From Tape to Flashlight: 15 Everyday Items That Belong in Every Junk Drawer

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve dug through a messy drawer for a pen, a battery, or that tiny screwdriver. You too? That “junk” drawer isn’t the problem—the randomness is. If we stock it with the right 15 things, it becomes the fastest fix-it station in the house.

So here’s the plan we’ll follow: a tight, no-nonsense list of 15 essentials, why each one earns its spot, what not to stash (so the drawer doesn’t bloat), and a quick maintenance routine you can do in five minutes a month.

If you could fix just one daily annoyance with this drawer, what would it be—finding a working pen, a spare battery, or scissors that aren’t missing? Tell me, and I’ll make sure it’s covered.

Quick fact-check: Why a well-stocked junk drawer matters

I’ve realized over the years that a junk drawer isn’t really about clutter — it’s about convenience. It’s that one spot where you and I can reach for something small yet essential without wasting ten minutes searching through toolboxes or cabinets. When it’s stocked right, it quietly saves your day more times than you notice.

The “junk drawer” concept and its utility

A junk drawer, as it’s often defined, is simply a small space where we keep miscellaneous but occasionally useful objects — things that don’t have a perfect home anywhere else. Think about it: your tape measure, extra keys, or a loose battery aren’t “junk.” They’re everyday problem-solvers waiting for their moment.

What makes this drawer special isn’t what’s inside, but how quickly it lets you act. When something breaks, a kid’s toy stops working, or a light goes out, you don’t want to hunt — you want to find and fix. That’s why this tiny drawer deserves more respect than its name suggests.

Here’s why keeping it well-stocked matters:

• Saves time — No more running around for tools or supplies you use once a week.
• Reduces stress — When you know exactly where things are, even small hiccups feel manageable.
• Encourages order — A well-thought-out junk drawer becomes your first step toward a more organized home.

Common items people already store (and why)

The most useful junk drawers include a few smart staples. Most of us already have them, just scattered around.

Here are some of the most common items worth keeping close:

• Batteries – The first thing you look for when the remote dies.
• Flashlight or mini torch – Perfect for finding something under the couch or during a quick power cut.
• Tape (clear or masking) – Fixes torn papers, seals boxes, and handles everyday mishaps.
• Scissors – Because you always need them when you least expect to.
• Super glue – For small household fixes that can’t wait.
• Scratch pad or sticky notes – To jot down reminders or measurements in seconds.

Each of these isn’t random — they’re the small conveniences that keep a home running smoothly. When your drawer has them ready, you turn chaos into control.

You can even check out a great visual breakdown of these essentials on HGTV’s guide. So before we dive into the full list, think about your own drawer for a second — what’s in there right now that actually helps you, and what’s just taking up space?

15 must-have items for your junk drawer

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that a junk drawer is only as good as what’s inside it. You don’t need to fill it with every “just in case” item — just the essentials that actually save you time and frustration. Here’s my go-to list of 15 small things that make a big difference.

1. Reliable pens and a permanent marker: I can’t count how many times I’ve reached for a pen that didn’t work. Keep at least two reliable pens and one permanent marker for labeling containers, writing quick notes, or marking cables. You’ll thank yourself when a delivery slip or school form appears out of nowhere.
2. Sturdy scissors: Every home needs one good pair of scissors that stays in the drawer. Whether it’s opening packages, cutting tags, or trimming tape, it’s faster than pulling out bulky kitchen shears or tool-box cutters.
3. Tape (clear & masking or double-sided): A single roll of clear tape and a small masking or double-sided roll can handle everything from sealing envelopes to quick craft repairs. Just avoid keeping too many types — they tangle and waste space.
4. Spare batteries (AA/AAA/9V): You already know the drill — the TV remote dies only when your show starts. Keep two or three sets of the most used sizes, stored in a small labeled bag to avoid corrosion or clutter.
5. Small screwdriver (multi-bit or compact): This tiny tool solves a hundred small problems — tightening a door handle, changing a battery, or fixing a toy. I like keeping a multi-bit version so it replaces an entire set.
6. Flashlight or small handheld torch: A compact LED flashlight can save you during a sudden power outage or when you drop something under the couch. I always keep one with fresh batteries in my drawer — it’s one of those items that turns “panic” into “prepared.”
7. Super glue or instant adhesive: That one item you’ll never need… until you really do. A mini tube of super glue handles minor breaks — think shoes, mugs, or decor pieces. Just keep the cap tightly sealed to prevent drying.
8. Rubber bands, twist ties, cable ties: These are the unsung heroes of a tidy home. Use rubber bands to bundle pens, twist ties for snack bags, and cable ties for cords or gadgets. Small, cheap, and endlessly useful.
9. Small notepad + sticky notes: Sometimes you just need to write something down quickly — measurements, reminders, grocery needs. A mini notepad and a few sticky notes keep those thoughts from slipping away.
10. A few spare keys or labelled backup key: You’d be surprised how often a backup house or mailbox key saves the day. Just label it clearly and keep it toward the back of the drawer to avoid mixing it with everyday clutter.
11. Eyeglass repair kit or small repair items: If someone at home wears glasses, this little kit is gold. It includes a mini screwdriver, screws, and nose pads — quick fixes that save a trip to the optician.
12. Stain-remover pen / small cleaning wipe pack: For coffee drips, ink spots, or quick spills, a stain-remover pen or a pack of wipes can be a lifesaver. Store them sealed to keep from drying out.
13. Measuring tape (compact): Whenever I need to check if a new shelf or appliance will fit, I reach straight for this. A compact measuring tape saves multiple trips across the house and keeps you from guessing.
14. Cord/charger short cable (one only, neatly wrapped): Too many cords create chaos, but one short universal charger cable (USB-C or iPhone) neatly wrapped with a tie can save you when your phone battery’s dying. Keep it organized — not tangled.
15. Mini emergency essentials: band-aids and ointment: I like to keep a few band-aids and a small tube of antiseptic ointment tucked in a corner. Perfect for quick scrapes, burns, or paper cuts.

