Mastering the Art of Taming Your Junk Drawer for Good

What’s the one universal feature in every kitchen, aside from a fridge and stove? More often than not, it’s a junk drawer. Even professional organizers like Lindsey Mahanna, founder of Clutter to Clarity Home Organizing LLC, confess to having one. Though they may not be a source of pride, junk drawers serve a practical purpose by storing miscellaneous items that lack a designated spot elsewhere in the house.

While handy, these drawers can quickly turn into chaotic messes if neglected. It’s not uncommon for a junk drawer to become so packed that closing it feels like a challenge, or so disorganized that finding a simple pen requires a full-scale search mission. We understand the struggle. If you’re determined to finally declutter and organize your junk drawer, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you succeed.

Start by Decluttering

Rose Pulver, a professional organizer and co-founder of The Thoughtful Home, recommends beginning the decluttering process by emptying the entire drawer. “It might feel overwhelming, but it’s a crucial step,” she explains. “Once everything is out, carefully evaluate each item to determine if it’s truly necessary. Discard old receipts, rubber bands, business cards, and anything else that hasn’t been used in the past year.”

Remember to eliminate or relocate duplicates. For instance, store one roll of tape in your junk drawer and place the other with your wrapping supplies or wherever you keep additional household essentials.

Retain Only the Essentials

Your junk drawer doesn’t need to hold everything. Pulver advises limiting its contents to practical items like scissors, tape, chapstick, pens, a permanent marker, and a designated spot for small, loose objects such as spare house keys. “Make it a habit to review the drawer every six months to prevent clutter from building up again,” she suggests. “Remove any unused or unnecessary items by either discarding them or finding them a new home.”

Next, Organize by Category

Once you’ve decluttered, Pulver suggests sorting the remaining items into categories. “This approach helps you clearly see what you own and simplifies decisions about what stays and what goes,” she explains. “After categorizing, think about which items might belong elsewhere. For instance, tools like screws, screwdrivers, and masking tape could be better stored in the garage or basement.”

Use Drawer Organizers for Neat Arrangement

Mahanna recommends using drawer organizers to maintain order in your junk drawers. She favors an affordable set available on Amazon, though there are numerous alternatives to choose from.

For junk drawers containing items of various sizes and shapes, adjustable drawer dividers are an excellent solution to keep everything in place.

Limit Yourself to a Single Junk Drawer

If you’re tackling more than one junk drawer, it’s a sign you might have too much clutter. Mahanna advises restricting your home to just one junk drawer. “Stick to a single drawer to prevent it from turning into a dumping ground,” she suggests. “After decluttering and confirming its necessity, use organizing tools to maintain its tidiness.”

For those with multiple junk drawers, consider relocating items to more appropriate spots. For instance, place the measuring tape in your toolbox or move the ibuprofen to the medicine cabinet. When it comes to junk, simplicity and minimalism are key.