Let's Talk Junk (drawers that is...)

Let's face it, we all have them: junk drawers. They usually originate in the catch-all, I mean kitchen. How many do you have? I actually had someone tell me she had 14 junk drawers!

The stigma around junk drawers is that they are full of useless things. In reality, they are bottomless vacuums for miscellaneous items that have no other home. So, my friend really doesn't have 14 "junk" drawers—she has 14 drawers of accumulated delayed decisions and no designated spaces. She probably spends a LOT of time looking for things in the unknown abyss of said drawers. This likely leads to duplicate purchases and extra money spent.

What Goes in a Junk Drawer?

What items tend to find their way into the junk drawer? Based on my own, I would say coupons, recipes I intend to make, random change, pencils, and a LOT of cords that charge something. Every home is different, with different people living there. Regardless, to tackle the clutter and reclaim your sanity, a decision has to be made for every item in that drawer.

The Cord Conundrum

Let's take the cords, for example. Say you have three chargers for your smartwatch and you only have the one watch. The charger you actually use is probably on your nightstand (where you charge your watch), and the other two are in the kitchen drawer. How do you even have three? My guess is that you took a trip somewhere, left your charger at home, and had to buy a spare. When you got back, you emptied your suitcase and threw the extra charger in the junk drawer.

But what if... you actually kept the spare charger in the place you would need it most—your travel bag? Eureka! 🤯 And the third charger? It's probably the result of upgrading your watch. You traded your watch in for a better one but didn't offer up the charger. Sure, you MIGHT need a second spare charger, but where should it go? Maybe closer to where you charge your watch instead of the kitchen? Either way, you just rehomed two things that were claiming your kitchen space!

The Decluttering Process

"Do I really have to dissect every item in all those drawers?" YES! You have to lay it all out on the table—literally. Here’s how to do it:

1. Lay everything out: Empty those drawers.

2. Group like items: Find the imposters and eliminate the duplicates.

3. Make the easy decisions first: Start with scratch paper, broken/expired items, etc. This gives you momentum! 😀

4. Rehome the misfits: Get them back to their families.

5. Define the areas of the items you keep: Use labels, dividers, or even blinking neon signs! 🔖 You do you!

   
   
   
   

Now that you've gone through the process of decision-making on steroids, take a breath. 😅 Pat yourself on the back and relish in the feeling of that task accomplished! 🤩

Maintaining Your Space

Here's the kicker: as diligent as you were through this process, you have to be just as diligent about new items coming in. Resist the urge to delay! YOU are the guardian, the protector of your junk drawer, and the King (or Queen) of the Kitchen! 👑

The Importance of Regular Maintenance

To keep your space organized, set a regular schedule for decluttering. Maybe once a month, you can revisit your junk drawer. This way, it won’t become a black hole again! Trust me, a little maintenance goes a long way.

Celebrate Your Wins

Every time you tackle a drawer or a space, celebrate your success! Whether it’s treating yourself to a favorite snack or enjoying a quiet moment with a book, acknowledge your hard work. You deserve it!

Conclusion: Love Your Space

In the end, the goal is to create a space that supports your personal growth and well-being. By decluttering and organizing, you’re not just cleaning up; you’re making room for what truly matters in your life. So, let’s embrace the journey of decluttering together!

Remember, every small step counts. Let’s love our spaces!