Each of these items earns its space because it solves real, everyday problems — fast. You don’t need a full toolkit or a giant supply box; just these 15 small lifesavers to keep your home running smoothly.

If you want inspiration for setting up your drawer, check out this helpful breakdown from Better Homes & Gardens.

Now, before you rush to restock yours — which one of these do you already have, and which always seems to go missing first?

Why these items (and how to decide your own list)

I’ve seen a lot of people copy these “junk drawer checklists” word for word, and that’s where they go wrong. The point isn’t to fill your drawer with someone else’s version of useful — it’s to make it your go-to spot for daily fixes.

Think of it this way: everything in your junk drawer should earn its place. Each item should be:

• Small and frequently needed — things that vanish when you need them most.
• Used by everyone in the house — so you’re not the only one benefiting from it.
• Hard to store elsewhere — items that don’t fit naturally into kitchen drawers, bathroom cabinets, or toolkits.

Start by asking yourself:

“What do I always end up searching for?”

That’s your cue. Whether it’s a lighter, a measuring tape, or a spare key, those “where did I put that?” items deserve a home here.

A few quick ground rules help keep it balanced:

• Keep only one of each item — duplicates lead to clutter.
• Toss anything expired or broken (old batteries, dried-out pens, crumbled glue).
• Make sure everything has a reason to be there — no random cables or mystery screws allowed.

When you treat the drawer like a mini tool kit instead of a junk pile, it becomes surprisingly satisfying to use.

What to avoid keeping in your junk drawer

Now, let’s talk about what not to keep — because this is where even organized people slip up. I learned this the hard way when I once opened my junk drawer and found expired coupons, broken chargers, and a half-melted candle jammed together.

Here are a few no-go items to keep your drawer functional and clutter-free:

• Old receipts or cash – these belong in a file or wallet, not next to your tools.
• Makeup or toiletries – they leak, dry out, and create mess.
• Kitchen gadgets – measuring spoons, corkscrews, or peeler duplicates belong with your cooking gear.
• Broken electronics or cords – if you haven’t used them in months, recycle or donate them.
• Coupons, business cards, or mail – they pile up fast and age out quietly.
• Loose screws, nails, or random parts – store them in a small labeled jar elsewhere.

Here’s the thing: clutter grows quietly. Once one “maybe later” item slips in, the drawer starts to lose its purpose. By keeping it intentional, you turn it from a black hole into your home’s most useful space. If you’re struggling with where to begin, try using the simple 1-3-5 decluttering rule — it’s one of the easiest ways to clear clutter without feeling overwhelmed.

Organization & maintenance tips for your junk drawer

A perfect junk drawer isn’t the one that looks new — it’s the one that stays useful. I’ve found that organizing it once isn’t enough; you have to give it small check-ins every few months.

Here’s how to keep it practical and low-maintenance:

• Use small containers or dividers to group by category — tools, stationery, electronics. Egg cartons, small boxes, or drawer inserts all work fine.
• Label sections clearly — “Batteries,” “Small Tools,” or “Quick Fixes.” When everything has a name, nothing gets lost.
• Clear it out every 3–6 months. Test your pens, toss dried glue, and replace old batteries before they corrode. And if you’re planning a full seasonal reset, check out 7 things every homeowner should declutter this November — it’ll help you spot hidden clutter beyond just your junk drawer.
• Measure your drawer’s depth before buying organizers. It sounds obvious, but I’ve made that mistake before — the bins didn’t even fit.
• Keep frequently used items near the front. Scissors, pens, and tape should be the first thing your hand reaches for, not buried under clutter.

If you want some clever layout ideas, check out this simple organizer breakdown from Sabrina’s Organizing.

A few minutes spent maintaining this drawer pays off every single day — fewer frantic searches, cleaner counters, and a small daily reminder that you’ve got things under control.

Final takeaways

Your junk drawer doesn’t have to be a black hole of random things. When it’s set up right, it becomes a small hub of everyday problem-solving — a place that quietly saves you time, effort, and stress.

So this weekend, take ten minutes to empty it, reset it, and restock it with purpose. Trust me, future-you will thank present-you every time something breaks, spills, or stops working. If letting go of old items feels tough, these 7 secrets to letting go of hard-to-discard items can make decluttering feel a lot easier — especially for those “just in case” things that tend to end up in this drawer.

What’s one thing in your junk drawer you could never live without? Share your answer in the comments — and explore more smart home improvement ideas at Build Like New to keep every corner of your home running smoother.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general home organization and convenience purposes only. Always store sharp tools, batteries, and adhesives safely and out of reach of children. Build Like New is not responsible for any damage or injury resulting from misuse of items mentioned.