What I Learned While Cleaning Out My Junk Drawers
A homeowner finds some surprises on her journey to junk-free bliss
Kathleen McCleary
February 20, 2017
Houzz Contributor. I'm a journalist, author, editor, and teacher who loves houses so much that I wrote my first novel about a woman's obsession with her house. In addition to my three novels, my work has appeared in Parade, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and other publications. I wrote a biweekly column about interior design for HGTV.com for several years; one of those columns (about my 1950's chartreuse-tiled bathroom) inspired the series "Bad, bad baths." I live in northern Virginia with my husband and try to entice my college-age daughters home as often as possible.
Houzz Contributor. I'm a journalist, author, editor, and teacher who loves houses... More
When I set out to clean the junk drawers in my house, I expected to spend 30 minutes or so per drawer, dumping out the junk and organizing it into the neat little boxes I bought at The Container Store and Office Depot. But there’s a lot I didn’t expect.
For example, I didn’t think it would be so hard to let go of things that have zero sentimental value, such as those dozens of ballpoint pens. I was also surprised to find myself missing the young children who crammed much of the junk into these drawers in the first place — and who are now grown and off at college. And I never expected to burst into tears sitting on my bedroom floor when I unearthed old photos and letters. But perhaps this journey to junk-free bliss can help you in yours. So here are a few lessons I learned from my week of clearing out several junk drawers in my home.
For example, I didn’t think it would be so hard to let go of things that have zero sentimental value, such as those dozens of ballpoint pens. I was also surprised to find myself missing the young children who crammed much of the junk into these drawers in the first place — and who are now grown and off at college. And I never expected to burst into tears sitting on my bedroom floor when I unearthed old photos and letters. But perhaps this journey to junk-free bliss can help you in yours. So here are a few lessons I learned from my week of clearing out several junk drawers in my home.
Photos by Kathleen McCleary
The Setup: Kitchen
I love the open shelves and uncluttered feel of my kitchen, shown here. But the cabinetry hides a multitude of sins, including the two junk drawers beneath the microwave.
And I know exactly how long the junk has been piling up in those drawers: 884 days. We moved back into our remodeled kitchen on Labor Day weekend in 2014. And in spite of all my intentions to keep this kitchen as simple and orderly as it was on the day it was finished, the junk has been accumulating ever since.
The Setup: Kitchen
I love the open shelves and uncluttered feel of my kitchen, shown here. But the cabinetry hides a multitude of sins, including the two junk drawers beneath the microwave.
And I know exactly how long the junk has been piling up in those drawers: 884 days. We moved back into our remodeled kitchen on Labor Day weekend in 2014. And in spite of all my intentions to keep this kitchen as simple and orderly as it was on the day it was finished, the junk has been accumulating ever since.
Before Photo
BEFORE: Among the items I found in the drawer: felt alphabet stickers, a light-up slap bracelet, catnip, flower food, duct tape (no self-respecting junk drawer would be without duct tape), an instruction manual on how to use a salad spinner (really?), the menu from the restaurant where we dined on our 25th wedding anniversary, three “honey-do” lists, a broken iPhone case and, believe it or not, a pocket copy of the Constitution of the United States of America. And, of course, the usual assortment of batteries, owners manuals, paper clips, matches, rubber bands, lightbulbs, pens and pencils.
The Space-Saving Storage
I eyeballed my junk drawer and purchased drawer organizers at The Container Store. I bought eight of varying sizes for about $45.
One thing I learned: All those manuals for your kitchen appliances won’t fit in an 8½-by-11-inch container because they’re not standard sizes. Another lesson: A mix of free-standing containers gives you a lot more flexibility in how you organize, especially when working with a large drawer.
I eyeballed my junk drawer and purchased drawer organizers at The Container Store. I bought eight of varying sizes for about $45.
One thing I learned: All those manuals for your kitchen appliances won’t fit in an 8½-by-11-inch container because they’re not standard sizes. Another lesson: A mix of free-standing containers gives you a lot more flexibility in how you organize, especially when working with a large drawer.
AFTER: It took a little less than an hour to organize one drawer, and I admit I’m still startled every time I open it now. I had 107 pens and pencils and markers, and my first instinct was to pile them in one container and put them back in the drawer. But why would I ever need 107 writing implements? So I threw out all the dried-up markers, broken pens and eraserless pencils, and set aside dozens of good pens to donate to a local charity that runs a school for homeless kids. I kept the pens I use most often. I love my organized junk drawer.
Before Photo
The Setup: Home Office
BEFORE: The next day, I opened the top drawer in the file cabinet in my home office. This is a big, deep drawer. The junk here is in layers.
In addition to what you’d expect to find in an office junk drawer (envelopes, business cards, sticky notes, thumbtacks), I also found an egg-shaped kaleidoscope, a small handmade flower fairy, an assortment of paper hearts with words like “brilliance” and “splendor” written on them in red marker, and a spool of white thread.
BEFORE: The next day, I opened the top drawer in the file cabinet in my home office. This is a big, deep drawer. The junk here is in layers.
In addition to what you’d expect to find in an office junk drawer (envelopes, business cards, sticky notes, thumbtacks), I also found an egg-shaped kaleidoscope, a small handmade flower fairy, an assortment of paper hearts with words like “brilliance” and “splendor” written on them in red marker, and a spool of white thread.
The Space-Saving Storage
I bought organizers at Office Depot for about $50. I didn’t measure the drawer first, which would have been a good idea. Mea culpa. I hoped to stack printer paper in the tall organizer, but it was too tall for the drawer.
I bought organizers at Office Depot for about $50. I didn’t measure the drawer first, which would have been a good idea. Mea culpa. I hoped to stack printer paper in the tall organizer, but it was too tall for the drawer.
