How to Organise Drawers Using Empty Milk Cartons

Keeping drawers tidy can feel like a surprisingly complicated daily task in many modern households. When small clothing items and assorted accessories build up, they quickly create visual clutter that slows down a busy morning routine. Fortunately, sustainable craft projects offer practical ways to solve this common household problem - including Japanese-inspired reuse ideas that turn discarded cartons into handy organisers.

How can you reuse cardboard rolls for organisation?

Empty toilet-roll tubes work brilliantly as individual compartments inside a drawer. This simple approach stops small items from spreading out and disappearing into awkward corners. By using this recycled material, you can create a neat, functional organisation system without spending money on shop-bought products.

As well as being eco-friendly, this solution adapts easily to drawers of many different sizes. You can vary the number of tubes to suit the space you have and organise your belongings more precisely. With a straightforward DIY method like this, your everyday wardrobe storage feels lighter and far more practical.

Below are the essential materials you’ll need to begin this sustainable craft project:

• Six empty toilet-roll tubes
• Gift wrap or colourful fabric
• Hot glue, PVA glue, or instant adhesive

What are the advantages of upcycling old rolls?

Choosing upcycling helps cut down the amount of waste sent into the environment. Turning cardboard tubes into useful organisers extends the lifespan of materials that would otherwise be thrown away. It’s a mindful habit that supports household savings and prevents waste in a genuinely smart way.

The Nordic idea of lagom focuses on balance and moderation in everyday life. Making your own organising pieces fits perfectly with that mindset of conscious consumption. Keeping spaces in order can bring a valuable sense of calm and also enhance your home décor with simplicity.

Below is a video from the YouTube channel kikinha arteira that explores the points discussed in this topic in more detail.

How do you make the organiser step by step?

To begin, cover each tube individually using your chosen paper or fabric. Take care to fold the inner edges neatly so the finish looks tidy and attractive. This first stage is key to giving the recycled material a fresh look in a creative way.

Next, apply a small amount of glue to the sides of the covered tubes. Press the tubes together and hold them firmly for a few seconds until they are fully set. This quick process creates a strong, durable structure that holds your personal items securely.

Essential Craft Kit

Key steps

Follow the recommended stages below to get the best result from your DIY make:

• 1 Cover the rolls individually with paper
• 2 Join the sides using hot glue
• 3 Place the finished structure inside a small drawer

What items can be stored in this organiser?

This versatile piece is ideal for storing socks and underwear in a clean, orderly way. Preventing delicate fabrics from getting mixed together helps protect fibres and makes it easier to grab what you need on rushed days. The method keeps everything visibly organised and saves valuable time.

If you add a firm base to the structure, it becomes even more useful. You can then store costume jewellery and device cables - the sorts of items that often go missing day to day. This smart adjustment improves how you use the available space and adds helpful versatility.

Here are the types of small items that tend to fit best into these eco-friendly compartments:

• Folded pairs of socks
• Underwear
• Cables and electronic accessories

How can you keep drawers organised long term?

Staying organised relies on simple discipline and putting each item back where it belongs straight away. Building the habit of folding pieces before storing them makes a noticeable difference in daily life. Consistency prevents clutter from building up again and maintains the harmony you worked to achieve.

Checking the condition of the compartments from time to time helps ensure the system continues to work well. Replacing any damaged tubes keeps your furniture clean and visually pleasant. This small routine reinforces caring for your home and supports everyday wellbeing.