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For a long time my junk drawer was the bane of my existence. I couldn’t keep it tidy for more than a few of weeks and I didn’t have a system for organization that worked. I finally revamped my entire paper clutter & junk drawer organization and like magic, my junk drawer has finally stayed organized!
I realized throughout the process that I had three main issues keeping my junk drawer messy: paper clutter, keeping the wrong items, and lack of clear organization of those items. Here’s how I solved each issue:
Paper Clutter Needs Separate Organization
When you don’t have a clear system for organizing papers and documents, it often ends up in the junk drawer. Receipts, gift cards, bills, flyers, mail, etc. have a way of piling up on counters and in junk drawers when no one knows exactly what to do with them. Start by setting up a system to specifically address those pesky papers.
>> Need some ideas for how to organize paper clutter? Check out my system here.
Only Keep Certain Items in Your Junk Drawer
I recommend including commonly used office and home utility items. You should tailor this to what your family uses, but here are some recommended ideas:
- Scissors
- Super glue
- Stapler
- Scotch tape
- Post-it notes
- Pencils & pens
- Highlighters & sharpies
- Extra phone chargers
- Masking tape
- Packing tape
- Utility Knife
- Measuring tape
- Flashlight
- Lighter
- Extra garage door openers, mailbox keys, etc.
>> Tip: If you don’t have a clear place in your home to keep keys, wallets, chapstick, etc., I suggest keeping an open area in your junk drawer specifically for those items. This provides a clean, tucked away spot if you don’t already have a designated area!
Here’s what I recommend you do NOT include in your junk drawer:
- Paper Clutter
- Receipts, gift cards, mail, flyers, etc.
- Medicine
- First Aid Items
- Batteries
- Takeout Condiment Packets
- Gift Wrap Supplies
- Coins/Cash
I addressed paper clutter above, but the other items listed should have their own space. I keep my medicine and first aid items in a separate area (near my junk drawer, but not in it), and I have specific organizers for batteries and gift wrap that I love! In my humble opinion, condiment packets should just be thrown out, but you can of course make a place for those in your pantry if you love to hoard chick-fil-a sauce like my husband!
Invest in Some Drawer Organizers
Once you have decided on your included items, you need to have a clear organization system to keep everything in its place within the drawer. Drawer organizers are the perfect solution for this! I have used both bamboo organizers and acrylic organizers. They have different price points and looks, but both are very effective in laying out your drawer in a functional way.
Shop My Favorite Drawer Organizers
Group like-items together such as office supplies on one side of the drawer and utility-type items on the other. It can take a bit of trial and error to see how everything fits together, but the natural flow of organization should make sense for how your family uses the drawer.
Any of these pitfalls sound familiar? I would love to hear what has worked for in the comments!
