How to Clean Out Your Junk Drawer (Without Losing Your Mind)
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Learn how to clean out your junk drawer with easy decluttering tips, organizing hacks, and smart storage ideas to turn chaos into order fast.
Let’s be honest: we all have a junk drawer. And if you don’t, I’m low-key suspicious of your entire personality.
The junk drawer is the wild west of household storage—a place where rubber bands, rogue screws, dried-up pens, and mystery keys go to vibe.
And while it is completely acceptable to have a junk drawer (they actually serve a purpose!), there comes a time when it goes from “catch-all” to “can’t-close.”
If your junk drawer is starting to stress you out or has become the Bermuda Triangle of your house, it’s time for an intervention. Here’s how to clean it out and make it function like the little chaotic superstar it was always meant to be.
Why It’s Okay to Have a Junk Drawer
Not everything needs a perfect, labeled home. Some things are just… random. That’s why a junk drawer can be a smart, intentional space—IF you keep it in check.
Think of it as a VIP lounge for small, useful, semi-homeless items.
When to Clean It Out
- When it won’t close.
- When you’re digging for a paperclip for 10 minutes.
- When you’re scared to stick your hand in it.
- When you find ketchup packets from a restaurant that no longer exists.
How to Declutter Your Junk Drawer Like a Pro
1. Dump It All Out
Yes, the whole thing. Spread it out and brace yourself. You’re about to meet every twist tie and half-burned birthday candle you’ve ever owned.
2. Toss the Trash
Go on a power trip. Old receipts, mystery crumbs, broken pencils, dried-out markers—BYE.
3. Ask: Do I Even Use This?
If you haven’t used it in the last 6 months and it doesn’t spark joy or light a candle, maybe it’s time to let it go.
4. The Pen Situation
Let’s talk about it.
- You probably only need 2-3 pens in the drawer.
- Store game-night pens with the games (so you’re not scrambling for them later).
- Sharpies and highlighters? Only if you use them regularly.
5. Batteries: Keep It Tight
Ditch the battery graveyard. Toss the crusty ones. Keep the good ones in a small box or case so they’re not rolling around like rebellious Tic Tacs.
6. Mystery Keys = No
Label the ones you recognize. Toss the rest unless you want to spend the rest of your life playing “What do I unlock?”
7. Rubber Bands, Paper Clips, Binder Clips
Pick a few of each. Put them in a container or zip bag. The rest? Offer them to a teacher or your future self in 2037.
8. Matches, Lighters, and Candles
Pick one flame tool. You’re not a pioneer. Keep one lighter and maybe one emergency matchbook. The rest can go.
9. Use Small Containers or Dividers
Fancy drawer organizers are great, but you can also use small gift boxes or cleaned-out food containers to give everything a home.
10. Don’t Let It Become a Time Capsule
Menus from restaurants you no longer order from, expired coupons, and half-used sticker sheets from preschool days—either archive them properly or toss them.
A junk drawer isn’t the enemy. In fact, it’s one of the most real parts of your home. But even the chaos needs a boundary. Once you’ve cleared the clutter, added some containers, and kept only what you actually use, your junk drawer can go back to being the functional mess we all know and love.
Still a junk drawer—just now she’s organized and thriving.
HERE ARE A FEW MORE ORGANIZATION HELPS: