Everyone has that dreaded junk drawer in the kitchen or closet— the one you avoid opening unless you’re adding more clutter. I actually have three. But with a few simple steps, you can organize yours quickly and keep it that way.
This guide will walk you through organizing your junk drawer once and for all. It’s a straightforward weekend project that feels rewarding and, yes, it can be done in about five minutes if you’re focused.
How to organize your junk drawer once and for all
1. Remove everything. Take every item out of the drawer—no paperclip or crumb left behind. Wipe or dust the empty drawer. A clean, fresh-looking space motivates you to keep it tidy.
2. Sort and purge. Group similar items into piles and evaluate what you actually need. Do you need four pairs of scissors, dozens of pens, or old bills? Create a trash pile and a “relocate” pile for items that belong elsewhere. Aim to keep only essentials you use regularly—no moving junk from one drawer to another.
3. Add compartments and containers. Place smaller organizers, tray inserts, or compartments inside the drawer. You can buy options from retailers like Target or Bed Bath & Beyond, or repurpose small containers you already have—flatware trays, makeup organizers, or even resealable bags and rubber bands work well. I chose bamboo trays that come in various sizes because they’re affordable and eco-friendly.
4. Arrange items by category. Place like items together in the compartments you’ve added—keys in one section, chargers in another, tape and scissors in their own spot. If a compartment overflows, either reduce the items or use a bigger container. The goal is to open the drawer and feel calm, not overwhelmed. If containers slide around, attach them with small command strips or use a cut-to-fit drawer liner to keep everything in place.
5. Maintain your system. The last and most important step is ongoing: return items to their designated spots and deal with non-essentials immediately. The more consistent you are, the less time you’ll spend searching for spare keys, scissors, or a charger the next time you need them.
Whether you’re a junk-drawer enthusiast or you prefer to keep drawers minimal, these steps will help you create a functional, tidy drawer that’s easy to maintain. Spend a few focused minutes today and you’ll save time and frustration every time you reach for something you need.