Step 2: The Great Unloading – Empty and Clean
This step is simple but profound. It’s time to face the chaos head-on. Take a deep breath and empty the entire junk drawer. Everything. Every last paperclip, dried-out pen, and mysterious plastic bit must come out. Do not try to sort as you go—that’s a common pitfall that leads to distraction and decision fatigue. The goal right now is simply to create a blank slate.
Pile everything onto the clear, protected surface you prepared in the previous step. As you see the full extent of the contents laid out, you might feel a little overwhelmed. That’s perfectly normal! But seeing it all in one place is also a powerful diagnostic tool. You can immediately spot the duplicates, the obvious trash, and the sheer volume of things that have been hiding in that small space. This visual information is fuel for the next step: editing.
Once the drawer is completely empty, give it a thorough cleaning. Use your handheld vacuum or hose attachment to get all the dust, crumbs, and debris out of the corners. Then, spray it with your all-purpose cleaner and wipe it down with a cloth. Let it air dry completely while you work on sorting. This act of cleaning is more than just hygienic; it’s a mental reset. You are literally wiping the slate clean and preparing a fresh, welcoming space for only the most useful items to return.
Now, with the drawer empty and clean, grab your measuring tape. This is the moment where we apply some simple “container math” to ensure a perfect fit later on. Measure the interior of the drawer. You need three numbers:
1. The Width: Measure from the left inside wall to the right inside wall.
2. The Depth: Measure from the front inside wall to the back inside wall.
3. The Height: Measure from the bottom of the drawer to the top edge.
Write these three measurements down on a piece of paper and keep it handy. For example, you might have a drawer that is 14 inches wide, 21 inches deep, and 3.5 inches high. These numbers are your golden ticket. They will guide your purchase of drawer dividers, eliminating the guesswork and the frustration of buying organizers that don’t fit. Taking 30 seconds to do this now will save you time, money, and a return trip to the store.
