Do you have a junk drawer or miscellaneous box lurking in your kitchen or laundry room? You know what I'm talking about-- the drawer or bin always overflowing with batteries (new and used), random screws, picture hangers, extension cords, pen caps, spare change, and broken things... Most of it is junk! I'll show you how to determine what to keep and what to toss.

So the next time you sit down to a good movie or a favorite podcast, grab the junk drawer and a couple of supplies and get that mess decluttered and organized once and for all.

Supplies

Voltage meter
Old rag
Small Cardboard boxes
Ziploc bags
Old plastic battery cases
Lidded plastic bin (for organizing)
Duct tape
Permanent marker

Step 1: Test Batteries

Take a voltage meter, and turn the dial to the correct setting. Test each battery, by placing the red needle on the positive end of the battery, and the black needle on the negative end.

Step 2: Sorting the Batteries

Once you have tested the batteries, place all of the dead and corroded batteries in a box to recycle.

Step 3: Cleaning and Packaging the Batteries

Before packing the batteries, carefully wipe each one with a damp rag, to remove corrosion and any other residue. Package the batteries by type, in old plastic battery cases, or in Ziploc quart bags. Label the bags, with duct tape and a permanent marker.

Step 4: Place Supplies in Box

Organize all of the batteries and maintenance tools in a plastic container. Before placing maintenance tools and hardware in the container, I placed the m in different plastic bags, and labeled them. You could also make cardboard dividers inside your container.