Junk Drawer Organization

Almost half-way through January, and the organization is still going strong.  Usually by this point, I have fallen off the tidy wagon.  So while I was still in the mood, I tackled everyone's organizational nemesis, the junk drawer.

My junk drawer lives in the kitchen.  It became the catch-all for the mail, paper, and apparently Bed Bath & Beyond coupons.  Yes, there are 4 coupons visible in the photo.  Full disclosure: As I sorted through the drawer I found two more coupons!  I followed these steps, and really organizing any space comes down to these 4 steps:

1. Remove it - I removed everything in the drawer, so I could see how much space was there.
2. Sort it- As I was removing everything from the drawer, I sorted it into piles of like items.  This way you can see what items and how many of each you have.  Make sure you have one trash pile, and one pile for items that actually should be stored in other areas of the home.
3. Make choices- What should be in the space?  This can be the hardest part.  But it is okay to throw away...(or donate or recycle)!
4. Put it back- Think about how you use the drawer and put things back accordingly.  Use containers and labels to make it easy to put things back after you use them, so the space can stay organized all year.

It certainly feels great to have an organized space...especially the junk drawer!  What have you been organizing lately?