Last year I had a little remodeling project that was a bit out of hand. In the end I remodeled the entire kitchen. It’s about another day and another blog post. But I’m really grateful for some of the changes that have come from this modification, especially the new DIY charging drawer.
We’ve added more drawers to the bottom cabinet. Because they are much more practical and easy to use. And in doing so, it freed up a lot of space. For the first time, I had a drawer that I had no purpose. I remembered seeing on Pinterest years ago about creating charging drawers and docking drawers.
This has now become one of our most commonly used drawers (probably just after the silverware and spice drawers). I love that it also leads to healthier technical habits.
In this post, I will show you how I created a charging drawer with a drawer I already had. We’ll also explain why it’s so important to keep our devices away from the bedroom. Furthermore, I share that this small change has had a major impact on our family’s technical habits.
Why it’s important to keep your device out of the bedroom
Let’s start by talking about having a charging drawer in the kitchen or why another common area is a game changer. Especially when it comes to sleep hygiene and overall health. Many of us are guilty of bringing our phones into our bedroom, whether we check social media, respond to emails, or scroll through (to be honest) endless reels. However, there are some important reasons why this may not be the healthiest choice.
The effect of blue light on sleep
One of the most obvious reasons to avoid having a device near your bed is the effect of blue light on sleep. The screens of mobile phones, tablets, and other electronic devices emit blue light. This can interfere with the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates our sleep-wake cycle. Research has shown that exposure to blue light before bed can slow the start of sleep, reduce sleep quality, and make it difficult to fall into deep, recovering sleep.
By keeping the device out of the bedroom, you can help your body naturally wrap around without the interference of artificial light. If you’ve ever noticed that you’ve unconsciously scrolling on your phone before going to bed before you start to sleep, then you’ve experienced this firsthand. Solution? Place your phone, tablet, or other devices in a dedicated charging space outside your bedroom. Like the charging drawer I created.
If you don’t want to do that, there are things we can do. Examples include placing a red light filter on the phone and wearing blue light block glasses. You can also switch to something like a daylight computer (I love this for journaling and writing at night).
Reduce distractions late at night
Another problem with having devices near the bed is the constant temptation to check them out. Whether it’s an urgent job email, a text from a friend, or the latest news update. This constant connectivity can lead to late-night distractions, and it makes you feel uneasy with wired rather than relaxing and ready to rest.
The charging drawer allows you to create healthy boundaries between the bedroom and the outside world. By setting solid rules that your device must be billed in the kitchen or in another designated space, you are less likely to check in the middle of the night. This simple habit can help improve sleep quality and help to be more present in the family during the day.
Improved focus and connection
If your device is hidden in a drawer, it’s easier to focus on the present moment. For families, this means spending better quality time together without texting, gaming or scrolling distractions. By having a designated area for charging devices, we recommend that everyone be more intentional about when and how to use the technology.
Now, let’s talk about how I created this charging drawer and why it was such a game changer in our home.
How did you create a DIY charging drawer?
Creating a charging drawer in my kitchen was a relatively simple project and didn’t require many flashy tools or skills. I started with the drawers I already had in my kitchen and with some small adjustments I turned it into a functional and organized space for the charging device. This is how I did it!
Step 1: Find the drawer on the right
The kitchen had a drawer that was less used and a bit confusing, so I decided to reuse it for this project. Ideally, the drawers should be in a space that is easily accessible to the whole family, but not in high traffic areas that can be distracted. Our kitchen worked perfectly as it was close to our family’s daily activities, but that’s not the place we go to relax in the evening.
You don’t need to buy a new drawer. Finding what you already have in your kitchen, office, or living room and aren’t serving much of a purpose. If the drawers are too small or shallow, we recommend considering replacing them with something deeper that can accommodate multiple devices.
Step 2: Attach the power strip inside the drawer
This is where magic happens! The key to doing the charging drawer work is to add a power strip or surge protector within the drawer. This will connect all your devices to one place and keep everything organized and invisible.
I chose a power strip that fits perfectly inside the drawer. There were enough outlets to charge multiple devices at once. It is important to choose a power strip that has long enough cords to reach your nearest outlet. Additionally, something with surge protection is required to ensure the safety of your device. Make sure the power strips are located so that airflow can prevent overheating. To achieve this, I rewired the plug that had its interior face facing outward towards the side of the cabinet. This made the cabinets mostly open. Currently, kitchen trash bags and large containers are stored.
You can also add a charging cord long enough to comfortably reach your device from the power strip. It is recommended to keep different code for different devices. This is recommended for iPhone, Android, and iPad and tablet codes.
I found a power strip specifically designed for this. But for nearly $300 each, I was hoping to try the DIY options and am pleased.
Step 3: Add a silicone mat to protect the drawer
Once the power strip was installed, I added a silicone mat to the bottom of the drawer. This protects the surface and prevents all devices from slipping. The silicone mat is heat resistant, not slip-proof, and is easy to clean, making it perfect for this type of project. They also keep everything in place and add a nice touch of organization that looks tidy.
Step 4: Organize your code and devices
Now comes the fun part: organizing your code and devices. I tried to keep everything clean and accessible. I used a small clip to prevent this from getting tangled. We also made sure that each device has enough space to rest comfortably while charging.
For our family, charging drawers have become our go-to place for mobile phones, iPads and other devices that require charging. Everyone knows where to connect their devices. You don’t even have to search for chargers or fight over who can plug in first.
Our Family Charging Routines and Screen Time Habits
I added a charging drawer to the kitchen and it really helped me establish healthy habits regarding the use of the device. Here’s how we use it:
The device is charged overnight in the kitchen. I created a rule that phones, iPads and other devices need to be charged overnight in the drawer. This means that no one wants to check their devices late at night. And we are awake on a fully charged device and ready for the future. There is no screen after it gets dark. I try to avoid using the screen after it gets dark, especially until before bed. With a recharged drawer, it is much easier to keep your device out of reach during this period. This habit has helped improve the quality of sleep, especially for children. High-tech detox for the whole family: It has also become a habit of avoiding screens while eating family members. This made dinner time a more connected experience. Use this time to catch up, chat about the day, and focus on each other without distractions.
Conclusion: Benefits of DIY Charging Drawers
Adding a DIY charging drawer to our kitchen is one of the best things we have done for family tech habits. This is a simple solution that promotes healthier sleep, reduces distraction and encourages more mindful use of the device. By storing your phones and tablets in dedicated spaces, we created a better boundary between technology and relaxation. It also improves overall well-being.
If you’re looking for an easy way to make your home more organized and tech-friendly, I highly recommend setting up a DIY charging drawer. It doesn’t take much time and the benefits are totally worth it!
Happy recharge, and this is a healthier technical habit for the whole family!
What are your family rules and habits around your devices? Leave a comment and let us know!
