{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}