Almost everyone has a junk drawer somewhere in their home—a catchall spot for small items that don’t quite have a place. You might not even realize how many everyday things have found their way into this little cluttered corner over time.

The junk drawer holds a surprising collection of useful items you probably reach for more often than you think. It’s a handy storage spot that keeps things close by when you need them without much fuss.

Rubber bands

You probably have a handful of rubber bands in your junk drawer. They’re great for keeping things together, like bundles of pens or cords.

Rubber bands are simple but useful for quick fixes around the house. Having some on hand means you’re ready to organize or secure small items anytime.

They’re one of those small essentials you almost always need but rarely plan for, making your junk drawer feel complete. For more, see this discussion about rubber bands in junk drawers.

Mini screwdrivers

You’ll often find mini screwdrivers in every junk drawer. They are handy for small repairs or tightening screws on glasses, toys, and electronics.

Having both flathead and Phillips types covers most quick fixes. Keep them close so you’re ready when something needs a little twist or adjustment. For more ideas on essential tools, check out this list of junk drawer must-haves.

Old phone chargers

You probably have a handful of old phone chargers tucked away. They’re handy to keep just in case you need to charge an older device or help a friend.

Even if the cables don’t match your current phone, they often come in handy for other gadgets. Holding onto them is part of what makes a junk drawer feel complete.

For more on typical junk drawer items, check this discussion on Reddit.

Chip clips

You probably have a handful of chip clips in your junk drawer. They come from all sorts of places—schools, work, or freebies you never asked for.

These small clips help keep snack bags closed and fresh. They’re simple but one of those everyday items you might not realize you need until you don’t have one nearby.

You can learn more about why chip clips often appear in kitchens in this article about things from our kitchen junk drawer that could have saved this spaceship.

Sticky notes

You probably have a pad of sticky notes tucked away in your junk drawer. They’re perfect for quick reminders or jotting down phone numbers when you don’t have a notebook nearby.

Sticky notes are small but handy, helping you stay organized without much effort. Keep a few colors or sizes for different tasks or messages.

Spare keys

You probably have a few spare keys tucked away in your junk drawer. They might be for a mailbox, a shed, or an old lock you don’t use often.

Keeping them together helps you avoid losing them and saves time when you really need a backup. Sometimes, you might even forget what they belong to, but it feels good to have them just in case.

For more ideas on junk drawer essentials, check out 10 Junk Drawer Essentials Every Homeowner Should Have.

Batteries

You’ll almost always find batteries in a junk drawer. Keeping a variety of sizes like AA and AAA helps you power up remotes, clocks, and small gadgets quickly.

Even if some batteries are dead, having them on hand beats searching the whole house. Rechargeable ones can save you money and trips to the store.

For more tips on keeping batteries handy, check out this guide on junk drawer essentials.

Thumbtacks

You probably have a small collection of thumbtacks in your junk drawer. They’re handy for pinning notes, photos, or reminders on a bulletin board.

Thumbtacks are easy to lose, so keeping them in your drawer means you always know where to find them. Plus, they don’t take up much space at all.

Pens that don’t write

You probably have a few pens in your junk drawer that stopped working ages ago. They’re easy to toss in there when you don’t want to deal with them right away.

Even if they don’t write, you keep them around just in case or out of habit. Sometimes you find one that surprises you by suddenly working again!

Candy wrappers

You’ve probably found a few candy wrappers tucked inside your junk drawer. They often linger there after a quick snack, forgotten but familiar.

Keeping them around might seem random, but they remind you of little moments or favorite treats. Sometimes, they even come in handy for wrapping small items in a pinch.