Tips for Organizing the Kitchen Junk Drawer

If I asked you what the most disorganized place in your house is you would probably tell me your basement, your bedroom or maybe even a closet. Not too many would think about the kitchen junk drawer even though many of you have one. And where did we get this term from? I don’t recall picking out a “junk drawer” when we picked out our cabinets for our home.

The kitchen is the focal point of the home with constant activity. With meal preparation, entertaining, school work and other activities all taking place there it is an area that needs to be clear and organized at all times.

It’s no wonder it’s so easy to designate a drawer and toss everything into it when tidying up.

Neat and organized

But trying to find something in there can be a challenge at best! To organize this drawer we first have to take everything out and sort it. This is a great time to look at what you have, when you used it last and decide whether it goes back in – neat and organized – gets tossed, or finds a new home.

Those screwdrivers, 3 pairs of scissors, batteries and shoelaces can all be assigned a new home. You know I am a proponent of “if something has not been used then it isn’t needed” so take an honest look at it before deciding you need it.

Containers are essential

Now make sure you have some containers to store like items with like items before placing everything back. Rubbermaid and Ikea are great at supplying these types of small containers as are the dollar stores.

Have separate containers for writing implements, pads of paper, magnets or paperclips, etc. It will make the world of difference when you are looking for something.

Dunk the junk

Once you have done this you are left with a pile of miscellaneous items. Hey! Let’s call this junk. You should be able to pare this junk down to almost nothing once you give it a final review. If you still have items you wish to keep get another container and place these leftovers in it. Now you have one container with true junk and the rest of the drawer is truly required items.

Upkeep is important. Go through this one “junk” container periodically and the rest of the drawer at least once every three months and you will find retrieving items from your “junk drawer” a lot easier.

If you need assistance with getting your organizational task started, contact us for a FREE telephone consultation to get you on your way!