The Truth About Junk Drawers: Why Everyone’s “After” Looks Different
Let’s talk about a space that every home has: the infamous junk drawer. If you’ve ever opened yours and thought, “How did all this get here?” or “What is this thing"?”—you’re not alone. Junk drawers are a source of frustration and stress.
Why Junk Drawers Are So Tricky
Junk drawers are in high-traffic areas and used by the whole household. They’re the place we toss things that don’t have an obvious home: batteries, rubber bands, mystery keys, pens that might work, and that one screwdriver you swear you just used. Because everyone adds to the pile (and everyone’s in a hurry), it’s easy for clutter to multiply. The truth is: clutter attracts more clutter. When a drawer becomes a dumping ground, it signals to your family that anything can go there—and soon, the chaos spreads.
There’s No “One Right Way” to Organize
Here’s something I’ve learned after helping so many clients tackle their junk drawers:
Everyone’s process—and everyone’s “after”—looks different.
Some people love to dive right in, sorting and categorizing every item. Others need to start with the easy stuff—tossing trash, removing things that clearly belong somewhere else—before they can even think about categories.
Both approaches work! The most important thing is to find what feels realistic for you and your family.
Why Systems Fail (And How to Fix Them)
Common spaces, like junk drawers, fall apart fast when:
There’s too much stuff to manage.
There’s no clear home for each item.
The system only works for one person (usually the most organized one in the house).
Here’s the secret: The simpler the system, the more likely it will last.
Start by drastically reducing what lives in the drawer. Then, make it super obvious what goes where—think containers, dividers, and labels.
The Honest Truth: You Can’t Control Everything
Even with the best system, not everyone in your household will put things back where they belong every time. You have two choices:
Lower your expectations and don’t stress about a little disorder.
Simplify so much that resetting the drawer is quick and painless when things get out of place.
Ready for a Junk Drawer Refresh?
If your junk drawer feels overwhelming, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to tackle it solo. I help busy people set up organizing systems that actually work for real life (and real families). Whether you need a jumpstart, a little accountability, or someone to do the hands-on work, I’m here to help!
Book a free organizing consult or check out my services to see how we can transform not just your junk drawer, but your entire home.
