Do you have that one drawer that collects anything and everything? Does it seem to absorb other items that don’t have a place and then you end up searching for 15 minutes for one item? I’ve got a solution for you! Don’t have a junk drawer have a utility drawer!
A utility drawer is for all the items that don’t seem to fit in other areas. Or it can be for items you need often. Our utility drawer is in our kitchen.
Related: Evolution of our snack drawer
Decide What Stays And What Goes
This is the first and most important step. If you have a bunch of sauces from Tacobell, don’t keep those. Maybe keep a few in a designated container, but don’t let them be loose and disorganize your space.
Our utility drawer has the following: scissors, glue, screw drivers, tape measure, paper, pens, tape, packing tape, baby proofing items, eraser, and post it tabs. Some other items you may want to consider: batteries, rubber bands, safety pins, charging cords, or other household items you use often. Try to keep the items to a minimal, focus on what you actually use regularly.
Get Organizers
Some sort of plastic, metal, wooden, or even cardboard boxes will help immensely with keeping organized. Make sure the sizes match the items you want to organize.
Go Through The Drawer Regularly
Make sure to remove items that are becoming clutter. Keep only the items you decided belong in the drawer. If something doesn’t belong, put it away or find a home for it if you don’t already have one.
Label Spaces Or Items
If items are often put back in the wrong space, label which items go where. If the items that belong in your drawer wonder away, try labeling the items themselves as belonging to the utility drawer.
Avoid Too Much Of One Item
If one item seems to be taking over the entire drawer, see if you can find another space for it. For example, we don’t keep our batteries in the utility drawer, we have a box we keep in a closet instead. We do the same for cords, and lightbulbs. I have a small box full of drawers for safety pins, paper clips, rubber bands, and similar items.
