12 Random Things That Always End Up in Junk Drawers and Why We Keep Them
Junk drawers are a common feature in many homes. They become the landing spot for all sorts of odds and ends, often without much thought.
Inside, you’ll find a mix of useful items and forgotten clutter. Knowing what usually ends up in these drawers can help you organize and find what you need faster.
Mismatched batteries
A collection of mismatched batteries is a staple in most junk drawers. Old AAs, Cs, and 9-volts are often jumbled together.
Some might still have a little power, but most are dead or nearly so. Keeping them “just in case” is common, but mixing types can make it hard to find the right one and may cause leaks.
Try storing batteries in a separate container to keep them safe. Recycle dead batteries to keep your drawer tidy.
Random screws and nails
A small pile of random screws and nails usually finds its way into the drawer. These often come from old projects or broken items.
Many don’t fit anything you own anymore. Sorting them by size or type in small containers makes it easier to find what you need.
If you can’t match a piece to anything at home, it’s okay to let it go. Organizing this hardware keeps your drawer neater.
Old keys no one remembers
Old keys tend to accumulate in junk drawers. They might be from old houses, lockers, or forgotten locks.
Most of the time, you don’t remember what they belong to. Yet, they stick around “just in case.”
These keys can be puzzling, as it’s hard to tell which lock they fit. Even if they’re no longer useful, they often feel sentimental.
Half-used birthday candles
Half-used birthday candles are common leftovers from past celebrations. They don’t take up much space, so it’s easy to forget about them.
These candles can feel like small keepsakes from happy times. Having a few on hand might come in handy for the next party.
They come in all sorts of colors and shapes, adding a bit of fun to your drawer. Quietly, they wait for the next celebration.
Expired coupons
It’s easy to let expired coupons pile up in the junk drawer. They were once useful, but after expiration, they only add to the clutter.
Since they’re small and lightweight, they’re often forgotten. Tossing expired coupons makes space for things you actually need.
Sorting through coupons can be surprising—you’ll likely find more expired ones than you expect. Clearing them out keeps your drawer neater.
Rubber bands tangled together
Rubber bands are another junk drawer classic. They often end up tangled, making it hard to grab just one when needed.
Old bands can lose their stretch and become useless. Tossing out the brittle ones keeps things tidy.
Storing rubber bands in a small container or on a hook prevents tangles. This simple step keeps your drawer organized.
Loose change coins
Loose change tends to accumulate in junk drawers. Pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters collect from pockets and purses.
Some coins might be worth more than face value, especially older or rare ones. If you’re curious, check your change for any special finds.
Coin counting machines like Coinstar can help you turn coins into cash or gift cards. It’s a quick way to clear out extra coins.
Forgotten receipts
Receipts from small purchases and quick errands often end up in junk drawers. Most aren’t needed once the return or warranty period is over.
Holding on to old receipts makes organizing harder. Tossing them frees up space for more important papers.
Keep only the recent or necessary receipts. Regularly sorting through them helps control clutter.
Broken sunglasses
Broken sunglasses often get tossed in the junk drawer after a quick fix or minor damage. Over time, they just take up space.
Decide if they’re worth repairing or if it’s time to let them go. If you do want to save a pair, store them somewhere more organized.
Clearing out broken sunglasses makes your drawer more useful.
Single earphones
A single earphone is a common find in junk drawers. Losing one bud from a pair happens easily, and the lone survivor often stays “just in case.”
On its own, it’s rarely useful. Unless you have a plan to use it, these single earbuds just add to the mess.
Sort through your drawer and decide if it’s time to let them go. Less clutter means more space for things you actually use.
Dried out pens
Dried out pens are a classic junk drawer nuisance. They stop working, but often linger “just in case.”
Searching for a working pen can be frustrating when most are dried out. Tossing the bad ones frees up space.
Keep a few good pens handy and let go of the rest. You’ll find writing tools much faster and your drawer will be more organized.
Small tools like mini screwdrivers
You often find small tools like mini screwdrivers in your junk drawer. They are handy for quick fixes around the house.
Whether it’s tightening loose screws or opening small gadgets, these tiny tools come in useful. Sometimes, you might not even have a real mini screwdriver.
That’s when things like butter knives or paperclips can step in as makeshift tools. Keeping these small tools in your junk drawer means you won’t have to search the whole house when a task comes up.
Mini screwdrivers don’t take up much space, so they fit perfectly in a crowded drawer. Having one or two ready saves time and keeps you prepared for small repairs.
