{a place for everything} organizing your medicine cabinet & first aid supplies

We have a lot of medicine at our house, lol.  Between vitamins for everyone, children and adult medication, and basic first aid supplies, it really adds up.  I like to have it all in one place, where it can be found quickly when needed.

The clear three-drawer system is my favorite way to organize it all.  There are several sizes to choose from, depending on the space you have, and how much room you need. They are perfect for separating medicine into categories, which is the most helpful aspect for me.  I like knowing I can go right to the pain relief drawer to find children’s Ibuprofen, and that I don’t have to search through bottles to get to it.

You can also use plastic bins to separate types of medicines within each drawer…which is next on my list!  Then you can group item together, for even better organization. I’m searching now for the perfect sizes, and hopefully I’ll finish it up this weekend.

It’s also a great way to know what you have, how much you have, and when something needs to be replaced. Avoiding emergency trips to the store anytime, especially in the middle of the night, are really nice to avoid!  If there is an expiration date, I write it on the bottle in black Sharpie, so it’s easier to read and remember. Most dosages are already on the bottle, but if I’ve received separate instructions from a doctor for a child younger than the age listed, than I’ll write that on as well.

Due to different needs in your home, your drawers may contain different items–or you may need additional drawers.  I have a son that’s diabetic, so we also have a whole separate three drawer system for him. Make sure to find a place for all medicines that is up high, and away from the reach of children.  A locked cabinet is best!

Take a peek into mine…

Basic First Aid:  

*band-aids, in all sizes, and lots of different characters!

*Neosporin

*burn relief

*aloe vera

*antiseptic wash

*Bactine

*calamine lotion

*items for bee stings

*tweezers and matches (for sterilization)

*rubbing alcohol and alcohol pads

{Bandages & Tape}

 *sterile bandages, both regular and non-stick, in several sizes

*first aide tape

*gauze

*flex tape

*small scissors

{Ace Bandages}

 pretty self explanatory :)

{Cold, Allergy, & Tummy}

*Pepto-Bismol, Imodium, Alka-seltzer

*Benadryl, Sudafed, Claritin–antihistamine, allergy & cough medicine for both children and adults

*Vapo-Rub

*Hydrocortizone cream

*Dramamine

{Pain Relief}

  *Tylenol, children & adult

*Ibuprofen, children & adult

*Icy Hot

*hot/cold pack

*digital & rectal thermometers

{Rx & Vitamins}

* all prescription medications, except those that need to be refrigerated

*vitamins for adults–including iron supplements that need to kept far away from a child’s reach

(I keep children’s vitamins up high in a kitchen cabinet–easier to give every morning!)

TIP: Include an emergency numbers list, with numbers for poison control, the local hospital, doctors, and more.

Labeling is important, too. I used vinyl (Champagne & Limousines font), but there are several options. You can also use a label maker if you have one, or you can print labels on paper, cover them in contact paper, and adhere them to the drawers.  I like covering labels in something I can clean and wash off, hence the contact paper.

There you go!  Anyone can do this, and I promise, it will make SUCH a huge difference!

{kierste}

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10 Comments

  1. Thanks for posting this! I’ve been frustrated with our mess of medicines for a long time. This inspired me to clean em up!

  2. This is great Kierste! I really need to get my medical supplies organized. I tried separating into a couple of boxes but that’s just not enough. Also need to round out my first aid kit. Thanks for the tips and the push!

  3. Great idea to stay stocked up on these items and know exactly where they are! Nothing like having the babysitter texting asking where the bandaids are (even I wasn’t sure!)

    xoxo, Tanya

  4. I like the drawer system! Perfect for having a place for everything. And we have two different storage bins for our sons diabetic supplies too. Thanks for sharing….

  5. I use this exact system and LOVE it. One additional tip: I have to take several prescription meds, but not necessarily every day. They all have exciting, clinical names that give zero indication what they are meant for, so I’ve started using a Sharpie to write on the label things like “sinus” and “reflux.” Ya know, so I don’t accidentally relieve a perfectly fine stomach but lose sleep because I can’t breathe. Gotta love turning 40 ….

    1. Traci–

      The extending letters (b, d, f, etc.) are just about 1 inch, and the other letters are relative to them–a little smaller. Hope this helps!!! XO

  6. Hi Kierste,
    I know this is an old post, but if you see this… I am totally new to this idea of vinyl lettering. I’ve been looking around to get some info, and am curious- do you print your own labels on vinyl sticky paper, or use pre-made letters? I do really like the look of your labels, and would love to do something similar if I can.
    Thank you,
    Leslie

    1. Hi, Leslie!!

      I did cut my own vinyl lettering on my Silhouette (www.silhouetteamerica.com). If you want to order vinyl, there is a company I’ve used for years, and love! http://writings-onthewall.com

      I used the century gothic font, in case you wanted the same style.

      You could also look for stickers at a scrapbook or hobby store–they might have something you like!!

      Good luck!!! xo

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