Clutter Control: How to Organize Your Junk Drawer Once and For All (in 5 Minutes)

We all have that hideous junk drawer in the kitchen or closet that we do your best to never open (unless of course it’s to add more junk). And in my case, I actually have three!

So today I’m sharing some tips for organizing your junk drawer once and for all, in just a handful of steps. It’s a nice and quick weekend project, if you’re looking for something to keep you busy and feeling accomplished. Only takes five minutes! 

Here’s how to organize your junk drawer once and for all…

1. Take everything out, and I mean everything. No paper clip or crumb left behind! And dust or wipe down the empty drawer. Because if it’s looking sparkling clean, you’ll be more motivated to keep it that way.

2. Next, start grouping like items into piles. This is also where you should audit the items in your junk drawer. Do you really need those 4 pairs of scissors, 28 pens, and bills from last fall taking up valuable real estate in your junk drawer? Honestly, the trash pile and “relocation” pile should be the largest piles during this step. Pair everything down to what you would consider essential for daily/weekly living, and plan to find new homes for the rest. And no, I don’t mean another junk drawer. Haha.

3. Insert smaller or compartmentalized storage options into the drawer. This might require buying a few things from the Container Store, Target, you name it, or you can round up some small containers you already have. Rubber bands, twist ties, and plastic baggies or tupperware can also be super helpful (and free!). I personally love to pick up extra flatware or makeup trays from the store when I’m in the mood to reorganize. They always come in handy.

I actually bought my containers from Bed Bath and Beyond (these) because they were affordable, came in lots of sizes, and are made of bamboo (so they’re eco-friendly).

4. Group like items together in the compartments or containers that you’ve added. If a compartment is overflowing, either pair down further or find a larger container. The goal is to open up your drawer, not feel overwhelmed by the lack of space and order, and then be inspired to keep it spacious and orderly. Nothing motivates me less to organize than opening up a drawer or closet and being greeted with utter chaos.

Pro-tip: If sliding containers and compartments drive you nuts, try using a command strip on the bottom of each compartment, or buy a small rug liner and cut it to size. It’s the perfect solution, and it’s so easy.

5. The final step is one that will carry on every day of your life, well, until you need to clean out the junk drawer again. It’s up to you now to maintain your junk drawer, making sure the essentials are put back and the non-essentials are dealt with accordingly. The more disciplined you are with this step, the less work you’ll have to do the next time around, and the less time you’ll spend looking for your spare set of keys, scissors, or extra phone charger.

Are you a junk drawer junkie like me? Or do you tend to keep your junk drawers free of clutter?