Every home has that random collection of items you don’t quite know what to do with but you’re hesitant to toss: a mysterious plastic piece that looks like it belongs to something important, an unfamiliar key, a charger that you’re sure connects to a gadget you once owned. Instead of letting these miscellaneous objects sit…
What Is an “I Don’t Know” Bin?
At its core, the “I Don’t Know” bin is exactly what it sounds like: a simple container for all those items you can’t immediately categorize. It isn’t about creating clutter; it’s about containing it. By designating one spot, you don’t have to stress or even think about where something should go in the moment. No more agonizing over whether that stray Allen wrench belongs in the toolbox or the kitchen drawer. Drop it in the bin and move on with your day.
How It Can Help
The beauty of this system is that it provides both order and flexibility. Life is full of those “just in case” moments, and chances are good that the item you’ll be searching for weeks later is sitting in your bin. That once-mysterious plastic piece? Turns out it’s from your kid’s toy that has resurfaced. And that unidentified key? It unlocks the padlock you swore you’d never lose the key to.
More from our network
House Outlook is part of Inbox Studio, which publishes content that uplifts, informs, and inspires.
To make the most of your “I Don’t Know” bin, keep it small to medium in size and store it somewhere central and accessible, such as a hall closet, utility room, or even a shelf in the garage. It should be easy to toss items in, but not so out of the way that you forget it exists. Every few months, do a quick sift through. Some items will reveal their purpose, some will no longer be relevant, and others may earn a more permanent spot. (But if it’s been there for a year or more, you can safely assume it’s garbage.)
In a world where organization often feels like an endless battle, the “I Don’t Know” bin is refreshingly realistic. It acknowledges that not everything has an immediate place, and that’s OK. By containing those mystery items in one spot, you reclaim surfaces, save time, and may even solve the puzzle of that extra screw you found rolling on the floor.
