A Guide to Organize your Junk Drawer

I know it may be something you're hesitant to talk about with a professional organizer, but we gotta handle that junk drawer! Now, don't feel ashamed, we ALL have some degree of a junk drawer in our homes (even professional organizers!) However, we can't let it get out hand. A junk drawer can morph into a junk side table, then into a junk console, and before you know, it's turns into a junk virus, spreading throughout your home.

Your favorite professional organizer is here to help you get that dreaded junk drawer organized! The goal is not to eliminate the existence of a junk drawer in your home but instead make it a functional junk drawer. If you're tired of slipping things in your junk drawer and being scared to look in, follow the steps below.

Step 1: First, DECLUTTER
Take everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, out of your junk drawer (or junk drawers.) Dump it all out on the floor or a large table. Now, go through each item and decide if you need it or not (or as Marie Kondo would say, "Does it spark joy?") Do you really need 12 pens that barely write? What about those Chick-fil-a receipts from last year? If you're having doubts, you probably don't need it.

Step 2: Clean that drawer!
This is a great time to wipe down and clean the inside of the drawer before you put anything back in. Make sure to get in all the corners and take note of how much space you have in there for your stuff (reconsider decluttering more if you're thinking the drawer is smaller than you thought!)

Step 3: Sort your stuff
Look at the remaining contents and group similar items together. Try to make your "throwaway/recycle" pile the biggest one and don't hesitate to make a "relocation" pile to put items in different places in your home they are better suited for.  It is hard to tell you exactly what these groups should be because everybody's junk drawer is going to be unique! Here is an example of a categorized kitchen junk drawer to get you thinking:

• Scissors
• Coupons
• Chip bag clips
• Measuring spoons

Step 4: Choose a storage solution
Based on the number and types of categories you have for your junk drawer, choose a storage solution that has compartments to keep your things organized in your junk drawer. Make sure to measure your drawer! If there are gaps between the storage compartment(s) and the drawer, stuff is bound to get stuck where it shouldn't be. There are a bunch of different options at HomeGoods and Target for your junk drawer. Here are some Amazon links to check out 

• A heavy-duty drawer organizer
• A trendy bamboo drawer organizer
• A sleek, clear drawer organizer
• A fun, pattern set of small drawer compartments

That's your quick guide to organizing your junk drawer, according to a professional organizer. Now that your drawer is organized, it's time to keep it that way! Check out this post I wrote on maintaining organization to get some ideas.

If you're looking for more organization ideas and tips, follow Sage Organizing Co. on Pinterest and get ideas from a Professional Organizer!
 ​
Need more help with organizing your home? Contact us and book a consultation to start your organized life today!
Professional Disclaimer: The ideas, recommendations, and opinions on this website, blog, and made in person are for educational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered legal, financial, or medical advice. I am not an attorney, doctor, or licensed financial professional. Sage Organizing Co., LLC is not liable for any losses or damages related to actions or failure to act related to the content of this website, blog, or in-person discussions. If you need specific legal, financial, or medical advice, consult a professional in your area.

Related Articles:
            4 Easy Hacks to Organize your Pantry
            Unclog your Beauty Drawer with these 5 Hacks
            5 Tips to Organize your Closet TODAY