Last updated 2026-06-15 ยท MovePlan Editorial Team
Learning how to pack a junk drawer turns a chaotic catch-all into something useful. A quick sort now saves you from unpacking a tangled mess of cords and odds and ends later.
Step: Dump the drawer onto a flat surface to see everything
Step: Toss dead batteries, dried pens, and true trash
Step: Group like items: tools, cords, tape, stationery
Step: Bag each group in a labeled zip-top bag
Step: Recycle or set aside loose batteries safely
Step: Place the bags together in a small box
Step: Label the box so it lands in the right room
Step: Reassemble the drawer the same way at the new place
Sorting and packing the catch-all drawer.
When: Pack junk drawers in the last few days before the move.
Watch out: Do not pack loose batteries with metal objects; terminals can short out, so bag or tape battery ends first.