How to Reuse Ice Cream Tubs as Drawer Organisers

Reusing ice cream tubs as drawer organisers is an easy way to give a fresh purpose to a material that would usually be thrown away. Drawing on Japanese practices that discourage waste, this approach shows how an everyday kitchen item can become a practical household solution, helping to keep things tidy at home.

How should you prepare ice cream tubs to use as organisers?

Before converting the tubs, it is essential to prepare them thoroughly. Cleaning removes lingering smells and residue, making the new organiser suitable for drawers containing clothes, utensils or delicate items, in keeping with the principle of treating objects that remain in use with care.

Once they have been cleaned, plan any cuts by measuring the drawer’s internal height so that the tubs sit securely and remain easy to reach. Use sturdy scissors or a sharp craft knife carefully, as the plastic is generally straightforward to trim and adapt to the available space.

1. Thorough washing: Remove labels, food remnants and grease using warm water and mild washing-up liquid.
2. Complete drying: Leave the tubs upside down on a draining rack until all moisture has gone, preventing mould from developing inside the drawer.
3. Odour removal: If needed, leave them for a few minutes with water and a little bicarbonate of soda, then rinse them afterwards.
4. Checking for cracks: Dispose of tubs that are damaged or have sharp edges, as these could snag fabrics or scratch the drawer itself.

How can ice cream tubs be used as drawer dividers?

A practical way to reuse ice cream tubs is to turn them into dividers for cutlery drawers, kitchen utensils or office supplies. Spoons, forks, pens and small accessories will no longer get mixed together, making them easier to find.

To make daily use simpler, adjust the tubs’ height and shape, and even personalise their interiors. The following straightforward steps can help you create a system tailored to your drawer:

1. Measure the drawer: Check its width and depth to establish how many tubs will fit side by side.
2. Trim the height: Lower the rims so that the tubs sit slightly below the drawer sides, making them easier to handle.
3. Adapt the shape: If necessary, cut one side so that two tubs slot together like blocks, without leaving empty gaps.
4. Personalise the inside: Stick a piece of self-adhesive covering film or thin fabric to the base for a more pleasant, understated finish.
5. Organise by category: Allocate one tub to each type of cutlery or utensil, keeping similar items together.

• Variation: The same method can be adapted for office drawers, separating pens, paper clips and notepads.
• Care: Avoid overfilling each tub so that it does not become misshapen under weight or daily use.

How can you create shallow trays for underwear and socks?

Another option is to turn the tubs into shallow trays for underwear, socks or scarves. Arranging items side by side in low layers makes it easier to see everything at once and prevents untidy piles.

For this type of reuse, you can also use fabric offcuts, felt or paper already available at home. As well as making the inside look more attractive, this detail helps shield delicate fabrics from rubbing against the plastic.

1. Cut away the upper section: Remove most of the tub’s sides, leaving only a low rim to create a tray.
2. Round off the edges: Lightly sand the cut corners to remove rough edges that could catch threads in fabrics.
3. Line the base: Use fabric offcuts, felt or paper to cover the interior, securing it carefully with glue.
4. Arrange them in the drawer: Position the trays side by side, forming rows for socks, knickers, pants or folded bras.
5. Separate by use: Assign each tray to a type of item or frequency of use, speeding up the process of getting dressed.

How do you assemble modular boxes for multi-purpose drawers?

For drawers containing a mixture of cables, remote controls, small electronic devices, medicines and other small items, ice cream tubs can become modular boxes. Each tub works as a “block” that can be moved or regrouped as needs change.

By keeping them close to their original height and adding simple labels to the sides, these containers become small boxes with clearly defined categories. Rather than rummaging through the entire drawer, you can simply pull out the right tub, keeping everything orderly with minimal effort while extending the useful life of something that would otherwise be discarded.