Most people think a junk drawer is the enemy of a clean, organized home. They’re wrong.

According to Tracy McCubbin, a good junk drawer is a “small treasure trove of life’s little necessities, a spot that holds things together in the most unexpected ways.”

In fact, it’s borderline genius in helping homeowners keep their space organized. It’s like the little black dress of your house: versatile, functional, and always there when you need it.

However, the key is doing it right. A junk drawer isn’t a trash bin in disguise. It’s where order and chaos meet for coffee. Think batteries, scissors, that one pen that actually works—not a graveyard for old receipts and expired coupons.

Here’s why even the most minimalist pros keep one and how you can turn yours into the unsung hero of your home.

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Why a Junk Drawer Is Essential

A junk drawer reflects practicality. It’s not laziness.

Life happens fast–kids need glue, the remote needs batteries, and suddenly, you need a tape measure for reasons you didn’t plan.

McCubbin says a well-maintained junk drawer “cuts down on those annoying moments when you’re desperately searching for something you know you have but can’t find.” Even though the junk drawer is a catch-all, you know where everything is.

The beauty is in the organized chaos. Make your junk drawer work for you, not against you. You get to decide what goes in and how you prevent it from becoming a dumping ground.

What Belongs in a Good Junk Drawer?

Think of your junk drawer as a toolkit for daily life. Here’s what it should contain:

Basic tools: Screwdriver, tape measure, small hammer.
Office supplies: Pens, notepads, scissors, and maybe a Sharpie.
Everyday necessities: Batteries, spare keys, phone chargers.
Random saviors: Rubber bands, safety pins, or those twist ties you didn’t know you’d need.

And yes, it’s okay if it also holds that random item you can’t categorize but refuse to throw out—like the mystery key you swear you’ll figure out someday.

Consider using containers or dividers to keep it organized. Small containers, adjustable dividers, and repurposed boxes can be your best friend to help you see what you have. Group similar items and embrace a little open space in the drawer. You’ll want to keep frequently used trinkets toward the front and reassess contents if you’re running out of room.

Rules for Maintaining Your Junk Drawer

Keeping a junk drawer functional requires a little upkeep. Make it a habit to purge unnecessary items every few months and make sure everything inside serves a purpose. Don’t let this perfect little space become a catch-all for random clutter.

Purge periodically: Every three months, take five minutes to toss anything that’s expired, broken, or just weirdly useless.
Divide and conquer: Use small containers or drawer dividers to group similar items. It’ll make the drawer less of a black hole.
Stick to a theme: Only keep items you might actually need on a regular basis. If it’s sentimental or completely random, it belongs elsewhere.

Why You Should Embrace It

Decluttering doesn’t mean banishing everything you own. It’s focused on creating systems that work for your life, and a junk drawer is one of those systems.

Even professional organizers love them because they acknowledge a basic truth–life is messy. And sometimes, a little mess tucked neatly into a drawer is the most functional thing you can have.

So, go ahead. Love your junk drawer unapologetically. Just make sure it’s the kind of mess you can be proud of.

Take the Junk Drawer Challenge: 15 Minutes to Organized Bliss

Ready to transform your junk drawer into a powerhouse of practicality? All it takes is 15 minutes. Set a timer, roll up your sleeves, and follow these quick steps:

Empty It Out: Take everything out of the drawer and lay it on a flat surface. This is your chance to see exactly what you’re working with.
Sort It: Create three piles: keep, relocate, and toss. If you haven’t used something in the past year, it’s likely time to let it go.
Clean the Drawer: Give your junk drawer a quick wipe-down to start fresh.
Reorganize Smartly: Use small containers, dividers, or even repurposed boxes to group similar items. Place frequently used items toward the front for easy access.
Purge As You Go: If the drawer starts to feel crowded, reassess what really needs to stay.

In less time than it takes to watch an episode of your favorite show, you’ll have an organized junk drawer you can actually be proud of. Try it today—you might even find that long-lost key or spare charger you thought was gone forever!

Theresa Bedford

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Theresa Bedford is a lifestyle and relationship writer with a passion for self-development and to live life to the fullest. She writes about relationships, mindfulness, and simple living. Her work has been seen on the AP newswire, MSN, Wealth of Geeks, Media Decision, and more.