LET'S TALK JUNK DRAWER ORGANIZATIONToday I would like to talk about “Junk” drawers. My view is, there is no need for anyone to have a Junk Drawer, first because by labeling it “Junk” drawer you are sending a message to your brain that that’s what it is; a place to throw junk you don’t know what to do with. Secondly a junk drawer is not very useful, it’s just a disorganized collection of random items that you probably will never use because you won’t be able to remember what is in there or be able to find anything, a junk drawer is a place where things go to disappear and never be heard of. I usually find it in the kitchen, since that is a room where people spend a good chunk of time and it seems like a logical place to keep things you use very often, but they can be found in other rooms as well including basements. A “Utility” drawer on the other hand is a useful thing, and we all could use one, a place to keep often used items that we might need to grab quickly. Think about what you might need in the kitchen that is not food or cooking related, things like pens, pencils, keys, lighters, phone chargers, scotch tape, band aids, batteries, glasses, these are all items I usually find in such a drawer. If these are things you need handy in the kitchen then they belong there as long as you don’t treat them like junk. Create sections within your drawer to accommodate the different categories and keep like items together. This will not only prevent the items from shifting every time you open the drawer but it will keep them visible and easy to find. The easier it is to find them the more likely it is you will use them, and by using them often you will create a brain pattern that will prevent you from wondering where things are and need to be returned after use. This is an example of a Utility drawer that works for a client, after we identified all the items she would require for daily use, yours might look different depending on what your needs are. You can create sections by using small containers, either purchased or you can use the boxes your cell phones come in or similar, (I use them all the time), alternatively you can use drawer dividers that intersect to create any size section you might need. The picture below is just an example I found on Amazon. An organized Utility drawer (we won’t call it Junk drawer anymore) is a great use of drawer space which at times we lack, so don’t waste that space with a mess of things that no one can use, make it functional and everyone will find it easy to use. Keep in mind that a lot of the pictures you see online are staged and that level of organization is unrealistic and not sustainable or practical, so aim for what works in real life, tailor it to your needs. In conclusion, there is no need for a Junk Drawer, but a Utility drawer is highly functional and will make your life easier when looking for often used items in a hurry. SUSTAINABLE DESK DRAWER ORGANIZATIONI often encounter messy drawers, and that is expected in the organizing industry, and they are not always in the kitchen but sometimes in the office or Desk area. I have worked in drawers that had items so old they probably don’t even make them anymore… that is what happens when people have so much stuff they don’t even know what they have anymore or how long it has lived in that drawer, think Floppy disks??? Some people don’t even know what they are….lol… On the other hand I often see blog posts, advertisements and similar, especially on Pinterest that are really unrealistic and not practical or sustainable in the long run. Yes, they look great but would they work in a Real Household with multiple members actually living there??? I think not! Organization like anything else in life requires maintenance, and this type of organization is extremely High Maintenance! Most of those pretty pictures are staged to look good but unless they are for a Museum Exhibition it will require an extremely organized Household to maintain that level or organization 24/7. What often happens is that when a person sets his/her goals that high it is more likely they will fail, causing a lack of motivation to continue with the effort. Set the bar to Normal and you will more likely succeed! So don’t set yourself up to fail with unrealistic goals of unsustainable organization, think practical and efficient, think about your habits and what you need handy. I am extremely organized myself, but even I don't keep it to that level, it requires a time investment that I don’t have, and from what I see on a daily basis not many do.
What I focus on instead is not overbuying and keeping only things I actually use, if I use them often they have to be up front, and what I use less often in the back but still visible and easy to reach, If I have to go through too many steps to find it chance is I won’t use it and forget it is there after a while. Like for the Utility drawer use small containers in your desk drawers, they will vary depending on your needs but there are many options out there. Find what works for you. It is not hard to train yourself to be more organized, it will save you time and stress in the long run, probably money too since you won’t have to purchase the same items over and over because you can’t find them. You can thank me later ;-) If you have ever bought a gift for a minimalist chance is they have re-gifted it or donated it by now. It’s not out of disrespect to you or because they are not appreciative, most likely it is a matter of clutter reduction. Minimalists appreciate a home that is peaceful and free of all possible clutter, what is not strictly necessary or takes up space and is not often used is considered clutter. I myself have never identified as a minimalist but I tend to follow those same patterns. A house full of stuff is stressful to me. Although I appreciate the thought, I do not like gifts unless really well thought through, as most of the time I would not have chosen to purchase those items myself. As a Professional Organizer I often see people struggle with lots of items they do not use or like or even want but they keep them because of that feeling of Guilt associated with giving away something that was gifted to them by someone dear to them. So think about the guilt feeling and the clutter you are passing on to someone when purchasing a gift, ask yourself: Would they buy it for themselves? Have you ever heard them say that want that particular gift? If the answer is NO or I don't know maybe find a better alternative. So what can you do if you have a minimalist in your life and want to be able to show them you care with a gift? You have choices… preferably of the Consumables or Experience sort. If your “giftee” is something of a food aficionado you can’t go wrong with food related gifts which are consumables and they will not take up space permanently. Gift Giving is not about materials objects, it's about showing love to the people you care about. 1 – Wine A bottle or two of good Wine is a great gift for those who enjoy such beverages… (not me ...lol) if you are not a wine expert ask for advice at the store. 2 – SugarWish Gift Box. This is a customizable consumables gift box that comes in various sizes from Small to Grand, and with multiple options from candy to coffee and teas, including vegan cookies and even dog treats! Still edibles but for your pet :-) You just purchase the size you prefer and the receiver will choose their favorite option, they will then receive a pretty gift box with a customized card from you. They will think of you every time they “savor” their gift and it won’t be REGIFTED. Guaranteed! To read more on how it works visit SugarWish website HERE 4 – Wholefoods, Trader Joe gift cards. You can purchase these at local pharmacies and stores where gift cards are showcased. Trader Joes does not offer them online so you will have to purchase in store. Wholefoods gift cards can be purchased on their website. These are popular high end groceries stores that anyone would love to shop at. Lots of options for healthy, vegan or diet conscious choices. Again you will come to mind when they shop and once consumed it will take up no space. 5 – Costco Membership A one year Costco membership is a thoughtful gift, it gives them access to not only food but anything else they might need, from school supplies to pet supplies and if you feel generous you can add some extra $$$ to enhance their shopping experience :-) They will be able to pick what they want to bring into their home, and they will save along the way.
These are just some ideas but I am sure there are more and that depends on how well you know the person you are buying gifts for, the more thought you put into it the greater the chance they will actually love the gift.
What if your loved one does not cook or is not into food? Come back later for more Gift ideas for the minimalist in your life. We will explore other viable options. |
AuthorHello, my name is Vicky and I am a Professional Organizer in NYC. I am passionate about anything related to organizing and most of all I fully believe in the benefits of it. Archives
January 2024
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