How to Organize the Junk Drawer

The great part about having a junk drawer is knowing there’s a space for the random items you don’t know what to do with, but know you’ll need at some unspecified, undesignated time in the future. However, the downside is that unsatisfactory sinking feeling every time it’s opened. So, how do you organize the junk drawer?

The mishmash of loose batteries, office supplies, screws, playing cards, stamps, birthday candles, permanent glue, a tape measure and those old sunglasses you just can’t seem to part with not only jumbles the drawer, it clutters the mind.

A quick and easy fix:

1. Pull everything out. Clean drawer with a multi-purpose cleaner.
2. Separate out items that have a space somewhere else in the home but were stuck in the junk drawer out of convenience (i.e. over-the-counter meds, tools or office supplies if you have a garage or home office, etc.).
3. Throw away items that no longer make sense to hold onto (i.e. old phone chargers, elementary toys for your child who is now in college, expired meds, etc.).
4. Purchase an organizer for the drawer.

Types of organizers:

1. Junk Drawer Organizer – This most basic style is preformed into sections. It’s a great place to start and very affordable starting at $9.99. Popular stores with varying styles include The Container Store, Bed Bath & Beyond and Walmart.
2. Adjustable Organizer – This one is really cool because it adjusts with your lifestyle. And it doesn’t cost a whole lot more. Walmart carries a Bamboo Adjustable Organizer for about $21. The tray contains multiple slots throughout to put in dividers or leave empty for larger or smaller spaces. Coming in at only $15, Bed Bath & Beyond sells Real Simple 6-Piece Drawer Organizers, individual dividers that use the tension of your drawer walls to stay in place. However, with this option, the bottom of the drawer is exposed, so you may want to consider laying down a liner. For a more colorful look and a deep dig into creativity, The Container Store has a variety of Drawer Organizer Trays starting at $1.99 each in plastic, metal, felt and mesh with suggestions on how to build out a complete drawer.
3. Two-Tier Drawer Organizer – Need a little extra help? Get more space out of the drawer by building up. Staples sells an organizer for less than $9 that rest comfortably on the lip of a standard drawer, allowing larger items to be stored below it, and smaller items separated on top. The Container Store’s basic organizer does come in a two-tier model at no extra charge.