We recently had to put a child lock on the drawer because the kids kept digging in the drawer for stuff, especially chapstick. My kids are obsessed with chapstick. Drives me crazy. I digress. Anyway, on Saturday I decided to spend my hour working on this project. My goal was to get rid of anything we didn't need, relocate things we don't use on a regular basis, and pare it down enough to fit in one drawer.
Here is how I did it.
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| Before - 2 drawers |
Got rid of extras. Did I mention that my children love chapstick? I managed to throw away 3, yes 3, tubes of chapstick. Some were missing lids, some were old, some were so disgusting I don't even want to talk about it. I relocated a number of pens to our study (which will be addressed at a later date), and left behind a pen, a permanent marker, and a highlighter. I moved a few flashlights, and left just one small one.
Relocated items. Some things weren't trash, but aren't used on a daily basis. I feel like those things didn't really need to be so readily accessible. Those things I relocated - a roll of twine, a wrist support (Why was that even in the drawer?!), etc. Also I managed to sell two luggage tags that we weren't using, so I actually made a few bucks during this process as well!
Okay, so after all that, this is where we are now. I feel like it is much simpler, far less cluttered, and definitely more usable. I've read that some people don't have junk drawers, but have "utility drawers". I think this could be classified that way. (By the way, I realize the clothes pins seem excessive, but my husband loves them, and we actually do use them constantly, so for our lives, it makes sense to keep them accessible.)
Now the key is to keep maintain what we have so we don't end up back where we started. That means making sure that the pens don't migrate themselves back to the drawer, scraps of paper are recycled rather than stuffed in the drawer, and that we treat it as a functional drawer rather than a catch-all place for stuff that doesn't have a home.
If you have a junk drawer (or two or three), consider overhauling them. It really doesn't take too much time, and it's amazing at what a difference it makes, even though it seems like such a small thing. Decluttering is awesome, my friends.
If you have an awesome "utility" drawer, or decide to declutter, I'd love to hear about it and/or see some pics. Maybe you could help inspire someone else!
Kelly
Relocated items. Some things weren't trash, but aren't used on a daily basis. I feel like those things didn't really need to be so readily accessible. Those things I relocated - a roll of twine, a wrist support (Why was that even in the drawer?!), etc. Also I managed to sell two luggage tags that we weren't using, so I actually made a few bucks during this process as well!
Okay, so after all that, this is where we are now. I feel like it is much simpler, far less cluttered, and definitely more usable. I've read that some people don't have junk drawers, but have "utility drawers". I think this could be classified that way. (By the way, I realize the clothes pins seem excessive, but my husband loves them, and we actually do use them constantly, so for our lives, it makes sense to keep them accessible.)
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| After - ONE utility drawer |
Now the key is to keep maintain what we have so we don't end up back where we started. That means making sure that the pens don't migrate themselves back to the drawer, scraps of paper are recycled rather than stuffed in the drawer, and that we treat it as a functional drawer rather than a catch-all place for stuff that doesn't have a home.
If you have a junk drawer (or two or three), consider overhauling them. It really doesn't take too much time, and it's amazing at what a difference it makes, even though it seems like such a small thing. Decluttering is awesome, my friends.
If you have an awesome "utility" drawer, or decide to declutter, I'd love to hear about it and/or see some pics. Maybe you could help inspire someone else!
Kelly
I did this two weeks ago during a 1:30am frenzied meltdown about how I have no control of my house. I wanted a tiny place to call my own. Like most decluttering efforts, it was.very quick and made a huge impact. I love my utlity drawer now! I got rid of 4 bulky wine openers (we don't drink), extra (read: extremely ugly) serveware that I would never use even if needed and 4 can openers. I re-homed 10 pocket knives and a huge flashlight. I was able to add a philips head and regular screwdriver! Yay! My hope is that my little utility drawer will be the nucleus of an atomic bomb that spreads its joy & zen to the entire house.
ReplyDeleteI spent so much time dreading it and bulding it up in my mind. When I finally cracked, my husband found me opening and closing the drawer, hitting my "attempt" at organization, a drawer insert. I used to think buying an organizer would fix it. Now I know discipline and constant, vigilant de-junking with an eagle-like ruthless eye for what it can breed and become is the only solution.
DeleteIsn't it amazing how just decluttering such a small space can bring a sigh of relief and inspire you to spread the simplicity throughout the home? I like the idea of having a screw driver in the drawer, especially since we moved our toolbox out to the garage. Thanks for the idea!
DeleteJanie, I don't know you, but feel we may be cut from the same cloth...the "1:30am frenzied meltdown about how I have no control of my house" I can relate to! (Except "house" can also be exchanged for anything else!)
DeleteGlad you find a small step to start the inspiration!
We're kind of abnormal in that we don't really have a "junk drawer". We have the types of things typically found in a junk drawer in multiple other places. I have a small writing desk in our living room which has the "office supplies" (pens, highlighters, rulers, rubber bands, tacks, etc.) Love me those little drawer dividers with all the compartments! And then we do have a little skinny 3-drawer roller thing next to our computer desk with the tape gun, batteries, electronics, etc...that's probably overdue for another straightening. Thanks for the reminder ;-D
ReplyDeleteThe 3 things I grab constantly in the kitchen are scissors, a pen and a Sharpie (for writing the date I opened the veggie broth, of course! :-D)
So this little project with old spice cans is one of my favorites. I typically don't like things "out" like this, but it was too cute of a way to use these cool cans from my Mom-in-law that I love it!
http://letsseetheworld.blogspot.com/2014/12/house-updates.html (3rd photo down)
I love those repurposed spice cans! And I love that you haven't fallen into the trap of a "junk drawer". Even better that you know where to look for the things you need, rather than just having a catch-all.
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