Organize your junk drawer

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WVBT) - Everyone has a junk drawer and today we took one apart, as we help you organize your life.  Amy Volk with Simplified Living came on the show to talk about ways to manage the mess.

Organizing Your Junk Drawer

Dump it out

• Empty out the contents of the drawers
• Separate everything into categories
• Test all pens to see if they work, try the keys to see if they are the right ones for your locks, and toss out any mystery items
• You can use sandwich baggies to group loose items together

Buy a drawer organizer--any type will do. Find one you love!

• If the drawer is deep, look for one that has stacking ability.  You can use more than one in this case
• If the drawer is wide, consider drawer separators
• Use any containers that are fun, fit in the drawer nicely, easy to open and close, and can be labeled

Fill the organizer with the remaining contents

• Put most-used items on the top or near the front of the drawer
• Group like items together--keys with keys, pens with pens, etc.
• This is not a storage unit, but a functional area.  So only keep one of everything in the drawer.  Have your back stock or refill supplies in another area
• Use baggies, plastic containers, wooden cups or bowls, or small baskets to house loose items

When organizing batteries and cords

• Use a plastic container for batteries.  Group sizes and types into separate plastic baggies that you can easily see through and label clearly.  Keep all batteries in the one container
• Use zip ties, rubber bands or Velcro straps to bundle up cords. You can also use plastic baggies for each cord

Coins and tools

• Use a jar, a bowl, or a money bag for coins.  Place it where it is easy to toss the coins in and easy to retrieve when needed
• Keep a hammer, two screwdrivers, and a small nail kit in the junk drawer.  Can bag these up together to form a utility kit

For more tips from Amy Volk of Simplified Living, CLICK HERE!