by Sherry Asbury

Created on: March 16, 2007   Last Updated: January 28, 2008

Beginners Guide To
a Basic Junk Drawer

No home is complete without a junk drawer. Now some of you will think, useless, however, to a young person starting out a junk drawer is a lifesaver. Because of course junk drawers hold much more than junk'.

Living on your own for the first time, or for women who may have made a restart on their own, there are basic essentials that are great to have at hand. If you live in an apartment you may be able to handle little repairs yourself instead of waiting for maintenance to have time to make a call. Independence is important when you are on your own.

Everyone should know how to do basic things such as use a screwdriver and use a hammer as something other than an implement to break party bags of ice. Being self-sufficient gives you a good feeling about yourself. Of course, know your limit. No - do not stick your screwdriver down the garbage disposal to unclog it. But here is a hint that everyone should know. Most garbage disposals have a shut off switch for safety. Before calling in the troops reach under the bottom edge and there will be a reset button. Just push it and then try the disposal again. Never, never put human fingers in the disposal, off or on!

Let's start filling our junk drawer!

A good hammer is a must. Don't buy the cute little dainty one it will break. Get a good hammer that fits your hand. The ones with rubber-coated handles are great for grip. Next we need screwdrivers. Again, don't go with the flower power cuties. Invest in decent tools that you can actually use. You will want two screwdrivers. One standard, and one Phillips - that's the one with the funny pointy head. Many screws in appliances are geared for a Phillips head.

Also, your junk drawer should have tacks, push pins and small nails. Find out from your landlord if using nails to hang pictures is allowed. If you feel the job may be too big for you, large pictures or mirrors, then let the expert handle it. Add glue, the serious kind. A decent retractable measuring tape is a must. If you line and level before you hang pictures they will look better and so will your wall!

A good wrench should be in every junk drawer. You would be surprised how handy these are when you need to loosen things. Next, a good pair of pliers. You may need to use them to crack crab if nothing else. If you feel brave and bold, add a set of needle nose pliers for those tiny areas where the big guys won't fit.

Scotch tape. Packing tape. And the King of the junk drawer - Duct Tape. Learn how to use this sticky wonder without wrapping yourself in it first. Remember, if you put the sticky side down while you do something else - it will stick. . . to the sofa, the loose light bill and, oh horrors, even the cat! Use with caution, but it will fix most anything, at least temporarily.

Here are a few more good things to have. At least one extra light bulb. A box of band aids, safety pins, a pencil, pen and cigarette lighter. Emergency candles are a must. Use the lighter for candles and other tasks, give your lungs a break. Don't forget twist ties and rubber bands!

As you live in one place your junk drawer will grow exponentially. It will be that treasure box where you can find just about anything. Every spring go through the drawer and toss out those what is this' items and tidy things up. A junk drawer is the sign of a mature person who takes their living seriously!

Learn more about this author, Sherry Asbury.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.