The IKEA Kitchen Drawer Hack That Makes Organizing So Much Easier

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A well-organized kitchen goes a long way toward helping you make delicious dishes — it's much easier to whip up your culinary masterpieces when you can find what you need. If your cabinets or drawers are so cluttered that you can't access your spices, a clever hack using an affordable IKEA kitchen item will help you get some order in no time. The retailer's MOSSLANDA picture ledges, normally used to display wall art, can easily be repurposed into an effective organizer for your kitchen drawer. This simple addition works well as a riser, elevating your spices so they're easy to see.

The MOSSLANDA is available starting at $7.99 from IKEA in-store and online. You can choose between two lengths (21 3/4 inches and 45 1/4 inches), as well as several color variations. With the ledges available in white, black, oak, walnut, and stained pine shades, it's easy to find an option that complements your kitchen decor.  The instant tiers this hack creates means you don't need to fumble in a dark, messy cabinet to retrieve a specific spice. You'll also be able to spot when spices are running low or nearly expiring, so you don't get a surprise next time you're in the middle of cooking a big meal. Beyond spices, this kitchen hack works for other tiny pantry staples, such as small jarred or canned goods, baking extracts, or mini bottled sauces.

If you have deep kitchen drawers, choosing the shallowest drawer helps you to maximize space. Empty the drawer, then wipe down the inside of the drawer. Start by measuring the drawer's width to ensure you buy the right size for your needs. The MOSSLANDA comes in two lengths, but you may need to cut one down for the perfect fit, or you can choose a shorter ledge and leave a space along the side for larger items or smaller storage bins. 

Flip the ledge upside down, with the back, flat side facing up. Start at the back of the drawer, and prop additional ledges in front of the previous ones to create several slanted rows that will hold spice containers. If your spices are still in the original containers, their varying sizes and shapes may limit how many you can store at once. Consider transferring them to identical-size containers to help streamline your ledge storage and make it aesthetically pleasing. One option is the IKEA RATJAN spice jars, which sell for $4.99 for a four-pack. Add labels to easily identify spices at a glance.

The ledge may slide, especially when you open or close it. To prevent this, line the drawer with shelf liner to protect your cabinets and drawers. This will offer grip and keep the MOSSLANDA firmly in place. Another option is to use a small ball of a non-toxic adhesive like QuakeHOLD! museum putty on its base. Since you'll be able to see your stored items easier, make a routine of going through them regularly to weed out old and expired spices. Most ground spices last an average of two to three years and won't pack the same potent flavor as they get older.