AFTER: It’s a deep drawer, so stacking things vertically instead of horizontally makes it much easier to see everything at a glance. Now I know where those printer ink cartridges are!
The Setup: Bedroom
I bought the antique walnut table that sits next to my bed at an auction dozens of years ago. I seldom open the drawer, except to grab a pencil for underlining something in a book I’m reading in bed, or to tuck away a photo or note or memento I don’t want to lose. I haven’t actually sorted through all the items in this drawer since we first moved into the house 14 years ago.
I bought the antique walnut table that sits next to my bed at an auction dozens of years ago. I seldom open the drawer, except to grab a pencil for underlining something in a book I’m reading in bed, or to tuck away a photo or note or memento I don’t want to lose. I haven’t actually sorted through all the items in this drawer since we first moved into the house 14 years ago.
Before Photo
BEFORE: What I found here surprised me. It was my life, in photos and letters and cards and mementos. I found a picture of myself as a baby, with my mother gazing at me with adoration. I found a school photo from first or second grade of me in my cat’s-eye glasses, with the sparkles on the corners that I thought at the time were absolutely beautiful.
I found photos from my high school prom and from a Halloween party when I was in my 20s and single, a photo of my father and father-in-law from my wedding, and a picture of me standing next to Michael Jordan during an interview from my early days as a journalist.
I found love notes my husband wrote to me before we were married, some jotted on bits of scrap paper. I found handmade Mother’s Day cards and birthday cards from my daughters, written in that loopy, slanted kid writing. “I love you with all my might,” my oldest wrote on one.
I found photos from my high school prom and from a Halloween party when I was in my 20s and single, a photo of my father and father-in-law from my wedding, and a picture of me standing next to Michael Jordan during an interview from my early days as a journalist.
I found love notes my husband wrote to me before we were married, some jotted on bits of scrap paper. I found handmade Mother’s Day cards and birthday cards from my daughters, written in that loopy, slanted kid writing. “I love you with all my might,” my oldest wrote on one.
AFTER: So, here, dear readers, is the truth. I didn’t organize this drawer. I couldn’t. I love every bit of miscellaneous junk in this drawer; it is my treasure box.
I’m at an age at which loss begins to be a bigger part of life. My father and my father-in-law both died five years ago. I lost a dear friend to cancer two years ago. My children have grown up and moved out. The world is a chaotic place. Instilling order into one tiny corner of it feels mighty fine. And it feels equally fine to hold onto the small treasures that mark the milestones and joys and heartbreaks of all these years.
I put everything back into the drawer — that is, stuffed it back — and closed it. Without regrets.
More
Can Tidying Up Result in Life-Changing Magic?
The Anti-To-Do List: 10 Things You Don’t Need to Be Doing`
Her Home Is Her Therapist
I’m at an age at which loss begins to be a bigger part of life. My father and my father-in-law both died five years ago. I lost a dear friend to cancer two years ago. My children have grown up and moved out. The world is a chaotic place. Instilling order into one tiny corner of it feels mighty fine. And it feels equally fine to hold onto the small treasures that mark the milestones and joys and heartbreaks of all these years.
I put everything back into the drawer — that is, stuffed it back — and closed it. Without regrets.
More
Can Tidying Up Result in Life-Changing Magic?
The Anti-To-Do List: 10 Things You Don’t Need to Be Doing`
Her Home Is Her Therapist
Our team will work with you to identify your needs for your space and draft a remodeling plan that will both... Read More
What are you working on?
Related Products
Related Stories
Housekeeping
Choose Your Own Spring Cleaning Plan
Instead of trying to do it all, pick one of these six cleaning approaches that’s right for you now
Full Story
Feel-Good Home
10 Ideas to Make Every Day at Home a Little Better
By Jo Simmons
Consider some simple changes and fun tips for brightening your world
Full Story
Remodeling Guides
9 Secrets to Successfully Remodeling a House Together
By Laura Wheat
Learn how to put your stamp on a project while avoiding unnecessary conflicts
Full Story
Decluttering
10 Tips for Clearing Out the Family Home
A professional organizer offers advice on emptying a family home in preparation for a sale
Full Story
Feel-Good Home
8 Tips for Harmony in the Kitchen
Frustrated by the arguments that arise over kitchen duties? Check out these coping strategies
Full Story
Houzz Call
Houzz Readers Share Snowy Scenes Near Their Homes
These 25 views capture winter across the United States and beyond
Full Story
Feel-Good Home
Simple Pleasures: The Joy of Fresh Sheets
Make your bed a place of comfort and relaxation with good-quality linens, ample pillows and other pleasing accoutrements
Full Story
Feel-Good Home
10 Ways to Make Your Home a Haven
By Jo Simmons
Set up a comfortable environment that encourages relaxation and rejuvenation
Full Story
Feel-Good Home
10 Tips for Boosting Winter Wellness
Improve indoor air, enjoy some exercise and have fun — even on the coldest days
Full Story
Healthy Home
12 Ways to Promote Wellness in Your Home
By Becky Harris
Experts share tips for enhancing physical and mental health at home
Full Story
Gee, you could have gotten a couple of shoe boxes and dumped the photos you found in all the drawers in one and the cards and moments into the other. Now you haven't discarded them, but put them someplace where you can peruse them whenever the mood strikes!
I loved your article! I had to clean out my parents and my aunt houses after they past away. They both had junk drawers in the same places -one in the kitchen, dining room in the china cabinet and in the nightstand. I saved some of the things in their junk drawers!!!! The memories are more important than being a super organized person. We all need pens, duct tape and a screwdrivers but even more we need to remember...........