We all have one: the infamous "junk drawer." It's that catch-all space in your home where everything, from loose batteries to rubber bands, mysteriously accumulates. Over time it becomes a chaotic, cluttered mess that seems impossible to tame. But fear not! Organizing your junk drawer is easier than you think and, believe it or not, incredibly satisfying. With just a few simple steps, you can turn your messy drawer into a tidy haven.
Let’s dive into how to conquer this project and transform your space.
Step 1: Empty the Drawer and Clean
- Start by emptying your junk drawer onto a flat surface to assess what to keep.
- Clean the drawer thoroughly to remove dirt and crumbs, making the organization easier.
Consider adding a non-slip liner to the bottom to keep items in place as you return organizers and belongings, ensuring everything stays tidy.
Step 2: Sort Items by Category
Now comes the fun part—sorting! The key to maintaining an organized junk drawer is grouping similar items together.
Sort your junk drawer:
- Stationery: Collect scissors, pens, pencils, paper clips, and sticky notes for easy access during everyday tasks.
- Household Essentials: Group less frequently used, but still essential, items like extra batteries, matches, and rubber bands together.
- Miscellaneous: This category, which is often the largest, typically includes coins, keys, spare buttons, and other small items that don't fit elsewhere. While it’s tempting to toss anything without a home into the drawer, now is the time to filter out items that don’t belong.
- Throw Away Pile: While sorting your drawer, set aside broken, outdated, or unnecessary items and throw them away or recycle them. This ensures your drawer only contains what you truly need.
Step 3: Organize with Containers and Dividers
Now that you've sorted your items, it's time to organize them. Consider using small containers, dividers, or trays to create an easily accessible drawer. Before shopping, check your home for items you can repurpose, such as small boxes or jars. If needed, inexpensive drawer organizers are available in various sizes.
When placing items back, group them by the categories you created—stationery, household essentials, and miscellaneous. Use dividers and containers to keep them separated.
Position frequently used items at the front for easy access and less commonly used items towards the back. This will help you maintain a neat and orderly system for quick retrieval.
Bonus Tips for Maintaining Your Tidy Junk Drawer
Now that you've tackled the junk drawer and organized it beautifully, it’s time for the next challenge: keeping it that way! Here are some friendly tips to help you maintain that neatness and keep clutter at bay:
- Be Selective About What Goes In: Keep only items you frequently use or truly need. Consider relocating or discarding things you don't use. Challenge yourself not to hold onto something "just in case." Follow the 20/20 rule: if you can replace a "just in case" item for under $20 in under 20 minutes, let it go.
- Easy Access: Place commonly used items like scissors, tape, or a notepad in the front or on top so you can grab them easily without disturbing the rest of the drawer.
- Label Compartmentalized Areas: Labeling drawer sections helps family members or housemates know where items belong; use a label maker or masking tape for easy identification.
- Revisit the Drawer Periodically: Check your junk drawer to ensure it remains relevant and clutter-free.
Organizing your junk drawer may seem minor, but it significantly improves your daily life. By emptying, cleaning, sorting, and organizing, you’ll create a functional, stress-free space where everything is easy to find.
Happy organizing!
📺Rightsize Room-by-Room With Big Rocks Organizing
Watch the replay of our “The Junk Drawer” workshop here!