14 Things That Were Always in the Junk Drawer
This list shows the random stuff people always seem to keep in that one messy drawer at home.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
Most homes have a drawer filled with all kinds of random things — stuff you do not need every day, but still keep just in case. This list shows 14 common items that always seem to end up in that drawer. It is a little messy, a little useful, and totally familiar.
1. Mysterious Keys
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Every junk drawer has them — keys that unlock… something? Their origins forgotten, yet they’re too important to toss. Perhaps, they’re relics of past homes or long-lost padlocks.
2. Pens That May or May Not Work
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There were a handful of pens, some dried out, others surprisingly functional. They’re the first thing you reach for when you need to jot down a quick note, hoping for ink. Testing each one becomes a mini-adventure in itself.
3. Loose Batteries
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There were AA, AAA, and maybe even 9-volt batteries rolling freely, but their charge was unknown. They’re kept just in case, a power source for remotes or flashlights in need. You never know when one might still have some life left.
4. Rubber Bands Galore
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Snapped, stretched, or pristine, rubber bands accumulate over time. They’re the ultimate multitaskers, ready to bundle, hold, or snap at a moment’s notice. Often tangled together, they form a colorful, elastic nest.
5. Takeout Menus from Restaurants Past
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Menus from favorite eateries, some still open, others long gone. They’re a culinary time capsule, reminding us of meals shared and flavors savored. Even in the digital age, these paper menus hold nostalgic value.
6. Charging Cables for Unknown Devices
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A spaghetti of cords — USBs, micro-USBs, perhaps even a proprietary charger for a device long since obsolete. They remain, just in case, and sorting through them feels like unraveling a technological mystery.
7. Loose Change
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Coins of varying denominations, enough to buy a candy bar or feed a parking meter. They’re the treasure in the junk drawer’s trove. Over time, they accumulate into a small, clinking fortune.
8. Random Screws and Nails
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Leftovers from past projects, these tiny hardware pieces are kept for future fixes or builds, their specific purposes long forgotten. They represent the “just in case” mentality. A mini hardware store within your drawer.
9. The Go-To Scissors
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Not the sharpest, but always available. These scissors have wrapped gifts, opened packages, and cut coupons, earning their place in the drawer. Their worn handles tell tales of countless uses.
10. Roll of Tape
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Whether it’s Scotch, masking, or duct, a roll of tape is a junk drawer staple, ready to mend, seal, or hold things together in a pinch. It’s the silent fixer of many household mishaps. It’s always there, even if the end is hard to find.
11. Mini Flashlight
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For power outages or searching under the couch, this small flashlight is a beacon in times of darkness. Its batteries are hopefully still good. It’s the unsung hero during unexpected blackouts. It’s compact yet powerful when needed most.
12. Paper Clips and Binder Clips
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Tiny office supplies that have migrated to the junk drawer, ready to organize papers or serve as impromptu tools in DIY fixes. They might hold together important documents or become makeshift tools. They’re small, but incredibly versatile.
13. Super Glue
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A nearly empty tube, crusted at the tip, yet still capable of bonding materials in emergencies. It’s the fixer of broken mugs and more. It’s always kept close for those unexpected breaks.
14. Measuring Tape
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Compact and retractable, this tool assists in spontaneous measurements, from furniture dimensions to window sizing, proving its utility time and again. It’s the go-to for quick measurements during impromptu projects. It’s a trusty companion for DIY enthusiasts.