Downsizing Sentimental Items: Photographs
July 1, 2023
Kitchen Utensils: What Do We Really Need?
September 27, 2023
Everyone has one. Some have two or three. I have one and when I open it, I’m glad I took the time to make it functional. I feel a bit of pride around it. How do you feel about your junk drawer?
These catch-all drawers are something we see in just about every kitchen. In olden days, they were strategically placed near the home phone. Since landlines have gone by the wayside, for the most part, junk drawers tend to hold a spot in the corner of a kitchen somewhere. Their contents are accessed frequently so organization is key. What do we see in junk drawers? A wide array of things. Here is a peek into mine.
Writing instruments: pens, pencils, and markers. Yes, writing takes a less prominent role in our lives these days as our electronics are most commonly how we communicate. When we run out to the store, do we leave a note that says, “be back in a few?” No, we generally text. However, companies still advertise by giving away pens and they multiply regularly. Take the time to sit with your stack of pens and a sheet of paper and test all the pens in your junk drawer to trash all those that no longer work. You will be amazed by how many no longer write. Do the same with Sharpies and highlighters. If you use them keep just a few. A few sharp pencils are handy to have when you know erasing may be involved in what you are writing but you don’t need dozens. Once you have working pens, a few markers, and a few pencils, tuck them in a basket for their return to the drawer. Dollar Tree sells the perfect size basket that fits pens and pencils and is flat enough to fit in the drawer. I use Sharpies to mark fridge labels and at work so Sharpies have their own basket and pens have their own as well.
A basket holds pads of paper in my junk drawer. There are post-its and blocks of paper in one space. Also in this paper space are a few restaurant coupons and a few menus. These coupons have a short shelf life and need to be cleared regularly and any restaurant menu can be accessed online but we all have habits hard to break and paper menus are one of mine.
There is a small basket with playing cards. These are a few collectible sets that I may grab when heading out of town. It is fun to play a game of cards while at the pool or at the airport when traveling.
There is the tool basket in the junk drawer and in it are two pairs of scissors, small sewing kit, a small Philips and flathead screwdriver, a BIC lighter, a measuring tape, a pair of pliers and a box cutter. There is also a nail file for any kitchen nail snags. There is a back-up wine opener and a plastic wine cork in the junk drawer that we can take on trips as well.
There is a stapler, scotch tape dispenser, extra scotch tape and staple refills and a glue stick. A small basket holds chip clips, paper clips, and a few clothespins. There are a few rubber bands and two night light bulbs.
The beauty of keeping each of the categories in its own basket in the junk drawer is that any one basket can be removed, thinned, and replaced as needed and if moving is involved, these baskets are easy to bag up and box for transport to be returned easily to the new drawer at destination. If downsizing, kitchen drawer space may be at a premium and choosing between a utensil drawer and a junk drawer may be a difficult decision to make. Utensil thinning is a discussion to be had. Perhaps next month.