Every kitchen seems to hide a secret – the often dreaded but ubiquitous junk drawer. Even professional organizers like Lindsey Mahanna from Clutter to Clarity Home Organizing LLC admit to having them. Although not necessarily a source of pride, they are practical for odd items that fit nowhere else. The problem arises when these drawers fill up, becoming chaotic and impossible to navigate. If you’re set to overhaul yours, here’s some expert advice.
Start by emptying the drawer completely, as advised by Rose Pulver of The Thoughtful Home. It might feel overwhelming, but dumping everything out is a necessary first step. Evaluate each item critically – if you haven’t used it in a year, it’s time to toss it. Duplicate items, like extra rolls of tape, should be relocated to appropriate storage spots.
Keep your junk drawer streamlined to essentials like a pair of scissors, a roll of tape, pens, a permanent marker, and a designated section for loose items, such as spare keys. Pulver also recommends revisiting the drawer every six months to keep it tidy, discarding or rehoming unused things.
Classify what remains – which could help in deciding what stays and what relocates. Items such as screws or screwdrivers might find a better home in the garage. Place items where you often use them. Utilize drawer organizers to maintain order, with many affordable options available.
If you discover more than one junk drawer in your home, you likely have too much clutter. Mahanna suggests confining yourself to a single junk drawer to prevent clutter from spiraling. Use effective organizing tools to keep everything in its place once you’ve decluttered it.
Remember, minimalism in your junk drawer prevents it from becoming a catch-all for unnecessary items. Moving those items to more suitable locations, like a toolbox or a medicine cabinet, ensures that your space remains efficient and clutter-free.
