Despite their name, junk drawers contain some of the most useful tools in the home — assuming they’re organized properly. Too often, people utilize junk drawers just for storing loose change, spam mail, and other clutter. But these catch-all storage spaces are a great place to keep handy items that don’t have dedicated shelves of…
1. Battery Tester
The best way to tell if there’s still life in old, loose batteries is to use a battery tester. This tiny device gauges whether the battery’s capacity is low or high. It works with a variety of household batteries including AAs, AAAs, and 9-volts. Best of all, battery testers don’t run on batteries.
2. Stain-Removing Pen
Imagine you’re running out the door and suddenly notice a coffee stain on your shirt — how did that even get there? Rather than change into a whole new outfit, keep stain-remover pens in your junk drawer. These handy cleaning tools can help lighten or remove pesky stains in no time at all.
3. Furniture Sliders
Whenever you have the urge to rearrange the living room or clean under the bed, grab a set of furniture sliders from the junk drawer and put one under each leg. The discs make it easier to move furniture around without scratching the floor (or throwing out your back). Consider a set that includes plastic sliders for carpets as well as felt sliders for hard surfaces. Keep them on hand so you can redecorate to your heart’s content without assistance.
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4. Wood Markers
Let’s face it — wood easily gets scratched, whether due to everyday use or an overzealous toddler or pet. But you can keep wooden furniture and wall trim looking as good as new with a set of wood markers and wax sticks. Offered in a variety of colors, these pens are perfect for filling in surface-level scratches on any wooden item in the home.
5. Eyeglass Repair Kit
Whether you wear eyeglasses every day or sport a pair of shades now and then, it’s useful to keep an eyeglass repair kit in the junk drawer. Eyeglass screws loosen over time, affecting the comfort and fit of your specs. These kits contain tiny tools for tightening screws and other quick fixes.
6. Pet Hair Remover
Our pets are perfect — or maybe 99% perfect, with the remaining 1% being all that annoying pet hair. If your pet is known to shed, head over to the junk drawer and grab a simple pet hair removal device. This metal tool easily lifts pet hair from upholstery or carpet — including area rugs, car mats, couches, and pet beds — without causing any damage.
7. Screen Wipes
Grubby little fingerprints get all over our phones, computers, and TV screens. But with electronic wipes, you can remove greasy smudges in the blink of an eye. Place a pack in the junk drawer nearest your television room or home office so you always have some on hand.
8. Goo Gone
When you remove a price sticker, it often leaves behind a stubborn, sticky residue. Goo Gone is the solution to a variety of messes; the solvent can be used to remove stickers, gum on your shoe, and even crayon marks on the walls. A small bottle will work wonders.
9. Painter’s Tape
Painter’s tape is one of the most versatile tools you can own, so it’s worth keeping a roll on standby. The best feature of painter’s tape is that it peels off cleanly without any sticky residue. This makes it perfect for painting walls, labeling containers, or bundling loose cables and cords.
10. Staple-Free Stapler
There’s no reason to waste money on staples so long as you have a staple-free stapler by your side. This nifty gadget uses pressure to fasten as many as five sheets of paper together without piercing through them, meaning less waste and lower costs.
11. Hem Tape
Looking to shorten your curtains or take a few inches off your pant legs before heading out the door? Use hem tape, which holds fabric in place for one to two wears. This is an undeniably quicker and easier solution than busting out the old sewing machine.
12. Superglue Packets
Superglue is truly super in its ability to hold things together. Unfortunately, large bottles often dry out before they’re used up. That’s why you should choose mini superglue packets, which are the perfect size for junk drawers and handy for DIY projects.
13. Retractable Box Cutter
A retractable box cutter makes opening and breaking down packages quick and easy. They’re also useful for cutting carpet, trimming caulk, or opening stuck paint can lids. Just be sure to exercise caution when using a box cutter, as they’re extremely sharp.
14. Cabinet Bumpers
Cabinet bumpers are fantastic for protecting your fixtures from damage, and they take up very little space in the junk drawer. These small, circular, stick-on pads affix to the back of any cabinet door, providing a protective cushion when closing.
15. Reusable Zip Ties
From organizing charger cables to creating makeshift handles, zip ties are surprisingly versatile. Reusable zip ties are a fantastic alternative to single-use ones, and will serve you well for a long time to come.
If any of these products speak to you, it’s time to declutter your junk drawer and turn it into a useful storage space. You’ll be delighted to discover how much easier these items make everyday tasks around the house.
