Step #2: Trash It. If there is a cardinal rule of decluttering, it is this: if you aren't going to use it or don't love it, throw it out! Be merciless on your junk drawer and throw away anything you haven't used in months and don't truly foresee using in the future. The more you can trash, the better, so be strong!
Step #3: Categorize. Sort what's left into categories that make sense to you. Examples might include “Tools” or “Notes,” for instance; but the important thing is that the system is yours. Organizing so you can find things more easily only works if everything you're doing makes sense to you.
Step #4: Organize! If you can find a couple of small baskets and containers to hold your little items, that's great! If not, you can make your own using baby food jars or the cut-off bottoms of things like cereal boxes. Either way, use these containers to separate your categories as much as possible.
When you're done, take a look at your junk drawer—how much more likely are you to find something now if you need it? More importantly, how much better do you feel about it?
