Turn An Old Desk Organizer Into A Unique Utensil Holder That Declutters Your Counters

If your kitchen counters are starting to feel like a jumble of spoons, spatulas, and random cooking items, you're not alone. Utensil crocks fill up quickly, drawer space is limited, and suddenly every meal prep session turns into a mini scavenger hunt. Before you add another organizer to your cart, though, take a cue from TikTok creator @anastasha_art and look around your home. That old wooden desk organizer sitting in your office or tucked in a closet might be exactly what you need to declutter your kitchen. It's one of those budget-friendly ideas to organize your kitchen.

Wood desk organizers are already constructed to help you organize: they have divided compartments, small drawers, and a design that fits well against a wall. All of those features translate surprisingly well to a utensil holder. If you don't already have one collecting dust, these are easy to find at your local thrift store and super cheap to purchase. Plus, you don't need anything super fancy for this decluttering hack. All you need is a screwdriver, a bit of sandpaper, dish soap, a scrub brush, and your choice of paint. If you don't have a desk organizer, here's an easy utensil organizing hack that doesn't take up cabinet or counter space. 

Start this kitchen counter decluttering hack by removing any hardware, knobs, or label plates, and slide out the drawers (if it has any) so you can work on each piece separately. Give everything a quick sanding to knock down any gloss and help the new paint stick. Then, take the organizer to the sink and wash it with warm water, dish soap, and a scrub brush. Make sure to pay attention to the corners where dust and old ink might be hiding. Rinse it well, and then let it dry completely. 

Next comes the fun part: color and design. Chalk mineral paint is a great choice because it grips most surfaces and provides a soft, matte finish. For the drawers, you can decoupage decorative napkins or tissue paper onto the fronts for a custom, high-end look. Brush on your decoupage medium of choice, smooth the napkin over the surface, and seal it with another thin layer on top. Once the organizer and drawers are dry, reattach the hardware and slide everything back into place.

Your new utensil holder is now ready for service. Tall compartments can hold spatulas, straws, wooden spoons, whisks, tongs, and serving utensils, while shallow sections are perfect for everyday flatware. Use the drawers for spice packets, tea bags, chip clips, or even small dishcloths. Try labeling the drawers or lining the bottom with contact paper for easy cleaning. This hack isn't limited to the kitchen, either. You can make another version for your bathroom counter to help organize makeup brushes, eyeliners, and skincare bottles. It's one of those easy bathroom storage hacks that keeps your favorite items together and countertops clear.