Most people have a junk drawer full of random stuff that doesn’t really belong anywhere. Over time, it can get messy and make it hard to find what you need. Cleaning it out can help you feel more organized and reduce clutter in your home.
Knowing what to throw away from your junk drawer makes it easier to keep only the useful things. Getting rid of unnecessary items frees up space and keeps your drawer neat. You might be surprised at how much junk you don’t actually need.
Old Chargers and Cables
You probably have a bunch of old chargers and cables in your junk drawer. Most of them don’t work anymore or are for devices you no longer use.
Instead of letting them pile up, it’s a good idea to recycle them. Many stores and recycling centers take old electronics so they don’t end up in the trash. This helps keep harmful chemicals out of landfills.
Nonworking Pens
You probably have a bunch of pens that don’t work anymore. They’re just taking up space and adding to the clutter.
Hold on to a few that still write well, but toss the ones that are dried out or broken. It’s okay to let them go—you can always buy new ones when you really need them.
Expired Coupons
You probably have some coupons in your junk drawer that are past their expiration date. These take up space and are no good anymore. Tossing them frees up room for coupons you can actually use.
Keeping expired coupons can clutter your drawer and make it harder to find important things. Get rid of them regularly to keep your space tidy.
Takeout Menus and Packets
You probably have a stack of old takeout menus in your junk drawer. Most of them are outdated or from places you don’t order from anymore.
Sauce packets or seasoning sachets are usually expired or dried out. They just take up space and add to the clutter. It’s a good idea to toss these items to keep your drawer neat and easy to use.
Dried-Out Markers
You probably have some markers in your junk drawer that don’t work anymore. They may look okay, but the ink is gone or dried up.
Holding onto dried-out markers just takes up space you could use for something useful. Toss them out to make room for fresh supplies when you really need them.
Tangled Rubber Bands
You probably have a bunch of old rubber bands stuck together in your junk drawer. They get dried out and lose their stretch quickly.
These tangled bands don’t really do much good. It’s better to toss them and only keep a few fresh ones if you need them.
Broken Scissors
If your scissors don’t cut well or are missing parts, it’s time to toss them. Broken scissors can be unsafe and won’t do their job.
You don’t need old scissors taking up space when you can get a new pair for cheap. Keeping sharp, working scissors in your drawer makes life easier.
Used Twist Ties
You probably have a bunch of old twist ties in your junk drawer. If they’re bent out of shape or missing the paper cover, they’re not very useful anymore.
Keeping them just adds clutter. Tossing used twist ties frees up space and makes your drawer easier to sort through. If you want to keep some, choose only the ones in good shape.
Random Mystery Keys
You probably have some random keys in your junk drawer that you don’t even remember. They might have come with old furniture or lost locks.
If you can’t match a key to anything, it’s usually safe to toss it. Keeping keys that don’t open anything just takes up space you could use better.
Half-Used Glue Sticks
You probably have a few glue sticks that are almost empty or dried out. They take up space but don’t really stick anymore.
Getting rid of these can clear some room and make it easier to find the ones that actually work. Keep only the fresh glue sticks you use often.
Bent Staples
Bent staples in your junk drawer are usually useless. They can get stuck in staplers or scratch surfaces.
If you find a bunch, it’s better to toss them out. Keeping only smooth, straight staples saves you time and frustration. Plus, clearing out bent staples makes your drawer less cluttered and easier to organize.
Outdated Batteries
You probably have some old batteries sitting in your junk drawer. These batteries might be dead or close to it, and keeping them only adds clutter.
Don’t just toss them in the trash. Old batteries can be harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly. Take a moment to find a battery recycling spot near you. It’s an easy way to clean up and stay safe.
Old Hotel Toiletries
You probably have small bottles of shampoo, soap, or lotion from past hotel stays stuffed in your junk drawer. Most of these items sit unused and just take up space.
If you haven’t used them after a while, it’s okay to toss them. They can dry out or go bad over time. Keeping them only adds clutter.
Worn-Out Tape Dispensers
If your tape dispenser is cracked or won’t cut tape properly, it’s time to toss it. These usually don’t last forever and can make using tape much harder.
Keeping a broken one just clutters your drawer and slows you down when you need to fix something quickly. Replace it with a fresh one to keep things smooth.
Random Paper Clips
You probably have more paper clips than you actually need. They can pile up quickly and take up space in your drawer.
If you spot broken or bent ones, toss those first. Keep just a small handful for when you really need them. Too many paper clips can make it harder to find other things. Clearing them out can help your drawer feel less messy.
Spare Change Coins
You probably have a lot of loose coins stuck in your junk drawer. These coins can take up space and add to the clutter.
Try keeping your spare change in a small container instead. This way, you can see how much you have and avoid dumping it back into the drawer. If the coins just sit there, consider cashing them in or donating them.