Organizing Tune-Ups - Episode 9: Do You Really Need A Junk Drawer?

organizing tune ups podcast cover with your host jessica litman, the organized mama

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Organizing Tune-Ups – Episode 9: Do You Really Need A Junk Drawer?

March 8, 2023

Do you really need a junk drawer? My answer may surprise you! After years of organizing in people’s homes, I have come to the conclusion that junk drawers aren’t useful. Junk drawers end up taking up useful space in your kitchen. Which means that drawer can be used for other things…like clearing off items on…

Do you really need a junk drawer? My answer may surprise you!

After years of organizing in people’s homes, I have come to the conclusion that junk drawers aren’t useful. Junk drawers end up taking up useful space in your kitchen. Which means that drawer can be used for other things…like clearing off items on your countertops!

Instead of a junk drawer, try giving the drawer a purpose.

Show Notes

Controversial opinion: you should not have a junk drawer in your kitchen! All the junk drawer does is keeps your indecisions. Whenever I say this, I get tons of backlash. Why should you let a great area in your kitchen be taken up by junk?

If you actually need some of the items, give the drawer a specific purpose! Have an overflow of pens, pencils, markers? Then you need a stationary drawer. The random keys that you don’t know what they go to do not belong there.

Other ideas for the drawer: smalls tools, stationary, homework station, condiments, or office supply drawer. Move items you find in your junk drawer to other areas of your home, so that the items in your kitchen have a place to go.

Having a problem changing the habit? Put something else important in the drawer such as silverware.

When everything is organized and has a purpose, you are able to more efficiently use all the space in the kitchen!