14 Things to Throw Out of Your Junk Drawer Right Now
The junk drawer is one of those staples in most households where just about everything lands that does not appear to fit anywhere else. While occasionally useful items can be dug up amidst the chaos, it more often becomes a store-all system for useless junk that occupies space and contributes to household clutter. Cleaning out your junk drawer is a great thing to do to declutter, but it can also help minimize stress and really bump up efficiency in everyday life.
The following shows 14 things that you really should get rid of from your junk drawer right now:
1. Used Batteries
Batteries lose their charge after some time; the keeping of old or expired batteries can be hazardous. Get rid of the batteries at a recycling center or designated collection point.
2. Expired Coupons
If you haven’t used them by now, it’s unlikely you will. Pitch the expired coupons and make room for some new ones if you still want to keep them.
3. Broken Tools
Damaged tools beyond repair must be trashed. A broken tool can only occupy space and is not likely to be fixed.
4. Unmatched Charging Cables
If cables have nothing to attach to anymore due to devices and gadgets you no longer own, it’s time to remove them. Keep only what is usable and useful.
5. Single Socks
Those lone socks not having a partner should be discarded or donated. They will most likely never reappear again, and you are freeing space for other things that can be used.
6. Takeout Menus
If you have menus that are outdated or that you haven’t used in some time, consider getting rid of them. You can always find current menus online.
7. Expired Medications
Look for old or expired medications and dispose of them correctly per your local rules and regulations. This will keep your home safer while it is less cluttered.
8. Scraps of Paper
Anything like old receipts, pieces of notes, or scraps of paper you come across and no longer find a use for, get rid of them. If they are not important enough to keep, then they do not deserve to clutter your space.
9. Broken Pens and Markers
Remove all the pens, markers, and highlighters that do not work. What is the practical purpose of these products? Writing!
10. Old Business Cards
Dispose of business cards belonging to contacts with whom you no longer remember or need. You can save all important contacts digitally, anyway.
11. Unused Chargers
Throw away chargers for devices that you no longer own. These will surely add to the clutter.
12. Random Hardware
If you have screws, nails, or anchors for which you do not know what they belong to, it’s best to chuck them unless they are part of an active project.
13. Old or Nonsticky Sticky Notes
Get rid of old or nonsticky sticky notes. If there is something on a sticky note that is important, transfer the message into a digital note or onto a new sticky.
14. Assorted Rubber Bands
While one or two rubber bands may come in handy, superfluous ones and those that are stretched out should go. Keep only what you need.