15 Odd Items That Were in Every Family's Junk Drawer
This listicle shows 15 random things that most families kept in their junk drawer.
- Daisy Montero
- 3 min read
Most homes have that one drawer full of random stuff. This list shares 15 things that were often found in these drawers. Each item brings back memories of everyday life. You might recognize a few from your own home.
1. Pens & Pencils
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There were always lots of pens and pencils, but most of them barely worked. You kept grabbing a few, hoping at least one would write. Somehow, they always ended up back in the drawer.
2. Loose Batteries
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Batteries rolled around everywhere in the drawer. Most were either dead or missing their pair. You never knew which ones still worked, but you kept them just in case.
3. Rubber Bands
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The rubber bands were always tangled into a messy ball. Some were dried out and broke when you stretched them. Still, you saved them thinking they might be useful.
4. Paper Clips and Binder Clips
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Paper clips and binder clips piled up over the years. They were rarely used but always seemed too handy to throw away. The drawer slowly filled with more every time you emptied your pockets.
5. Mystery Keys
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There were always keys, but no one knew what they opened. You kept them because you were afraid to throw away something important. They stayed in the drawer, waiting for a door you would never find.
6. Matchbooks or Lighters
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Old matchbooks and half-empty lighters gathered dust in the corner. Some came from restaurants or hotels you barely remembered. They felt too special to toss, even if they had never been used.
7. Birthday Candles
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Used birthday candles hid under other junk. You kept them, thinking they might work for another birthday. Each one held memories of past celebrations.
8. Random Nails
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Loose nails, screws, and bolts scattered across the drawer. You saved them for little fixes that never happened. One day, you planned to sort them, but that day never came.
9. Hot Glue Sticks
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A few leftover glue sticks sat there for years. You never knew where the glue gun was, but you kept the sticks anyway. They made you feel ready for any quick fix.
10. Mini Tools (Screw Drivers and Allen Wrenches)
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Tiny screwdrivers and odd-shaped wrenches always ended up here. They came with furniture or toys you assembled long ago. You held on to them, thinking they might be needed again.
11. Glue and Tapes
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Old glue tubes and half-used rolls of tape sat side by side. Some were dried out, but you kept them, hoping they might still work. It felt good knowing you had them for emergencies.
12. Old Chargers & Cords
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Tangled chargers and cords filled one corner of the drawer. You no longer owned the devices they fit, but you kept the cords anyway. Someday, you thought, they might be useful again.
13. Extra Buttons
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Tiny plastic bags of spare buttons piled up. They came with new shirts or coats and were saved for sewing repairs that never happened. You never threw them out, just in case.
14. Old Candy/Gum Wrappers
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Wrappers from old candies were hidden at the bottom of the drawer. They were tiny reminders of snacks you enjoyed long ago. You left them there without even noticing.
15. Orphaned Game Pieces
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Lost game pieces always found their way into the drawer. A missing Monopoly token or a lonely card sat waiting to rejoin their games. You kept them hoping one day they would be needed again.