The junk drawer sometimes gets a bad rap but I’m coming to its defense today. The problem, in my opinion, is that we call a drawer a Junk Drawer and then we put junk in it. But what if we called it a Utility Drawer and stocked it with items that helped make our lives easier?
The photo below is my junk (utility) drawer. It’s not beautiful or Pinterest worthy, but it is the most used and useful drawer in my home.
You’ll notice I have several plastic inserts that corral all of my items. Boundaries are the key to keeping a utility drawer nice and tidy so you can always find what you want – when you want it. I’ve had these organizers for over 20 years and they are still doing their job.
(Funny note: you’ll notice in the space with coins, there is a small lid. The lid will have to remain there because it is a super-glue lid that accidentally got super-glued to that spot. And let me tell you – it’s never coming up – its there for good)
Here’s what I like to stock our drawer with: paper clips, thumb tacks, tape measures, chalk, several types of glue, labels for freezer containers, dice, stamps, return address stamp, rubber bands, stapler, extra staples, and a staple remover. Eyeglass cleaner and cloths, magnets, cable ties, brass fasteners, museum putty, Exacto blade, screwdriver, notepads, tape, mini-screwdriver set, gum, long handled lighters, purse tissues, and several kinds of flashlights. I also like to have one space for random coins.
Because we have a second drawer below the utility drawer, I use it for larger items we often use: large notepads, an address book, my garden journal, extra flashlights for the grandlittles, matches for the grill/bonfire, phone chargers, small tripod, and thank-you notes.
This drawer is also a spot for items we will be using soon but don’t want to keep on top of the counter. Right now I have my ph soil tester kit in a bag ready to use in a few weeks. It is close by but not in my way. We try not to keep anything in this drawer that is not used frequently or won’t be used shortly. Otherwise, it will become a junk drawer.
Do yourself a favor and rename your junk drawer. Be purposeful and declare it a Utility Drawer and stock it with things to make your life easier. . Your junk drawer thanks you.
