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Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Do You Have Junk Drawer Problems?


I know we all have them and we all know what they can turn into at any given moment. I am going to show you how I organized mine.

 I will tell you what has always worked for me and how I would like to upgrade my organization in the future. Read on.......


......I have two drawers in my kitchen that measure 12in. wide by 21 in. deep.

Junk drawer clean out 003
These two drawers are what I refer to as my “JUNK DRAWERS!”



I keep a varied amount of goodies in them, ranging from lip gloss to gorilla glue, pens, sewing needles etc. I am sure you get the picture.
Let me show you what I mean………


Junk drawer clean out 001
Drawer #1 has my writing pens, pencils, calendar, phone book, fast food menus etc. You get the picture don’t you?



Junk drawer clean out 002
Drawer #2 has more crafty related items, glue, chalk, scissors, tape, paint brushes, batteries and the like. Oh yes, and Bubble Gum tape,it is the best. I say it is for the kiddos, but I love it too!!!


So how in the world am I going to get a 3’x5’ pile of goodies back in the 12in. x 21in. drawers?
  • categorize like items
  • purge
  • contain items in appropriate size containers (I used what I had on hand so I could get done.)


Junk drawer clean out 004
Drawer #2 




Junk drawer clean out 005
Drawer #1
Surprise for you and me! I made it all fit!!!



WHAT WORKS FOR ME

(Click on images to go to web-site)

drawer dividers:

Drawer dividers are a must for me. I have used what I already had, but if I were to upgrade I would get these from the Container store.
Stackable bamboo drawer dividers:


container store bamboo stackable (260x260)



Single layer bamboo divider:


bamboo modular (400x400)


A less expensive option:


interlocking plastic (260x260)




I keep all of my take-out menus in a zip-loc bag.


Below would be my upgrade:

Take out menu holder



3 (260x260)



Contain all paper clips, rubber bands, tacks, stick-pins:


I don’t like these items on the loose in an open container.  I have used old film containers with lids to store these small  items and it works great for me.


Junk drawer clean out 007 

Another way to keep the junk drawers from getting junky is to NOT let the other people that live with you ever, ever touch them!!

Of course, I am just kidding on that point!

I hope this helped a little bit to motivate you to get going on your organizing.


"Enjoy the Process" Of:


Getting Organized!!


Kathysue

18 comments:

Rashon Carraway said...

I have a number of junk drawers, I even had a junk room one time. lol...but organization is key to living well.

Mr. Goodwill Hunting

Acanthus and Acorn said...

Such a good tutorial! And, of course we share a favorite word...PURGE! I'm a big fan of dividers and you are so right...it is the only way to really get it under control.

Uncovered Ruby said...

Kathysue, you have officially motivated me! I'd be sooo embarassed to show you my junk drawer. I'm on it! Lisa ;-)
p.s. my father in law made me a beautiful wood divider for my silverware drawer..no more plastic dividers for this girl, it looks great!

Foley said...

I can handle my junk drawer..it's the junk cupboard I have problems with !! LOL Love those wood dividers.

Kim@Chattafabulous said...

Please come to my house and work your magic on my embarrassing junk drawers!

tinyskillet said...

I love the bamboo organizers. I use them plenty. I have my menus in a file in the file cabnet. I also keep a file for maps.

Cathy~Mille Fleur said...

When my son was little he insisted that the junk drawer be called the treasure drawer...not junk...treasure! We still call it that today! I just rearranged all of the treasure the other day. I don't know why but it makes me feel soooo good to have that drawer clean...weird?

Your drawers look fabulous darling;)!

Karen said...

I love all those little organizational containers for helping to tidy up the junk drawer. The bamboo ones are really pretty. My drawer currently sports of basic, boring plastic one but at least it's neat and tidy.

I've been trying to tackle one area a day since the new year began and I have to say, it's going well. Instead of tearing apart a whole room, I might just do a single cabinet. It's a slower process, but I'm getting things accomplished and not wasting an entire day doing it.

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Oh wow, your drawers look fabulous. I just have one for all those pens and pads and it sure could use some help. Hope you have a super day. Hugs, Marty

La Dolfina said...

Great job Kathysue!!!
I love organizing, it's the Virgo in me :)

La Vie Quotidienne said...

I have several junk places...but I try to keep them relatively organized...with an emphasis on 'try'(-: It really does help to have good containers and dividers.

Tricia said...

Great post Kathysue!! Now when can I expect you at my house to do the same thing?? hee hee...
Happy 2011 to you.
Hugs~
T

K&B by the Sea said...

Some of my drawers are more or less organized, some not so much! My most organized drawer is the utensil drawer in the kitchen - that's because I put metal drawer dividers in it! They make a huge difference, and I highly recommend them.

TERI REES WANG said...

In Asian homes, we have entire "Junk Rooms"!

A serious problem. But I am dealing with it.

Cheers!

nancy2 said...

I have been working on my kitchen drawers this morning and then I get your post ~ great minds think alike!

Mona Thompson said...

Ooh doesn't that feel good? Now will you come do mine ?

Averill said...

Drawer dividers are essential for managing junk drawer clutter, but then again, so is cleaning it out every once in a while (which I DEFINITELY need to do with mine sometime soon!!!). Btw, yours looks great; so neat and tidy!

Victoria @ The FAT Paint™ Company and ÉdinHome said...

I'm trying to ignore my junk drawer Kathysue, and now you've reminded me that I have to clean it out! ;-) All jesting aside, it really, really needs organizing - and you've shared some great ideas that I'm going to try... eventually!
Victoria