Organizing Your Junk Drawer: 10 Items That Belong In There + 3 That Don't

It's time to rebrand the junk drawer, everyone. 

"The first thing we need to do is stop using the [words] 'junk drawer,'" organizing guru Peter Walsh urges. "This is now a utility drawer. If you think 'junk,' you think, 'I can throw any trash into it — anything that I don't know what to do with.'"

First things first, line the drawer with adhesive paper and get a junk drawer organizer with compartments — or a utility drawer organizer. ? (Peter says they're cheap!)

10 Items That Belong In a Utility Drawer:

1. Lint roller
2. Flashlight
3. Pens + pencils (not a lot though!)
4. Pair of scissors 
5. Lighter 
6. Measuring tape
7. Battery tester
8. Super glue
9. Small screwdriver (Phillips + flathead)
10. Box cutter

"Then, modify the drawer to suit yourself," Peter says. "You might want to have car keys in there."

BUT there are things that don't belong in there. 

What You SHOULDN'T Keep In a Utility Drawer:

1. Paperwork — like mail, invitations + cards
   Set up a standing file instead for those things, Peter recommends. 
   
   RELATED: 3 Ways To Finally Get Rid Of Annoying Paper Clutter
2. Tools
   "These should be in the garage," he says.
3. Crayons + other craft supplies
   "They will very quickly break up, leak and make a huge mess," the organizing pro points out.