The Great “Junk Drawer” Mystery (and How to Finally Solve It)

Every home has one. Maybe yours is in the kitchen, or maybe it’s hiding in your nightstand. You know what I’m talking about… the junk drawer.

That mysterious black hole where batteries, rubber bands, paper clips, and birthday candles go to retire. Where keys appear that don’t open anything anymore. Where pens go to dry up in peace.

You swear you cleaned it out last year, but somehow the drawer has regenerated like a sci-fi creature, full of mystery objects and at least one Allen wrench that you’re too scared to throw away (just in case it belongs to that IKEA bookshelf).

So how do you tackle this infamous household Bermuda Triangle?

Step 1: Embrace the Chaos

Dump it out. Yes, the whole thing. It’s like ripping off a Band-Aid—painful but fast. Bonus: you’ll finally discover how many takeout menus you actually own.

Step 2: The “Do I Really Need This?” Test

Ask yourself: Do I know what this is? If the answer is “no,” it’s probably not life-saving equipment. (Sorry, mystery charger from 2007.)

Step 3: Categorize Like a Pro

Group like items together—batteries, tools, stationery, coupons. Anything that doesn’t have a category? Time to let it go.

Step 4: Give Everything a Home

Use small containers, drawer dividers, or even recycled jars to give each group its own space. When everything has a home, it’s harder for chaos to sneak back in.

Step 5: Celebrate Your Victory

You did it! Your junk drawer is now officially a “utility drawer,” and you’ve reclaimed a little square of sanity in your home.

Bottom line: If you can conquer the junk drawer, you can conquer anything. (Even that scary basement closet. Maybe. With snacks.)

And if the idea of tackling it still makes you break out in hives—well, that’s what Orderly is here for. We’ll bring the bins, the labels, and the moral support. You just bring the junk.

Until next week!

Heather