Eliminating “Junk” from the Junk Drawer

A client of mine recently asked, “How can I store my junk?”  When I first heard the question I thought, “Buy a few organizers and create a place for each item.”  Then I suddenly realized I was about to give horrible advice…we don’t “store” junk! Junk is what’s no longer used or no longer needed.  Junk is what we donate or throw away, not what we store.

Despite the fact that no household should be storing junk, most kitchens across America have at least one “junk drawer.”  In order to keep your junk drawer organized and purposeful, use these helpful tips as a guide.

First, sort through your junk drawer with a trash can handy.  As you pick up each item, ask yourself questions like, “Do I need it?” and “Do I use it?”  These questions will help you take the “junk” out of your junk drawer.

Once everything is sorted, buy a junk drawer organizer.  This drawer insert creates compartments for miscellaneous items that are often kept in junk drawers, such as rolls of tape and post-it® notes.

Junk Drawer Organizer

You can also keep clutter from building up by using magnetic spice containers to store smaller items like push pins, paper clips and rubber bands.  These cool containers can stick onto the side of the fridge, keeping loose items tidy and organized.

Magnetic Spice Containers

Remember, next time you want to toss something into your “junk drawer,” make sure it is an item you will truly need, use and have space for.  Think of your space as a sanctuary for living - only keep things that will benefit your daily life.  If you can call it “junk,” throw it away.

Kick that junk to the curb and say hello to order!

Happy Organizing,