Yup, you read that right, we are going to organize junk! Specifically all the junk kids collect. Decaying leaves, scraps of paper, tiny toys…things that seem meaningless to us (and may one day soon become meaningless to them), but for now they are treasures.
We are not of course saying, that this gives free reign to keep everything. Making choices, setting limits and letting go are all important lessons. But since we know there will be some junk, let’s find a place for it. We don’t want these precious treasures finding their way all over the house.
Besides just opting to stuff it all in a drawer, here are three ways to create junk drawers that you won’t even know are there. (Okay, maybe you’ll know it’s there, but your guests won’t!)
Go Vertical
1. Anything can be mounted on a wall, including baskets. Better Homes and Gardens (BHG) gives a great example of using deep baskets to hide all those treasures. Three baskets mounted horizontally at kids height would be perfect.
2.There are so many uses for pocket organizers, including toys. This canvas pocket organizer, from BHG, hides treasures behind canvas and behind a door. The upper pockets could be used for additional storage.
3. I love the simplicity of repurposed tin cans mounted on a board from HGTV. This is for a true collector of small things. (Be sure to file down any sharp edges if you’re using that tin can from last night’s dinner).
4. A similar idea to mounted tin cans would be the Ikea containers and rail set up (BYGAl System) seen above this kids work table by Treefall design. I could just see a bunch of little trinkets all spread throughout in the containers at kid level.
5. Along the same idea as #2, this tutorial from Imperfect Homemaking makes a half-size version of a pocket organizer. This half-sized version makes it easy to hide the organizer inside of a cabinet or on the side of a dresser.
6.Hooks and any container would be a great way to conceal the treasures. I love the idea of grouping graphic buckets, as in this image from BHG. Looks cute and allows the treasures to be carted around.
Down Under
7. Why not take that junk drawer and move it under the bed with a few casters attached. via BHG
8. Attach casters to anything to make it work under the bed, even an old suitcase via BHG
9. If you have a bed skirt, hide a shoe pocket between the mattress and frame. This was a product that as far as I could tell is no longer in production, but it wouldn’t be hard to cut apart a regular one. Just think of the thrill of having a secret compartment under the bed!
10. There really isn’t a need to get all fancy. A simple plastic container, this one is from The Container Store, or a shoebox will hold treasure perfectly. It has worked for generations before us. The kids can decorate it and make it their own.
Creative Containers
I shared all about making a special place on the bookshelf or dresser for the collection. Take it a step further and get creative with the containers. A Plastic Art Supply Craft Storage
can make a special portable treasure box.
Upcycle anything really. Here is an adorable mailbox that The Polkadot Chair made for mail but could easily be used for a little treasure box.
My kids would really be happy with any container that had their name on it. The fun part is getting your little ones involved in the creating of the space (plus, they’ll be more likely to stick with a system if they helped to create it). Before you buy something, see if you can turn a simple oatmeal canister or a plastic jar into a keepsake treasure chest (aka junk drawer).
Do you have a collector? Is it hard to ask them to get rid of anything? What do you use to keep the junk contained?
