segregating items like scrapbooking materials, beads, threads, and small tools. This organization method keeps everything visible at a glance and within easy reach, making your crafting sessions more efficient and enjoyable.
Home Office Supplies
An accordion drawer organizer can transform a cluttered desk drawer into a neatly organized workspace. Use it to sort small office supplies such as staples, rubber bands, binder clips, and USB drives. This helps in maintaining a clean desk surface and enhances productivity by minimizing the time spent searching for items.
First Aid Kit
Convert an accordion drawer organizer into a customized first aid kit for your home or office. Allocate compartments for bandages, antiseptics, gauze, scissors, and medications. This not only makes it easier to find what you need in an emergency but also ensures that supplies are kept in a clean and organized manner.
Sewing Supplies Storage
For sewing enthusiasts, an accordion drawer organizer is perfect for storing sewing notions such as needles, thread spools, buttons, and zippers. This setup prevents items from getting tangled or lost and keeps your sewing area tidy.
Snack and Tea Organizer
Utilize an accordion drawer organizer to sort individual snack packets, tea bags, or coffee pods. This is especially useful in kitchen drawers or pantry shelves, making it easy to see what you have and grab what you need without rummaging through boxes and bags.
Bathroom Vanity Organizer
In the bathroom, use an accordion drawer organizer to manage personal care items such as hair ties, bobby pins, small tubes of creams, and dental care essentials. This keeps your vanity drawer uncluttered and simplifies your morning and nighttime routines.
Gardening Seed Storage
Gardeners can use an accordion drawer organizer to sort and store seed packets by type, planting season, or any other category that suits their gardening system. This method keeps seeds organized and easily accessible, making planning and planting your garden a breeze.
Kids’ School Supplies
Help your kids keep their school supplies organized with an accordion drawer organizer. It’s perfect for holding pens, pencils, erasers, small notebooks, and other school essentials, making it easier for them to find what they need and keep their study area clean.
Decorative Customization Ideas
The accordion drawer organizer is a practical tool for decluttering and organizing your space and offers a unique opportunity for decorative customization. With a bit of creativity, these organizers can be transformed into visually appealing elements that enhance the aesthetic of any room.
Here are some decorative ideas to inspire your next project.
Color and Pattern Customization
Personalizing your accordion drawer organizer with your favorite colors or patterns can make a significant difference in how it blends with or stands out in your space. Use fabric paint, spray paint, or adhesive paper to add vibrant colors, chic patterns, or interesting textures that complement your room’s decor.
Textile Upgrades
Enhancing your accordion drawer organizer with different textiles can add depth and a tactile element to your storage. Consider covering or lining the compartments with velvet for jewelry, waterproof fabrics for bathroom storage, or burlap for a rustic look. This not only adds to the visual appeal but can also protect delicate items.
Embellishments and Accents
Adding embellishments like buttons, beads, lace, or embroidery can turn your accordion drawer organizer into a decor piece. These small details can make your organizer uniquely yours, Whether through sewing, gluing, or attaching with fasteners.
Thematic Decorations
Tailor your accordion drawer organizer to match the theme of the room it’s in. For a child’s bedroom, consider bright colors and characters. For a home office, sleek, minimalist designs or professional patterns can complement the environment. This thematic approach ensures your organizer not only serves a functional purpose but also contributes to the room’s overall ambiance.
Creative Labels
Labels are a practical addition to any organizer, but they can also serve as a decorative element. Use calligraphy, printed fonts, or even small frames to label each compartment. Not only does this help in identifying contents at a glance, but it also adds a professional or whimsical touch, depending on your style.
Lighting Enhancements
Consider integrating fairy lights into your accordion drawer organizer for a magical touch, especially in bedrooms or living areas. This can create a soft, ambient light source that highlights the items stored within and adds a cozy, inviting glow to the room.
Seasonal Decorations
Adapt your accordion drawer organizer to the season or upcoming holidays with temporary decorations such as themed stickers, seasonal colors, or holiday-specific accents. This flexibility allows you to keep your decor fresh and exciting throughout the year.
Using these decorative customization ideas into your accordion drawer organizer, you enhance its functionality and elevate it to a decor element that reflects your personal style and complements your space.
Conclusion
The versatility and adaptability of the accordion drawer organizer make it an indispensable tool for achieving a well-organized and efficient space. Beyond the conventional uses for clothing and accessories, this simple yet ingenious solution has proven its worth across many applications. From transforming chaotic kitchen drawers into neatly arranged culinary toolkits to turning a messy office desk into a productivity model, the accordion organizer has a place in virtually every corner of your home and life.
