Some organizers hate them – but I think they serve a purpose. I like having a place to sweep random business cards and paperclips when I want the counter clean. The challenge is finding a few minutes every so often to clean it out.
Here is my process:
- Empty the drawer! Take everything out and give it a quick clean.
- Sort everything. Junk drawers are usually in prime locations – very accessible in a popular room. This is prime space – so we want to be picky about what merits a spot in there. I sort things into three categories:
Keep – Must always be accessible! I keep a lot of things in my desk drawers – so the junk drawer in the kitchen just needs a few pens, pencils, tape, scissors, sharpies, a utility knife, and two screwdrivers. Many of my clients keep a flashlight, a candle lighter, and a loose change collector of some kind – and who knows what else! Everyone’s needs and preferences are unique.
Keep, but not here – this is the bracelet that was left on the counter, a greeting card received two months ago, the dog’s new rabies tag, etc. Things I want to keep, but don’t need to be highly accessible.
Toss – the organic hand cream that was handed to me at the Co-op and I thought I would use but I won’t; reminders for appointments that were last month; business cards that I won’t follow-up on, etc.
- Return the keep items to the drawer. I like to use dividers to keep sections organized. You can purchase very nice clear or bamboo compartments, but the lid from your latest phone box will work just as well.
- Put away all the items that were in the drawer but don’t belong there. This is usually the least fun part of the process. You might want to play your favorite music or listen to an engaging podcast to keep up your energy.
Like everything, one only must be as organized as they need for being calm and relaxed in their home. Some people like every drawer to be perfectly organized, other people prefer some chaos. All our brains work a little differently – find the solution that works best for you (I can help if needed it too!)
Stay Organized!
This drawer has become a catch-all in this house. The owner can’t see the things on the bottom, doesn’t know what random cords ended up in there, and likely would not know where to look for the keys to the bike lock (attached to the carabiner on the right side).
Here is the sorting process:
Options for arranging the ‘KEEP’ stuff:
Electronics Drawer Sample
