How to Organize Junk Drawers

Thoughtful and creative tips for how to organize junk drawers.

Let’s face it. Everyone has one. It’s the place random things get shoved when you’re in a hurry to get things off the counter. Or the place things go when you can’t think of anywhere else it fits. These drawers accumulate things for years, becoming a time capsule and memory box. As romantic as that may seem, eventually, they loose their function and just become a mess.

It’s time to clean when you’re unable to find the things you really want in your drawer, such as kitchen scissors, lighters for candles, spare keys, ect.

The task of cleaning the junk drawer may seem daunting. Follow the steps below to accomplish the mission.

Steps to a Organize Junk Drawers:

1. Empty all the contents.
2. Remove old lining and replace with new (if necessary). Wipe down or vacuum the drawer.
3. Sort drawer contents into piles.
4. Evaluate what “junk” actually has a home elsewhere in the house. Throw out the trash.
5. Use smaller boxes to organize little things.
6. Place everything back into the drawer.

Empty all Contents

This is the fastest way to organize anything, because it makes the task a necessity. Also, seeing the blank space will reset your mind. An empty drawer has far more possibilities than a cluttered one.

Replace Drawer Lining

Previously, this drawer had a rubber grip lining that wasn’t staying in place. Actually, it was adding to the problem of my messy drawer. This peel and stick paper liner is much better. Luckily, the size of the roll matched the depth at 18 inches. I only had to make one cut to fit the width. It was very convenient, and the white and blue design is pretty and fresh.

 

Sort the Contents

Group together like things, such as matches and lighters, bottle openers, and writing utensils. Since this drawer is where all the things go that are just not wanted elsewhere, there’s going to be similar items. Separating them by likeness will help you evaluate what really belongs in the drawer, and what has a home elsewhere.

Decide What Stays in the Drawer

Things that should stay in the drawer should be relative to the need. My drawer is in the kitchen, so I need bottle openers, scissors, and food savers. I’ll keep a few items of convenience as well, but consciously knowing they do not have a better place.

Things that do not belong in the drawer should go to their rightful places in the home or be tossed. Don’t be afraid to throw/give away stuff like goofy keychains or old rubber bands. If you haven’t used it in the last year or so, it’s just taking up space.

Writing utensils can easily get out of control in the junk drawer. You may want a few for convenience, but most should go to a desk drawer. This is about getting back to normal levels of drawer contents.

A lot of things are going to be better off somewhere else. Decorations left over from parties can go into decorating supply boxes. However, if your decor storage is in the garage, you may want to keep things like birthday candles in the drawer. I collect wine corks for projects, and so every now and then I just need to move them to their rightful place amongst the rest of my craft supplies. I also moved a few pad locks to storage in the garage and put my selfie stick in the car. I’m more likely to remember to use it if it’s already with me at special occasions.

Use Small Boxes 

Tiny things, like spare keys and eyeglass wipes, can easily clutter a drawer. To organize junk drawers, use a small boxes to help contain these smaller items. This saves space and the tiny things can’t scatter about the drawer with opening and closing. This also saves time when you are looking for something specific.

Refill the Drawer

Now that everything excess is put away, you’ll find the necessities remain. Put things used often toward the front, and less used items in the back. Now enjoy a sense of relief! There’s so much space. It’s hardly a junk drawer anymore. 🙂

Notes on Organize Junk Drawers

Accomplishing harmony in the home is an ongoing effort. Organizing this drawer brought me a sense of accomplishment and peace. If there’s a place in your home that isn’t functioning properly, it may be time to declutter. It will help to reset the space and your feelings toward it.

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