17 Things Everyone Had in Their Junk Drawer in the ’80s
From mystery keys to cassette tape adapters, these ’80s drawer dwellers were staples in every household’s go-to clutter spot.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Before smartphones and minimalist living, the junk drawer was a catch-all for life’s random essentials—and the 1980s had some unforgettable classics. Stuffed with tools, gadgets, and who-knows-what, this drawer held everything you didn’t need until the moment you did. Take a nostalgic dive into the quirky chaos of what we all used to keep just one drawer away.
1. Twist Ties
Auntie P on Flickr
Bundled together in a chaotic mess, these little wires seemed too useful to throw away. They came with every loaf of bread and bag of produce.
2. Spare House Keys (to Who Knows Where)
Kindel Media on Pexels
Every drawer had at least one key with no known lock. Maybe it was for a neighbor’s house, maybe your cousin’s padlock from summer camp.
3. Dried-Out Rubber Bands
Marina M on Pexels
Stiff, brittle, and clinging to each other like they had a purpose. Once stretchy and strong, now just sad little loops of rubber.
4. Cassette Tape Adapters
A7N8X on Wikimedia Commons
You used it to connect your portable Walkman to the car stereo. The cord was always tangled, and the sound was always a little fuzzy.
5. Ballpoint Pens That Didn’t Work
lil artsy on Pexels
Click, scribble, toss back in—repeat. Somehow, every pen in the drawer was empty, but none ever got thrown out.
6. Scotch Tape with No Dispenser
Amin on Wikimedia Commons
A roll of tape with the end lost forever in the spiral. You spent more time trying to find the edge than actually using it.
7. Loose Screws and Random Nails
Pixabay on Pexels
From unknown furniture or old projects, these tiny hardware bits had no home. You told yourself they’d come in handy.
8. Broken Watches
jovan curayag on Pexels
The battery was dead, or the strap was snapped, but you couldn’t let it go. It once told time, but now, it just takes up space.
9. Dead Batteries
John Cameron on Unsplash
They’d been tested in a flashlight more than once and failed every time. Still, they stayed. Maybe one day they’d recharge themselves? Probably not.
10. Expired Coupons
Julia Morales on Unsplash
Clipped with care, now long past useful. You kept telling yourself you’d use them—until they turned yellow. Some were for stores that didn’t even exist anymore.
11. Safety Pins in a Film Canister
Zephyris on Wikimedia Commons
Every house had a tiny plastic canister filled with sharp little saviors. They clattered when you shook them. You didn’t use them often, but when you did, they were a lifesaver.
12. Refrigerator Magnets Without a Purpose
ilker genç on Pexels
They came from pizza places, plumbers, or the fair. Some had lost their magnet part entirely. However, the fridge already had too many, so they went into the drawer.
13. Erasers in Weird Shapes
Mick Haupt on Unsplash
Often too cool-looking to use, they sat there gathering dust. Some were cartoon characters, had neon colors, or were shaped like fake food.
14. Paper Clips Bent Out of Shape
Андрей Сизов on Unsplash
Paper clips were twisted into makeshift hooks or mini tools and then forgotten. Were they useful? Maybe once. Now, they were just scrap metal.
15. A Single Glove
MART PRODUCTION on Pexels
Its partner lost to time, but the other one remained. You kept thinking the other one would turn up. It never did.
16. Dime Store Magnifying Glass
lil artsy on Pexels
The magnifying glass was scratched, slightly cloudy, and small enough to lose, but it was always there. It was great for reading fine print or pretending to be a detective.
17. Dime-Sized “Emergency” Candles
Pixabay on Pexels
They were for blackouts or birthdays—or so you said. They never got used, just melted slightly each summer. However, they made you feel prepared.