Everyone has at least one junk drawer and some have one in every
room. It is where all the small items with no home end up. I see
coupons, scissors, staples, paper clips, and old gum. I have seen it
all. It does not have to be that way. You can actually have a
functioning junk drawer.
Just like all the other organizing jobs we have done, our first step is to remove everything and place it on the counter or table. Take a good look at what you have and start arranging it in similar groups. For instance, desk items might include scissors, staplers, tape and glue. Kitchen items could include coupons, jar openers, and measuring spoon. Make sure you make a pile of items you do not want in the drawer such as toys or broken things.
Next, decide what you really want in the area. Are you using it for some desk supplies or an area for coupons? How many do you really need? If there ar 4 pair of scissors, do you need that many in this location? If not, redistribute or donate. Make sure you throw out any broken items or parts to something you no longer own. If the item has been there for over a year and you were not looking for it, throw it out. If it is a key and you do not know what it goes to and you have not been missing any, throw it out. Most junk drawers are just that because the items in them are unwanted or unknown. Make decisions on all of the items.
When you are finished with the decision making portion, you should have a more manageable amount of items to sort and organize. Organize them into piles that make sense to you. For instance, scissors, tape, and white out might all be together. You have your writing pieces all in one pile. Maybe that pile needs to be further reduced. Make sure all the pens work. If the pen is suppose to have a cap and does not, discard or donate it. I have never had a client that is short on pens. Get rid of some so you find a working pen when you need it.
Now it is time for the organizing back into the drawer. If you are purchasing some containers for the drawer, measure first. Make sure the items you purchase will fit. Drawer organizers come in an array of colors and types. You can shop at many stores to find the one that you like the most and will make your junk drawer organized so you can find the items.
For coupons, whether for stores, restaurants, or carryout, I recommend a separate organizer. If you use coupons for the grocery store frequently, separate them by department in the store such as food, cleaning, laundry, and pet food. For restaurants, pizza, and other types, maybe try January-December. Place the items in the month they expire, that way you do not have to go through them periodically to discard those you never used. Make sure it is located in a place you will look every time you venture out for lunch or dinner. Leave one slot for never expiring coupons. Some retailers offer that.
Just like all the other organizing jobs we have done, our first step is to remove everything and place it on the counter or table. Take a good look at what you have and start arranging it in similar groups. For instance, desk items might include scissors, staplers, tape and glue. Kitchen items could include coupons, jar openers, and measuring spoon. Make sure you make a pile of items you do not want in the drawer such as toys or broken things.
Next, decide what you really want in the area. Are you using it for some desk supplies or an area for coupons? How many do you really need? If there ar 4 pair of scissors, do you need that many in this location? If not, redistribute or donate. Make sure you throw out any broken items or parts to something you no longer own. If the item has been there for over a year and you were not looking for it, throw it out. If it is a key and you do not know what it goes to and you have not been missing any, throw it out. Most junk drawers are just that because the items in them are unwanted or unknown. Make decisions on all of the items.
When you are finished with the decision making portion, you should have a more manageable amount of items to sort and organize. Organize them into piles that make sense to you. For instance, scissors, tape, and white out might all be together. You have your writing pieces all in one pile. Maybe that pile needs to be further reduced. Make sure all the pens work. If the pen is suppose to have a cap and does not, discard or donate it. I have never had a client that is short on pens. Get rid of some so you find a working pen when you need it.
Now it is time for the organizing back into the drawer. If you are purchasing some containers for the drawer, measure first. Make sure the items you purchase will fit. Drawer organizers come in an array of colors and types. You can shop at many stores to find the one that you like the most and will make your junk drawer organized so you can find the items.
For coupons, whether for stores, restaurants, or carryout, I recommend a separate organizer. If you use coupons for the grocery store frequently, separate them by department in the store such as food, cleaning, laundry, and pet food. For restaurants, pizza, and other types, maybe try January-December. Place the items in the month they expire, that way you do not have to go through them periodically to discard those you never used. Make sure it is located in a place you will look every time you venture out for lunch or dinner. Leave one slot for never expiring coupons. Some retailers offer that.
Julie Riber is a professional organizer in the central Ohio area
for over 5 years. She helps organize individuals spaces, time, and lives
and she helps businesses streamline processes, increase productivity,
and organize their spaces. She is a Golden Circle member of the National
Association of Professional Organizers and Immediate Past President of
the Ohio Chapter of NAPO. She is also a Certified Senior Move Manager.
Sign up for her free monthly newsletter with organizing tips. http://www.transformare.net
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