The junk drawer, despite its name, serves as a vital storage space for miscellaneous items that are hard to categorize.
However, it’s crucial to declutter this space to avoid it becoming a pit of useless stuff—like expired coupons or dead batteries.
We consulted with cleaning specialists and organization experts to uncover effective strategies to tackle your junk drawer, focusing on what to keep and how to arrange it efficiently.
Strategies to Organize Your Junk Drawer
Considering how much effort we put into organizing other drawers throughout our home, it’s puzzling how junk drawers accumulate. Lina DaSilva, a cleaning expert, notes that these clutter hotspots often arise from our tendency to hold on to items for potential future use:
“We tend to keep bits and pieces that we think might be useful someday,” she explains. “This blend of procrastination and sentimentality is a common human behavior.”
1. Keep Only What’s Necessary
Your junk drawer should be devoid of actual junk, emphasizes Kimberly Corey, an organization expert. It should house only practical items that you’d regret discarding but have nowhere else to put. This typically includes tools, manuals, cords, and batteries.
“Every household's needs vary,” she adds. “However, essentials like scissors, tape, staplers, pens, and glue sticks are universally useful. Also consider chargers, batteries, measuring tapes, rubber bands, lighters, and matches—small items that don’t fit neatly with other larger categories.”
Since 2000, Kimberly's company has assisted individuals in decluttering, organizing, and transforming spaces to reduce anxiety and enhance functionality in their homes.
2. Adopt a Six-Month Review System
If you’re concerned about letting go of items, consider implementing the six-month rule. This method involves reassessing the contents of your drawer every six months.
According to DaSilva, “If you haven’t used something in the past six months, it’s likely not essential for the future.” This approach encourages realistic decluttering habits.
3. Sort Items into Categories
Just like organizing other drawers, your junk drawer should be categorized to streamline what you keep and avoid tossing random items in. Kimberly Corey suggests:
“Remove items one at a time, grouping them by category in a staging area. Once everything is out, evaluate each category. Keep what you truly use and consider donating or recycling everything else. Ask yourself if each item is essential enough to remain in the drawer.”
4. Invest in Suitable Organizers
Using tailored drawer organizers is key to managing various categories and avoiding chaos, notes Hashi Mohamed, president of a cleaning service.
“Measure your drawers and select organizers that fit perfectly to prevent items from falling between spaces. This makes it easier to maintain order,” he explains. “Label containers as needed to ensure quick access to what you need.”
25 PCS Drawer Organizer Set Clear Plastic | $17.99, Amazon
This set includes 25 trays in various sizes, allowing you to customize your drawer organization.
Common Questions
Is a junk drawer acceptable?
Maintaining a junk drawer can be beneficial as long as it remains organized and free from actual waste, such as dead batteries or outdated menus. When managed properly, it serves as a handy spot for miscellaneous items.
What essentials should a junk drawer contain?
Key items for any junk drawer include batteries, tape, scissors, a hammer, a measuring tape, and a flashlight. These are practical items that every household may need at some point.
While it may not require daily attention, regularly checking your junk drawer is advisable. Every six months is a good standard, but if you frequently access it, aiming for monthly checks can help keep it tidy.
