How to Organise Your Junk Drawer

Somewhere in your home—maybe in the kitchen, maybe by the stairs—there’s a drawer that contains… everything. Batteries, birthday candles, old receipts, random screws, phone chargers from phones you no longer own. Sound familiar?

It’s called the “junk drawer,” but let’s be honest—it’s the drawer of delayed decisions. And the good news is, it doesn’t have to stay that way.

Here’s how to organise your junk drawer so it works for you, not against you.

1. Accept That It’s a Real, Useful Space

First things first: stop thinking of the drawer as “junk.” It’s not. It’s full of useful odds and ends you genuinely need—but it deserves better than being a dumping ground.

Reframing it as your “utility drawer” or “home admin station” makes it easier to respect and maintain.

2. Take Everything Out and Group It

This part is unavoidable—empty the entire drawer onto a table or countertop. Then sort everything into categories:

• Tools or fix-it bits

• Stationery

• Chargers and tech

• Miscellaneous (keys, safety pins, etc.)

Groupings will help you figure out what’s essential and what’s just… strange.

3. Toss, Rehome, or Keep

Once you’ve grouped your items, it’s decision time:

• Toss: Dead batteries, dried-up pens, broken bits you meant to fix but didn’t

• Rehome: Things that belong in the garage, bathroom, or office

• Keep: Only the essentials that are used regularly or don’t have a better home

4. Use Drawer Organisers (or DIY Your Own)

Little trays or dividers are the secret to keeping things neat. You can buy adjustable drawer organisers—or repurpose items like small boxes, old glasses cases, or takeaway sauce containers.

Just make sure everything has a “home” inside the drawer.

5. Label if You’re Feeling Fancy

You don’t have to, but if you share your space with others (especially kids or housemates), labelling the sections of your drawer can save you endless questions like “Where’s the scissors?”

Final Thoughts

The “stuff drawer” isn’t going anywhere—it’s part of modern life. But it doesn’t have to be the Bermuda Triangle of your home. A little effort goes a long way, and once it’s organised, you’ll actually use what’s in it.

So grab a bin, a few boxes, and your favourite playlist. It’s time to turn that drawer of doom into something you’re oddly proud of.