This dreaded black hole of stuff doesn’t have to be chaotic.
Contrary to what you may believe, ajunk draweris not meant to be a catch-all for lifes throwaways.
That would be your trash can.
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Still, many people treat their junk drawer as a pre-garbage can limbo.
In general, though, there are still some junk drawer dos and don’ts.
Read on to learn about the proper function of a junk drawer and what does and doesnt belong there.
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What Is A Junk Drawer?
But that usage just dilutes the functionality of a true junk drawer.
We all call it a junk drawer out of habit.
Credit:Ngoc Minh Ngo; Styling: Ed Gallagher
Not storing the junk in there is kind of the key.
Do You Really Need A Junk Drawer?
Professional organizers recommenddrawer dividersto keep junk drawer contents in neat order.
Professional organizer Tonia Tomlin agrees and adds a useful black marker to the list.
Just be sure to periodically look to see if your pens still work.
If they’ve dried out, toss ‘em out.
Only keep tools in your junk drawer that are regularly used inside the house for everyday projects.
Depending on your needs, scissors.
paper clips, and a stapler may be good inclusions, too.
Be sure to store junk drawer-bound batteries safely in abattery storage container.
For easy accessibility and quickly cleaned eyewear, the junk drawer should do the trick.
The junk drawer is a place for necessary things that dont belong anywhere else.
Why don’t you just make a note to replace the item and just throw it away?
Makeup
Tomlin also advises againststoring makeupin the junk drawer.
Keep replacements closer to the bathroom or wherever your makeup routine takes place to avoidjunk drawer cluttering.
Plus, you don’t want loose powders getting all over the rest of your stuff.
Charging Cords
These days, most people have too many charging cords for too many devices.
Expired Coupons
Re-sort through your junk drawer regularly to take stock of what is in there.
Stay away from paper because the paper can get wet and then it could get sticky, says Swenson.
Candy, gum, and mints need to be contained well if theyre in a junk drawer.
Coins in a little container could be okay, but I wouldn’t throw dollar bills in there.
They’d get all crunched up.
Keep your loose change together in asmall tin, like what you use for Altoids or gum.
A lot of people come home and they just throw their receipts in the junk drawer, reveals Swenson.
Those actually need tobe organizedcorrectly, especially if you own your own business and really need those receipts.
You’d hate for your expensive medication to get lost in your junk drawerand expire.
The same goes for Chick-fil-A sauce packets, she says.
Don’t forget ketchup, mayo, and mustard packets, too.
People forget about the packets and they just stay there and get old, says Swenson.
Kids Toys
Any small kids toys don’t belong in a junk drawer, says Swenson.
It can be nice to have toys on hand, especially in households with young, impatient kids.
Here are a few tips:
