How to Tame the Infamous Catch-All Drawer
We all have one, don't we? That infamous catch-all drawer that seems to hold everything but the kitchen sink. From crumpled receipts and spare batteries to random paper clips and those mysterious little gadgets you swear you’ve never used, it’s a treasure trove of the odd and the essential. Even the Neatly Bay Team is guilty of it! But while this drawer might feel like a bottomless pit of clutter, it doesn’t have to be an unmanageable mess. With a little patience and a bit of savvy organisation, you can transform it from chaos into a tidy, functional space. Here’s how to reclaim your drawer and restore order.
Step 1: Empty the Drawer (Yes, All of It!)
First things first - take everything out of that drawer! You’ll be shocked at the sheer volume of odds and ends you’ve accumulated. It’s a bit like rummaging through a time capsule. Once it’s empty, give the inside of the drawer a good wipe down. Now, you’re ready to get to work!
Step 2: Take Stock of What You’ve Got
Next, go through everything you’ve unearthed. Be ruthless! Get rid of expired coupons, receipts you’ve long forgotten, and anything that simply doesn’t belong in a catch-all drawer. The goal here is to reduce the clutter before you start categorizing.
We like to create designated sections elsewhere in the home for household essentials, like batteries and light bulbs, so they stay organized and don’t end up piling up in the catch-all drawer.
Step 3: Find Your Organizational Tools
Now comes the fun part - making that drawer a thing of beauty (and efficiency!). Drawer organizers are your best friend here. Invest in a set of drawer storage trays that fit your drawer size. These handy little helpers allow you to separate everything neatly, from pens to paperclips. Small storage bins are also great for grouping similar items together, like spare keys, and loose change. It’s like giving each item its own little home! We also like to install hooks where possible, to hang up keys.
One of the most common culprits of drawer disorganization is tangled cords and chargers. Keep those phone chargers and cables in check with cable organizers. A simple Velcro tie or a dedicated bin can help keep them from looking like a rat’s nest. Trust us, your future self will thank you when you’re not playing “Find the Charger” every morning.
Step 4: Sort by Category
Ah, the art of categorization! Take a deep breath and decide what belongs in your newly organized drawer. It helps to think in categories that make sense for your household. Some of the most common categories might include:
Office Supplies (pens, sticky notes, paper clips, scissors)
Sunglasses (eye glasses)
Chargers (phone chargers, laptop cables)
Spare Keys and Small Tools (house keys, mini screwdrivers, tape measure)
First-Aid Essentials (band-aids, antiseptic wipes)
Coupons or Gift Cards (store vouchers, unused gift cards, loyalty cards)
By assigning everything a designated spot, you’re less likely to let your drawer devolve into chaos again. You’ll always know where to find what you need—and when you don’t, you’ll be the first to spot it.
Step 5: Label and Maintain
Now, for the icing on the cake - labeling. It may sound a bit extra, but labeling the containers or sections in your drawer can make a world of difference. A small label maker or some sticky notes will work wonders. Knowing exactly where to find what you need will save you time and frustration in the long run.
But here’s the real secret to keeping your drawer in top shape: regular maintenance. Declutter and tidy up your catch-all drawer every few months. A quick refresh will keep things from spiraling into the old chaos again. And most importantly, stick to the system - after all, what good is a well-organized drawer if you’re just going to toss things back in willy-nilly? Return items to their designated places after use, and your drawer will stay as neat as a pin.
And there you have it, your catch-all drawer, now a thing of order and beauty! It’s amazing how such a small space can have such a big impact on your home’s overall organization (and your peace of mind!). With a little planning, the right tools, and a bit of ongoing care, you’ll never have to fear the catch-all drawer again.