Drawers often become catch-alls for items you no longer need or use. Over time, these spaces fill up with things that quietly take up room and contribute to clutter without you even realizing it.
Identifying what’s simply taking up space in your drawers can help you create a more organized and functional living area. By taking a closer look, you can clear out unnecessary items and make room for things that truly matter to you.
Stale chewing gum
You probably have some old chewing gum stuck in your drawers. It doesn’t really expire because it contains very little moisture.
However, the texture and flavor will fade over time, leaving it stale and not enjoyable to chew.
If you find gum that’s lost its taste or has hardened, it is just taking up space. Toss it and keep your drawer fresh.
Expired coupons and receipts
You probably have coupons tucked away that have long passed their expiration date. Holding onto them only adds clutter to your drawer.
Receipts pile up fast, especially when you don’t need to keep them after returns or warranties expire. Sorting through and tossing old ones frees up space and clears your mind.
Focus on keeping only recent or important receipts. This simple step makes your drawer easier to manage.
Dried out pens and markers
You probably have pens and markers in your drawers that no longer write or draw. Holding on to these does nothing but create clutter.
Test your pens and markers regularly. If they’re dry, it’s time to toss them.
Sometimes, you can restore markers by soaking the tip in warm water. But if that doesn’t work after a few days, it’s best to let them go.
Old batteries
You probably have a stash of old batteries tucked away in your drawers. These can corrode over time and even cause damage to other items.
Holding on to dead batteries only takes up space and can become a fire hazard. It’s best to collect them in one place and recycle them properly.
Keeping your batteries organized helps you avoid clutter and keeps your drawer safer. Try using a small container or a bag just for old batteries.
Single mismatched socks
You probably have a pile of single mismatched socks hiding in your drawer. They often come from lost pairs after laundry day.
Holding onto them only takes up space and adds clutter. Consider donating or recycling the ones you no longer need.
To avoid this, buy socks in matching sets or use a special container to keep singles separate until you can find their partners.
Unused gift cards
You might have gift cards tucked away in your drawers that you’ve forgotten about. These cards take up space and often end up unused.
Holding onto them means missing out on money you already have. Consider sorting through your cards to see which ones you can actually use.
If you don’t plan to use them, donating unused cards to local charities can be a helpful option. This way, your gift card can bring joy to someone else.
Worn-out chargers and cables
You probably have chargers and cables scattered in your drawers that don’t work anymore. These can create clutter and make it harder to find what you actually need.
If a cable is frayed or a charger doesn’t fit any of your devices, it’s time to let it go. Sorting through these will free up space and reduce frustration.
Consider recycling old electronics cords if possible. Keeping only the ones you actively use will make your drawer much tidier.
Old business cards
You probably have a stack of old business cards tucked away in a drawer. They can easily pile up and take up more space than you realize.
Instead of throwing them out, you can find simple ways to reuse them. They work great as bookmarks, small note cards, or even for creative crafts.
If you prefer to declutter, recycling them is always an option that helps reduce waste. Either way, don’t let those cards just sit and gather dust.
Empty or half-used notepads
You probably have notepads with just a few pages left or completely blank ones tucked away. These can quickly clutter your drawers without serving much purpose.
Instead of holding onto all of them, keep one or two that you use for quick notes or phone messages. Donate or recycle the rest to free up space and avoid unnecessary mess.
Broken or missing puzzle pieces
If you have puzzle pieces that are broken or missing, they often just sit forgotten in your drawer. Without all the pieces, completing the puzzle is usually impossible, making them less useful.
You might want to consider tossing them or keeping a photo of the finished puzzle instead. If you do keep the pieces, storing them in small bags can help prevent more loss. This way, your drawers won’t stay cluttered with pieces you don’t really use.
Random screws and nails
You probably have a mix of random screws and nails tossed in a drawer. If they don’t fit any current or planned projects, they just take up space.
Sorting the ones you want to keep by size or type can help. Labeling a small box for these can keep them organized and easy to find. If you find you don’t use most of them, consider recycling or discarding the extras to free up room.
Dried-up lip balm
You might find old lip balm stuck at the back of your drawer. Once it’s dried out, it won’t do much to protect or moisturize your lips anymore.
Keeping it only takes up space and may even cause irritation if used past its prime. Tossing it lets you make room for fresh products that actually help your lips.